One of the first decisions to make when planning a trip is the type of accommodation: will it be a hotel or is a tourist apartment better for this vacation? Although the choice still depends a lot on the type of trip and the demographics of those travelling, the truth is that, in recent years, the popularity of tourist apartments has been increasing. According to Eurostat data, for example, during the last quarter of 2025, the number of bookings through online platforms in this type of accommodation increased by 10.7% compared to the same period in the previous year.
The supply of tourist apartments is also high, so standing out is essential when it comes to attracting guests. How can this be done from a design perspective? What should you keep in mind? We spoke with architect Beatriz Caminero, from Limehome, about the key design principles for tourist apartments.
Space versatility
When designing an apartment for a particular person, it’s easier to tailor it to their taste: we know their preferences and lifestyle, and we can create a home that will fit those rhythms. In the case of tourist apartments, however, there will be someone new every week. How to adapt? “Complying with applicable regulations is the minimum. The challenge lies in designing the space so that this equipment works and you feel comfortable”, the architect says. In this sense, providing the accommodation with versatility and flexibility is fundamental. “Creating spaces that can coexist is key to making the guest comfortable”, she says.
Durability and maintenance
This continuous rotation of guests, which necessitates versatility, also requires designing spaces that can withstand so much movement. “For this, we choose materials that can keep up with our pace, such as furniture with a high-resistance finish, antibacterial surfaces, high-resistance vinyl or porcelain floors, and washable, high-turnover textiles”, Caminero explains. In other words, materials that, with proper maintenance, can have a long lifespan.
The kitchen as a focal point in the feeling of home
Why would someone choose an aparthotel instead of a traditional hotel? The kitchen is one of the main reasons, so you have to think very carefully about what it will be like. “The guest doesn’t need a family kitchen, but an ultra-efficient kitchenette“, the architect explains. Furthermore, if the appliances are integrated and panelled, “they help to visually disappear and the kitchen to blend in like just another piece of furniture in the apartment”.
At Limehome Málaga, for example, Finsa materials were chosen for the kitchen, as they offered the possibility of “combining design and functionality” in the same concept. Furthermore, the wide range of finishes allowed them to define the kitchen exactly as they had envisioned it in the project. This wide range, with various finish options using different boards, also “allows you to adapt to the different needs that may exist in a kitchen: cabinet doors, worktop, splashback…”, she concludes.
