I love staying at aparthotels for solo travel. They combine the best parts of hotels and Airbnbs.

• I stayed in my first aparthotel, which feels like a mix of a nice apartment and a boutique hotel.
• I loved having a kitchen and private space while also being surrounded by shared spaces.
• These are great for solo travelers who like to be around others but enjoy fine amenities.

Before venturing to Porto, I'd never heard of an aparthotel before. Now that I've experienced one, I don't see myself going back to any other accommodation.

They basically combine the features and amenities of a boutique hotel with the space and convenience of a fully furnished apartment.

When I solo travel, I usually choose hotels or hostels because I like having people around me. Sometimes I choose apartments on Airbnb because I like having a kitchen and larger, homey space.

When I checked into my first aparthotel, Village by BOA, I was pleasantly surprised to find the best of both worlds. I had the amenities and feeling of safety in numbers I find at hotels, plus a cozy, spacious apartment like I'd find on Airbnb.

Plus, my stay was about 180 euros (about $199) a night, which felt on par with what I'd expect to pay for a stay in the area.

The spaces were extremely cozy, and the aparthotel came with amenities

Village by BOA consists of five buildings right by the historic center of Porto. It's surrounded by serene outdoor spaces, so it was easy for me to forget I was actually in the heart of one of Europe's busiest cities .

Like hotels, many aparthotels have standardized rooms.

My comfort duplex featured a large living room with a sofa, smart TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining table. The top floor of my space had a queen-size bed and a full marble bathroom.

The property also had a shared garden space and amenities I'd expect to find at a hotel, like daily housekeeping.

Although aparthotels vary, many have perks like a breakfast service and a fitness center on-site.

I felt safe and welcome during my whole stay

Honestly, I would've been happy without ever having to leave the aparthotel.

To me, the property felt like a luxury co-living space but with more privacy. I liked having my own room but also access to cozy communal areas that felt way more welcoming than a typical hotel lobby.

As a solo traveler, I also felt safer having other people around me.

During my stay, I met many locals working at the property and other travelers. If I felt lonely, I strolled to the outdoor communal area to see my neighbors.

I can see aparthotels becoming especially popular in the next few months, especially given the increased interest in solo travel throughout 2024.