Searching for the perfect accommodation for remote work and digital nomads that aligns seamlessly with the demands of an adventurous life is a mission in itself. The right choice can significantly impact your productivity, well-being, and the overall enjoyment of your journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of accommodation for remote work and digital nomads, comparing options from popular platforms like Housing Anywhere, Booking.com, Airbnb, Spotahome, and Selina Looking at my own experiences with these platforms. From cost efficiency to privacy, community engagement to wellness facilities, we’ll explore the key aspects that matter most when it comes to choosing the ideal home away from home and some of the small details that I have found to be extremely valuable after travelling and using these for over a year currently. Let’s embark on this journey to find the perfect abode that complements your unique needs and aspirations.
Note: many or all products featured here are from partnerships which do compensate me. However this does not influence my evaluations as my opinions are my own and brought upon from experience and using these products.
Table of Contents
Platforms I will compare and review:
- Housing Anywhere
- Spotahome – For this Spotahome are offering a special deal of 20% discount using my code JORDAN20
- Booking.com
- Airbnb
- Selina
Accommodation For Remote Work: Cost Efficiency
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When embarking on your journey as a digital nomad or remote worker, managing expenses effectively is crucial and something that I personally have had to really focus on as of late. Accommodation costs can significantly impact your overall budget. Let’s delve into a comparison of cost efficiency with the platforms mentioned at the start. I also will share some useful tips that I have discovered through using these platforms. If your looking for more about my experince then check out my story here.
Housing Anywhere offers a range of accommodation options at various price points. You can find shared apartments, private rooms, or entire homes. Prices may vary based on location, amenities, and the duration of your stay. For example, a private room in Budapest might cost less than a similar room in Paris. Housing anywhere do take a service fee but is very much worth it as they give you 48 hours from moving in to inspect the place to ensure it is as listed. Once confirmed then Housing Anywhere will transfer your funds to the landlord. I found this super valuable especially with a lot of scams going around. I would note that most listings are contracted to the first day of the month and prefer you move in at the first day and move in out the last. I’ve had some places look to charge monthly rates even though staying in between two months.
Booking.com provides diverse choices, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The site often features discounted rates and special deals for extended stays but doesn’t offer monthly listings for almost all properties. The costs may vary depending on the city and the season. For example, booking a hotel in a tourist hotspot during the off-season might offer significant savings. Booking.com also offer more deals the more you use the platform as you move up the levels you might get some great deals on accommodation. Booking.com is my go-to for finding hostels to stay at.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb offers a wide spectrum of properties, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Prices depend on factors like location, property type, and additional amenities. Opting for a longer stay often brings bigger discounted rates, making it cost-effective for extended periods perfect for digital nomads. For example, a monthly rental in a suburban area might be more affordable than in a central downtown location. I would recommend looking at dates when booking because you save a lot more when booking for a month instead of 3 weeks. I also found that it is worth while contacting the landlord to negotiate price as sometimes they are happy to negotiate and if your staying long term you might just find a good deal on a place as Airbnb have quite high service fees.
Spotahome primarily focuses on mid to long-term rentals and eliminates the need for visits by offering virtual tours. While the prices might lean slightly higher due to the convenience and extended stay options, they often include utilities and other amenities. This can result in overall savings compared to traditional short-term stays. Spotahome is very good when it comes to flexibility where they offer both monthly and daily contracts depending on the listings. This was great for me when staying in Athens. I moved in about 2 weeks into August and stayed till mid-September. But was only charge for the 4 weeks of stay and not both months. You can also find lots of places that don’t require a deposit as well which is very appealing. I’m also very fortunate to be working with Spotahome to offer a special deal of 20% discount fee when using JORDAN20 promo code at checkout.
Selina offers a unique blend of accommodation and coworking spaces. The costs vary based on the location and the level of amenities provided. Selina’s offerings are curated to cater to digital nomads, providing stylish options, especially when booking for a longer duration. Selina can be quite expensive stay and unfortunately this has led me away from staying here numerous times. But they have excellent facilities specially catered to remote works so if you do have the money, you get a lot out of staying with Selina.
