Not all short stay apartments are created equal. Some places look great online, until you arrive and realise the magic was all in the filter. The space feels cold, the furniture’s mismatched, and there’s a strange smell hanging in the hallway. It happens. A lot.
We’re in the golden age of short stays, from Lagos to Lisbon, Nairobi to Notting Hill, and the best ones go beyond just looking nice. They make you feel at home. They’re thoughtful, functional, and quietly luxurious. Knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Here’s how to spot a great short stay apartment before you ever step through the door.
1. Layout First
On my last solo trip in early August, I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want a studio apartment.
Not because studios are bad. But I was staying for several days, and I needed space not just physically, but mentally. The last thing I wanted on holiday was waking up to the kitchen sink or falling asleep beside the fridge. I wanted a bedroom that felt like a bedroom, and a kitchen I could walk away from.
If you’re only staying a night or two, a well-designed studio can work just fine. But the key is zoning. You shouldn’t be sleeping, eating, working, and relaxing all in one tight spot. Even in small spaces, there should be a clear sense of what happens where.
Whether it’s a studio or a full flat, layout matters. A beautiful space that doesn’t function well will start to feel like chaos in no time.
2. Lighting Matters
If a listing only shows photos taken at night, be cautious. It likely means the space doesn’t get much natural light or the host is hiding something.
Natural light makes a difference. It affects how the space feels the moment you walk in. A good short stay apartment should have clear, well-lit photos taken during the day, with light pouring through windows not buried under filters or shadows.
In areas like Canary Wharf , London, where many apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows, you can usually tell at a glance. But still, double-check. A naturally bright space is easier to relax in, easier to photograph, and simply more enjoyable to stay in.
3. What’s in the Kitchen
Even if cooking isn’t on the agenda, the kitchen tells you how much thought the host has put into the space.
A good short stay should have more than a kettle and one bent spoon. Look for listings that mention proper utensils, a clean fridge, working appliances, and basic cooking essentials. If they’ve gone as far as including a coffee machine or blender, chances are they’ve paid attention to the rest of the apartment too.
A host that invests in a well-equipped kitchen usually isn’t cutting corners elsewhere.
4. Bed and Bath Basics
Photos don’t tell you everything, but reviews do.
A listing might show crisp sheets and fluffy towels, but how they feel is another matter. This is where reviews are gold.
Look out for repeat mentions of poor water pressure, thin towels, damp smells, or creaky beds. These are the things that don’t show up in photos but can easily ruin a stay. On the flip side, if multiple guests mention “slept so well” or “sparkling clean bathroom,” you’re likely in good hands.
You don’t need luxury, but you do need comfort and reviews will usually tell you if the basics are being handled properly.
5. Is It Family-Friendly?
Travelling with kids is a different kind of logistics. Everything matters, from the layout to the windows to what’s within reach.
A few summers ago, we stayed in a beautiful Victorian flat with massive windows, tall enough for an adult to walk through comfortably. The apartment was stunning. But the entire time, I was on edge. My son, then just three, was darting around like it was a football pitch, and all I could think about was that window… and the balcony. It wasn’t that the flat was badly designed, it just wasn’t designed with active toddlers in mind.
When booking with kids, look beyond the aesthetics. Check for:
- Safe layouts with no obvious hazards
- Easy-to-clean finishes (accidents will happen)
- Extra space for play or downtime
- Proximity to grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks
And here’s something most people forget: message the host before you book. If there are decorative breakables, glass sculptures, or sharp edges, ask if they can be removed. A flexible host will usually accommodate that. But if they reply with “it must stay as is,” it’s probably not the right fit.
A great apartment for adults isn’t automatically great for families. The best stays work for everyone, not just the grown-ups.
Final Boarding Call
In this age of curated content and perfectly staged apartments, it’s easy to get drawn in by how a space looks. But a truly good short stay doesn’t just photograph well, it lives well.
Trust your instincts. Ask the quiet questions. Zoom in. Message the host. You’re not being picky, you’re being intentional.
Whether it’s a quick work trip, a solo recharge, or a family holiday, the right space will hold you, reset you, and maybe even inspire your own home.
And the best part? You’ll actually want to share the photos. All images featured are from projects by Lighthouse Interior Design.
Ada Ekwueme-Oguike is the creative mind behind Lighthouse Interior Design, a Lagos-based firm reimagining the art of boutique interiors. Specializing in both residential and hospitality projects, Ada’s work is a testament to her love for thoughtful design and storytelling. www.lighthouseid.com
