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Why more travellers are booking private rooms in Airbnbs – and the best ones for a European holiday
From solo female traveller-friendly finds in Rome to French farmhouses and a nook in Oslo, Norway
Looking for new ways to save cash on your travels? Well, we might have just found the answer on Airbnb – and once you try it, you might be hooked…
Last year, Airbnb launched a load of new categories to inspire us to choose a different kind of holiday. While we got really excited about the treehouse category, felt like we could really live it up thanks to the vineyard category and were obsessed with the unique and quirky Airbnbs in the OMG! category, there was one that didn’t really pique our interest: the private rooms category.
Let’s face it. After the pandemic introduced us to social distancing and the luxury of having our own space, we were hardly going to jump at the idea of sharing our holiday accommodation. However, we investigated what accommodation travellers are really into booking right now, and why the interest in private rooms is spiking on Airbnb bookings.
Being in the times we're in, travellers searching for more affordable rooms in properties over entire rentals makes total sense. Especially with some priced as low as £29 a night – and after a little digging, we found other advantages...
Some of these private rooms available are in historic family houses in Florence, where the Airbnb hosts have invited their guests to make pasta with them. There's also city-centre apartments in Amsterdam owned by Superhosts who promise to give you their total insider's guide.
It's proof that being on a budget isn’t such a terrible thing when you can use it to experience a holiday destination like a local and do things you might not have the chance to if staying at a luxury hotel.
What’s more, private rooms can be great for solo travellers (read the latest from Airbnb on safety for solos). It can be daunting visiting a place for the first time if you're new to travelling alone, but staying with locals who welcome you into their own homes can be an excellent way to familiarise yourself with a new destination and you might even make new friends.
Many hosts with private rooms are happy to share their recommendations for places to see, eat and experience, so you can really get to know the destination like a local. For us, it’s also leaving with that wholesome feeling that you did more than just dip in and out of a place, but used your holidays to connect with the community.
And if your plan is to spend very little time in your accommodation and a bedroom and bathroom is all you need, it can save you a whole load of cash, compared to renting an entire apartment or holiday home.
Of course, it’s important to be mindful of safety when planning a stay with someone you haven’t met before. Reading through previous guest reviews and renting a room from Superhosts who have received their badge for receiving positive feedback and being responsive is advised. Airbnb has information on safety for both hosts and guests, too.
Sound like something to try in 2023? We trawled through dozens of private rooms available on Airbnb to bring you our favourite stays in Europe right now.
Some of these are located in the coolest cities and others are ideal for getting away from it all in the country. Wherever they take you, we’ve selected the rentals from Superhosts who have received mostly positive reviews from guests. Many of these properties have also hosted solo female travellers.
Florence, Italy
This gorgeous house in Florence belongs to an "eclectic family that loves company," so if you're after a proper homestay experience where you can live with an Italian family for a few days, it's worth checking out. The private room for one or two people has a bathroom, air conditioning, a TV and a large wardrobe. It's located outside the centre, in one of the most beautiful areas of Florence, and you can easily walk to Piazzale Michelangelo and the centre.
Host Stefania, her husband Luca and her daughter Giulia have been praised by previous guests as the "most lovely hosts you will meet". The family has two cats, making it ideal for animal-loving guests looking to make furry friends, too. A previous guest said she made pasta with the family at the historic cottage dating back to the early 1900s.
One traveller says: "Stefania’s house is even more beautiful than the pictures… it was truly breathtaking. The space in the bedroom was perfect for some private space and you have your own bathroom... Stefania and her family are so precious, a gift to know... As a solo female traveller, I highly recommend this space... I felt so safe in this neighbourhood and in Florence."
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Host Yvo has a modern bedroom for rent at his Airbnb in Amsterdam. There's a private bathroom, shower and bathtub in centrally located rental, with many tourist attractions within walking distance. For travellers who are new to the city, the superhost says, "if you don't know where to go, I will show you".
The room is located at the back of the apartment, giving you a quiet space from the buzz of the city. There is also a lock on the door, for those who like the extra security. Guests have a balcony to relax with a coffee outside and while there's no access to a kitchen, Yvo has tea, coffee and a refrigerator in the private room.
One traveller says: "As a solo traveller, I felt the room was spacious to spread out, but also cosy enough that you felt right at home. The washing machine was a perfect touch for someone that had been traveling for two weeks! Lastly, Yvo was great at communication and helpful tips during my stay - I tried many of the restaurants that he recommended."