Work-Friendly Amenities
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Selecting accommodation with suitable work-friendly amenities is paramount for remote workers and digital nomads. Let’s compare the offerings in this regard from what you can expect from each of these platforms.
Housing Anywhere often provides listings with dedicated workspaces or study areas. Many apartments feature desks and ergonomic chairs, essential for a productive work environment. High-speed internet is a common amenity, ensuring a smooth workflow. Every place I have stayed at has a working desk in each room and if not, then the landlords are usually very flexible and help to get you everything you need when moving in.
Booking.com offers a variety of accommodations with free Wi-Fi and, in many cases, on-site business centres. These amenities cater to professionals needing a reliable internet connection and supplementary facilities for work. It does however really depends on the type of accommodation you stay at. I mostly stayed in hostels on booking.com but making sure that had a common room to work from. Booking.com does a great job at showcasing the space of each listing.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb properties often list available amenities, including Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces. Depending on the property, you can find cosy nooks or dedicated home offices to focus on work. Hosts may provide information on internet speeds as well. I would highly advise to message the booking landlord beforehand about Wi-Fi because I’ve been in places where the Wi-Fi was awful and had to work elsewhere.
Spotahome specializes in mid to long-term stays, ensuring that the properties are equipped with necessary work amenities. Apartments often come furnished with workstations and a reliable internet connection, essential for remote work. Great flexibility on offer here and most listings have a video of the apartment or room which really helps you feel the space.
Selina accommodations are designed with digital nomads in mind, offering on-site coworking spaces with high-speed internet. The design and ambiance are crafted to promote productivity and creativity, providing an ideal setting for remote work. A more expensive option in some ways but ideal for meeting likeminded people.
Prioritize properties that align with your work requirements, considering elements like internet speed, designated work areas, and the overall environment. These features will enhance your work experience and enable a seamless balance between work and leisure during your stay.
Location and Accessibility
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1. Housing Anywhere
Housing Anywhere provides a vast array of options across different neighbourhoods and cities. Their platform allows you to filter accommodations based on proximity to public transport, making it easy to find a location that fits your commuting needs. I found that a lot of the accommodation on the platform were in good locations close to their respective cities.
Booking.com offers a wide selection of properties in diverse neighbourhoods. The platform allows you to view the property’s location on a map, showcasing nearby attractions and transportation options. This facilitates choosing a spot that aligns with your preferences and work commitments. I found the map feature very useful on booking as a lot of my stays with this platform where short, so I wanted stays relatively close to public transport. Trust me this is a good consideration if you’re carrying a bit of luggage as I still remember the day, I lost a wheel of my luggage and still had a 20 min walk to the train station. Booking.com also tell you how far exactly the location is from the city centre or important areas like the beach. Search for places here!
3. Airbnb
Airbnb provides detailed location information for each property, including its proximity to key areas of interest and public transportation. This allows you to select a location that suits your work requirements and offers convenient accessibility to desired locations. Airbnb still doesn’t show the exact location due to privacy, but it does offer more variety outside main cities. If you’re looking for a stay outside a city, then this will be perfect for you.
Spotahome offers accommodation in different neighbourhoods, providing comprehensive information about each location’s amenities and accessibility. You can easily view the distance to public transport and nearby services, aiding in choosing a convenient location. This is similar to Housing Anywhere, but you can get some more variety of places outside city centres.
5. Selina
Selina strategically locates its accommodations in vibrant neighbourhoods, close to city centres and popular attractions. Additionally, Selina often provides shuttle services or easy access to public transportation, enhancing mobility for its guests. Selina is currently only limited to a few locations in Europe and globally as they located for convenient access by users. These locations can be the reason why they are little expensive to stay in compared to other options.
Community and Networking Opportunities
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For digital nomads and remote workers, the opportunity to connect with a community and build a professional network is invaluable. I have had a very mixed experience with different stays with some amazing and others a little more disappointing.
Housing Anywhere primarily focuses on providing accommodation but offers community building through online forums and social media groups. These platforms allow residents to connect, share experiences, and network with fellow travellers and professionals. For me I always choose shared apartments and hoped to build connections with my roommates. I was lucky in some places and then struggled in some other places. I would recommend to find accommodation that is in a building with similar apartments. This usually means that’s similar people like you will be staying in the building offering more community and networking opportunities.
Booking.com primarily caters to travellers and tourists; however, some accommodations may offer common areas where guests can interact. While not specifically designed for networking, you can still connect with fellow travellers in communal spaces. From my experience using hostels offer this probably the best. It can be hard at times for remote work but there is always plenty of networking and community opportunities.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb often hosts experiences and events hosted by local hosts or communities. These events can be an excellent way to meet locals and fellow travellers, fostering networking opportunities. Airbnb also provides messaging tools for guests to connect with hosts and ask for local tips. In terms of overall networking and community opportunities you only really get this when staying in the shared accommodation in Airbnb from my experience as staying private limits this a lot and you only have your landlords recommendation. Most times you won’t even interact physically with your landlord.
Spotahome primarily caters to longer-term stays, making it easier for residents to form lasting connections. While Spotahome doesn’t offer organized events, the extended stay nature of the platform naturally fosters community building among residents. I found Spotahome a little hit and miss and usually only relies on who your staying with as most apartments I found weren’t in complexes and more like Airbnb.
5. Selina
Selina stands out with its emphasis on community and networking. Selina properties often feature coworking spaces, communal kitchens, and events specifically designed for guests to connect, network, and collaborate. For remote works this would be your go to for building a strong community of like-minded individuals with massive amounts of network opportunities.
Flexibility of Stay
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Flexibility in the duration of your stay is a vital consideration for remote workers and digital nomads. Let’s examine and compare the flexibility of stay options provided by Housing Anywhere, Booking.com, Airbnb, Spotahome, and Selina. If your also thinking about what to bring with you on your stay then look at my work travel packing list post for more information.
Housing Anywhere offers flexible stay durations, allowing you to book for short-term or longer stays, depending on your needs. Most listings tend to go by monthly contracts, granting you the freedom to align your accommodation with your work or travel plans. As mentioned earlier most listings only start at the beginning of the month and end on the last days, so booking accommodation from the middle of the month may cost you a whole month of rent. I also found that some listings require you to stay or extend for a certain amount of time. When I stayed in Berlin, I had to stay minimum 3 months and had to extend minimum 2 months to keep my contract.
Booking.com provides a wide range of options for stay durations, from a single night to several weeks or even months. Whether you need a short getaway or an extended work assignment, you can find properties that cater to your specific length of stay. I really enjoyed the flexible cancellation option with booking.com with a lot of booking allowing you to book it then pay on arrival making it super helpful when planning ahead.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb offers flexibility by allowing you to choose the length of your stay. Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a place to call home for a few months, Airbnb’s platform enables you to customize your booking to suit your schedule. Similar to Booking.com, it has a lot of flexibility with cancellation and most listings you can spilt payment which is a huge plus. Also, a unique feature Airbnb has, is offering multiple stays for a time period where there might not be much accommodation. So instead of showing you what’s available it shows you some other options of potentially staying in two properties on your stay.
Spotahome specializes in mid to long-term stays, making it an excellent choice for those seeking extended accommodation. Their platform caters to individuals looking for stays ranging from a few weeks to several months or more. Unlike Housing Anywhere most listing can be booked whenever and just go off that date, making it super budget friendly. I have also found the landlords very flexible for example I arrived very late when moving to Athens and they were very accommodating to let me check in late with no extra fee.
5. Selina
Selina offers flexible stay options with the ability to book for short-term stays, longer-term stays, or even month-to-month arrangements. This ensures that travellers and remote workers can adjust their accommodation to their specific travel or work requirements. I would try looking in advanced though because of the limited availability of Selina private rooms as they tend to sell out quite quickly, so be sure to plan in advance if choosing Selina.
Local Cultural Experience
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Experiencing and immersing oneself in the local culture is a significant aspect of travel, especially for digital nomads and remote workers. For me I always liked doing longer stays to feel more apart of the place and not just do the same old touristy things day out but live as a usually worker except I’m just in variety of locations all the time.