Lisbon, Portugal
This room to rent in Lisbon is perfect for digital nomads and those that can escape for a bit longer, with a number of travellers saying they spent a month in Victor's large loft conversion. The room for up to two guests is in a shared house, where you can meet other guests.
It has a modern feel, with shared spaces including the kitchen, dining area and living area, as well as an outdoor patio, perfect for socialising with other travellers. Located in front of the majestic 10th century Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora, it's also close to the twice-weekly Feira da Ladra, one of Lisbon's oldest markets.
While there isn't any feedback from guests who have confirmed they were on a solo trip, one traveller, Nicole, said: "I stayed at the Patio for a month and had the best stay. It is very conveniently located, in a really cool location next to the church. It’s close to some of my favourite coffee shops, restaurants, and brunch spots, yet far away enough from the areas with all the tourists (so it’s quieter and more peaceful)."
Rome, Italy
Loved by a solo female traveller who said she found this Airbnb room to rent "wonderful," the Roman pad is in the central neighbourhood of San Giovanni, where you'll find the basilica of the same name. The room is one of three available in the house, each with private bathrooms, and owner Paulo lives next door, so he's available to help with information.
The fourth floor apartment is light, stylish and offers a combination of private areas (your own room and bathroom) with shared spaces (the terrace, kitchen and living room).
One traveller says: "As a female solo traveller, I had a wonderful stay. I felt super safe in the apartment as well as in the area. The apartment had everything I needed for an enjoyable four-night stay in Rome. Paolo was easy to reach and showed me around the apartment at check-in which was lovely. Would definitely stay again."
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
For a private room experience you can share with friends, check in to this farmhouse, a couple of hours south of Lyon. It's the perfect country escape for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Overlooking the Alps, the 18th century farmhouse's private room can be rented for up to five travellers.
You can book breakfast (veggie options are available) and you'll be fed local produce. There are five single beds and a shared patio and garden for you to spend time outdoors.
One traveller says: "A little out of the way but 100% worth it! The area and the property are spectacular and Camille and her husband were wonderful hosts! Definitely recommend taking a drive and exploring the villages in the area."
Oslo, Norway
Hoste Marthe's petite apartment can be found in the heart of Oslo, just a few minutes' walk from the main shopping and restaurant streets. She says the private room in her flat is specifically for a female traveller who wants a quiet and peaceful place to rest after full days of exploring Oslo. It is Nordic and minimalist in style, and the private room is the office nook, which has been converted into a bedroom with a curtain for privacy.
The bathroom is shared with Marthe but she says: "No need to worry. I'm used to having guests and I encourage you to feel like home". You'll have access to the kitchen and are welcome to use pantry items like spices and oils.
One traveller says: "Had an incredible stay at Marthe's. Very clean, very cosy, very safe, made me feel at home immediately. Marthe is really kind and friendly, but also gives you space to get in your bubble if you want. Lots of books, lots of tea. I came for work, but decided to stay an extra few days to explore Oslo, and Marthe really went out of her way to accommodate me."
Madrid, Spain
This stylish apartment around a 10-minute walk from Madrid's Atocha railway station has a large private room for a solo travel or two people. There's a private bathroom, wardrobe and TV. Superhost Angel's chic flat has been described as a "rare gem" in a "brilliant" location.
While Angel only gives guests access to the private room and the en-suite bathroom, he says you can prepare tea or coffee in the kitchen, and he still likes to "share chats and moments" with his guests.
One traveller says: "Solo female traveller review here. In a great location, I never had to use the taxi in town. The location of the apartment was quiet which I loved so very much so you can sleep! Angel gave me forever great travelling tips, he is quick and responsive."
Paris, France
Superhost Christophe has received dozens of positive reviews for his "clean," "beautiful" and "perfectly located" apartment in Paris. Situated next to Canal Saint-Martin, close to Place de la République, the apartment is in a trendy part of town for you to explore the City of Light in style.
The room is in a second-floor apartment of a Haussmann building, with French antique furniture and a bright and roomy space to live like a local. The secure building has a lift and if you decide to eat in, the modern kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, kettle and other essentials.
One traveller says: "Christophe and his picturesque space added beauty to first visit to Paris. I love how I was welcomed into his home and how comfortable I felt as a solo traveller."
Roshina is a contributing editor to Hearst UK. She was previously Senior Travel Editor, where she covered titles including Country Living, Red, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar and Good Housekeeping.
When she's not scoping out the next destinations we should explore (Uzbekistan, the Austrian Alps, Tbilisi), she loves revisiting old favourites (Mauritius, the Dolomites, Istanbul) and spending summer in the mountains - especially when hiking or wrapped in a spa robe.
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