Housing Anywhere offers access to various neighbourhoods, allowing you to choose a location that aligns with your interest in experiencing local culture. By staying in residential areas, you have the chance to engage with locals and immerse yourself in the community’s customs and traditions. Started more for students Housing Anywhere as grown rapidly catering for many people with a big focus on working professionals and I have found a very good youthful demographic making it very easy to have new experiences with like minded people.
Booking.com provides accommodation options in different neighbourhoods, enabling you to select a place that offers a genuine local experience. The platform often includes information about nearby cultural landmarks, facilitating your exploration of the local heritage and traditions. A plus is that most hotels and hostels will always have guides and advise on the best experiences to have in town.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb offers unique experiences hosted by locals, allowing you to delve into the local culture firsthand. From cooking classes to guided tours, these experiences provide valuable insights into the traditions, food, and history of the destination. This can actually offer you more of a local experience with staying in an actual home in the town, giving you a hands-on look into a life in that place.
Spotahome often situates its accommodations in residential areas, giving you the opportunity to witness daily life and immerse yourself in the local culture. This enhances your travel experience by providing a genuine sense of the local way of life. I also found a lot of stays in normal rentals making you live as part of the community.
5. Selina
Selina, known for its community-driven approach, often hosts events and workshops that allow guests to engage with the local culture. From language classes to cultural festivals, Selina curate’s experiences that promote interaction with the destination’s cultural tapestry. I will say that you would get more of a touristy approach here with most locations in tourist hotspots as well as the guests.
Health and Wellness Facilities
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Housing Anywhere listings often include information about nearby gyms, parks, and wellness centres, allowing you to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle during your stay. The platform provides options in neighbourhoods that offer easy access to fitness and wellness facilities. I unfortunately wasn’t lucky enough, but I have met people who have had gyms where they stayed. Most places I stayed where really close to a nearby park which was perfect for a breath of fresh air.
Booking.com provides information about on-site and nearby wellness facilities in many properties, including hotels with fitness centres, spas, and swimming pools. You can choose accommodations that align with your wellness goals. I will note to check some further details of the listings as I stayed in a hostel in Copenhagen with a gym and pool but unfortunately you had to pay an extra fee for these.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb can feature unique wellness experiences such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, or wellness retreats hosted by locals. These experiences provide opportunities to rejuvenate and prioritize your well-being while travelling. I will say that this is unique and depends on the location and the place. I did stay in one Airbnb in Brno which was a literal gym which was quite the experience.
Spotahome focuses on creating a comfortable and healthy living environment. Many accommodations listed on the platform include access to gyms, swimming pools, and green spaces, facilitating physical and mental well-being, however these places will tend to be your high priced listings. Most places I have styed in don’t have much access and can be luck of the draw sometimes.
5. Selina
Selina often includes on-site wellness facilities like yoga studios, fitness centres, and wellness workshops in their properties. These facilities are designed to promote the overall well-being of guests, allowing you to maintain a healthy routine while on the road. Selina priorities your health and well-being as it knows you’re working during your stay and the key to a great stay is a work-life balance so its great that Selina pushes these initiatives.
Privacy and Comfort
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Housing Anywhere provides a range of accommodation options, from private apartments to shared spaces. You have the choice to select the level of privacy you desire. Private apartments offer a high degree of privacy and comfort, giving you a space to call your own during your stay. If your over the long-shared experience of hostels then this could be your perfect option with great affordability for private spaces in shared accommodation. It has become my go to for month stays that still let me interact and build strong relationships while working. See Lisbon listings here!
Booking.com offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals, allowing you to choose based on your privacy preferences. Hotels provide standard privacy, while vacation rentals like apartments and houses offer a more private and comfortable experience. If you’re looking for privacy, then it does come at a cost especially in hotspot areas. For a solo traveller, most times it’s more affordable to stay at hostels which vary rapidly on privacy experience. Some hostels offer this very well while sharing room with others and some can be quite the experience to say the least.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb offers the flexibility to choose between shared spaces, private rooms, or entire homes, catering to your desired level of privacy and comfort. You can opt for a private space where you have the amenities and comfort of a home away from home. When staying in Airbnb’s you tend to stay in someone’s else home so it can be a little more difficult to feel comfortable in the space.
Spotahome specializes in mid to long-term rentals, providing a sense of home and privacy during extended stays. The apartments listed often come fully furnished, ensuring a comfortable living experience that rivals the feeling of your own home. Like Housing Anywhere, Spotahome mostly consisted of furnished apartments but allowing you to create your own space with stays that tend to be a month and longer.
5. Selina
Selina offers various accommodation types, including private rooms and suites, providing a high level of comfort and privacy. Their rooms are designed with a modern aesthetic, ensuring a relaxing and cozy environment for guests. They do have shared rooms like a dorm room, but Selina places are very modern and these rooms still offer a lot of comfort and privacy for individuals.
Reviews and Testimonials
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Housing Anywhere features a review system where previous tenants can rate and leave feedback on their experiences. These reviews provide valuable insights into the property, the host, and the neighbourhood, helping you make an informed decision. For me I have had no issues with the platform but have had a few not the best experiences with the landlords as they can sometimes be tricky to deal with. This is entirely dependent on where you’re staying though. You also will see less reviews because of people opting for longer stays with the platform.
Booking.com is well-known for its extensive review system. Guests can rate various aspects of their stay and provide detailed feedback. The platform often highlights verified reviews, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Probably the best with very easy access to reviews and I personally love their ranking out of 10 system as it has swayed my decision a lot of times.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb prominently displays reviews for each property, allowing guests to share their experiences. These reviews cover aspects like cleanliness, communication, and overall satisfaction, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the accommodation. These are always easy to find, and I found most reviews very detailed offering a great insight into the place. Landlords also rate this very highly and helps boost their communication with you as they want you to have the very best time and share it too.
Spotahome encourages tenants to leave reviews after their stay, providing valuable feedback to future renters. These reviews often highlight the accuracy of the listing, the comfort of the accommodation, and the host’s responsiveness. Sometimes can be hard to find and you have fewer people staying in the locations due to length of stay, which means less reviews like Housing Anywhere.
5. Selina
Selina offers a platform for guests to share their experiences and provide reviews. These reviews cover various aspects, including the atmosphere, amenities, and overall satisfaction, enabling potential guests to gauge the quality of their stay. Selina promotes this heavily and I always see reviews shown visually which is great as a glimpse into what the stay might be like from a real person perspective.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect accommodation for your remote work or digital nomad journey is a pivotal decision that can greatly influence your overall travel experience.
Housing Anywhere stands out with its focus on providing flexible stay durations and diverse neighbourhood choices, emphasizing the importance of safety and community while also being a great long term budget option. See listings in these cities that I have stayed at – Berlin, Budapest, Barcelona and Lisbon.
Booking.com, a widely recognized platform, offers a vast selection of accommodations, allowing guests to choose based on their desired level of privacy and wellness facilities. Their extensive review system aids in decision-making by providing valuable insights.
Airbnb, renowned for its diverse range of accommodations, allows for a tailored experience, granting travellers the option to choose from shared spaces to entire homes. Airbnb experiences can also offer a more cultural experience by staying in people homes.
Spotahome specializes in mid to long-term rentals, ensuring the comfort and privacy needed for extended stays. Their emphasis on accuracy and detailed listings simplifies the decision-making process for potential tenants. Like Housing Anywhere the reliability and safe use of the platform continue to make it a go to for stays. I’m also very fortunate to be working with Spotahome to offer a special deal of 20% discount fee when using JORDAN20 promo code at checkout.
Selina, known for its community-driven approach, offers unique accommodation options with integrated coworking spaces, promoting networking and collaboration among guests. Their dedication to holistic well-being is evident through on-site wellness facilities and curated cultural events.
In conclusion, the key to finding the ideal accommodation lies in aligning your needs and preferences with the offerings of these platforms. Consider factors such as cost-efficiency, work-friendly amenities, location, community engagement, flexibility of stay, local cultural experiences, health and wellness facilities, privacy, and comfort. I find all these options useful and continue to use each option when it suits and I currently like doing month stays with a gap in-between for a bit of traveling around. As the community gets bigger around digital nomads, then so will the opportunities around accommodation with new exciting way to travel and work. Happy travels and if your looking for more help, get in contact with me.
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