When juxtaposed with the bulk of apartments for short term rent, good accommodation for seven in Belgrade is as rare as a stylish mullet. One of the main reasons for this shortage is the fact that if someone had to rely solely on renting flats for seven people for sustenance, they’d probably starve within a week. Even when queries for such accommodation do appear, one should always bear in mind that the risk of having property damaged is proven to grow exponentially with the number of guests residing in a short term rental. Large apartments also mean high taxes and those who can afford them don’t even entertain a thought of becoming hosts. Finally, large apartments which were intended to accommodate larger families form the start, are generally in short supply in the city center. Because of 1945, really.
Seven seems to be that magical number that doesn’t fit neatly into existing categories of serviced apartments. Or even better, it is a tipping point. Six people can usually get crammed up into a two bedroom apartment as the living room probably has a fold-out sofa and those that accommodate eight have three bedrooms. Apartments for seven people go both-ways.
But even when there are enough beds, there are other things to be taken into account and the greatest is the question of hygiene and, well, you know, discharging…. The vast majority of Belgrade apartments have single bathrooms with an occasional additional toilet. Now if a standard four member family struggles and queues in front of the bathroom in the morning, then imagine a group of seven young tourists trying to get there in time? This is why the first and foremost question for those who seek accommodation for seven people should be whether the apartment has two bathrooms or at least an additional toilet.
Second big issue is the one of parking. City center in Belgrade is notorious for its lack of parking space, and groups of seven people almost never arrive in a single car. Now, finding a large apartment with its own parking spot is already striking oil. Finding one with two parking spots is pretty close to striking oil after winning the lottery.
So to be honest, the chances of finding a proper, commodious apartment with two bathrooms for seven people in the center of Belgrade is next to none.
But these shortcomings are usually ameliorated by their price, because most charge under 10 euros per person. Now with these things out of the way, this might be a good chance to take a look at those that we would recommend to visitors. So ‘ere we go. If you are looking for a short term rental in Belgrade for up to seven people, these are the apartments you should have in mind.
5. Accommodation for seven in Belgrade – WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON used to be a very luxurious abode just a few years ago. Today it is still a well designed, decently equipped serviced apartment but with a few peculiarities. Structurally speaking, it is a three bedroom apartment but it is organised like a hotel. There is a reception desk on entrance, and if you don’t rent the whole place, the unoccupied rooms will remain locked. Another thing that its prospective guests ought to bear in mind is the fact that it lies on the fifth floor of an apartment building with no elevator. The area its in is really troublesome for parking (a kindergarten, a primary school and a couple of public health institutes surround the building so it parking is always a scramble). On top of that, the person that sleeps in the farthest of bedrooms should be prepared for noisy children playing in the kindergarten yard (when the weather permits, that is). The apartments does come with a terrace, albeit a narrow one, and the area is quite noisy during the rush hour. On the other hand, location is superb for those who wish to stay in the city center. It takes approximately seven minutes on foot to get to Republic Square, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. All in all, athough a bit overpriced for an apartment with a single bathroom it still is one of the best options you can currently make as accommodation for 7 in Belgrade.
4. Accommodation for seven in Belgrade – ODEON
ODEON is a proper pre-war architecture apartment with a humongous living room (that could easily fit a couple of studio apartments from our offer inside) and a mishmash of furniture (you’ll find everything in there, from antiquities to classy contemporary stuff and even cheap furnishings that make Ikea look like premium brand). It has got 2 bedrooms, a disproportionately minuscule kitchenette, a bathroom and a fancy little additional toilet. And when we say disproportionately minuscule we really mean it – it does not even have a hot plate (a small microwave is there instead). On the other hand, the location and price are superb. The apartment is in the area that is pretty much the administrative heart of the whole country and the balcony overlooks a churchyard next to a busy six lane thoroughfare that represents one of the lifelines of the whole city. All functional shortcomings are reflected in its pricing. With 7 euros per person it really goes way above the convenience offered in the same price range.
3. Accommodation for seven in Belgrade- MISTRAL
MISTRAL is on the top floor of an old apartment building in Lower Dorchol area. Conveniently bright, with oblique ceilings with a display of roof windows, it spreads a certain charm that resembles interior design magazines. This, however, is not its major advantage. The first and foremost is the fact that its got two bathrooms. Yes, you read it right – one with a shower cabin and the other with a bathtub. The second great thing about MISTRAL is the fact that its got three bedrooms while the living room also serves as a fourth one. It is, in general, way more comfortable than any of its peers, but not particularly convenient for long term rent as it lacks adequate wardrobes and a washer. On top of that its price varies significantly depending on the number of guests.
2. Accommodation for seven in Belgrade – SAVAMALA
(OK, we’re cheating a bit because this one is intended for eight). Apartment SAVAMALA, named after the neighbourhood it’s in, has always been a favorite accommodation choice for boy-scouts conferences and club-goers. The reasons for this popularity are quite simple: the flat accommodates eight in a very unusual manner, and it is right in the middle of a very trendy night-out area. Now in full honesty it really is something between an apartment and a weird hostel. Structurally it is a standard two bedroom apartment that has been galleried wherever possible. This has resulted in 5 separate sleeping areas (with different bed sizes). Single bathroom does not help its cause, but at least the place has got its own parking and a great flexibility in terms of sleeping arrangements. On top of that, although the price increases depending on the number of people it is still one of the most affordable accommodation options in our offer. You can find out more about this unusual place, which is really great for backpackers by clicking on the image above.
1. Accommodation for seven in Belgrade – ZEBRA
The first on the list is a proper champion of short term rentals for seven people in Belgrade. And it’s not just the price, the convenience or the location that make it stand out, but the fact that it has the highest ratio of return visits. It is neither the largest nor most beautiful in its competition. But its got a very dedicated host and a genuinely meticulous maintenance. The apartment comes with two bedrooms (one with three single and the other with a single double bed) and a single bathroom. But it has two washbasins which is a very handy feature in the morning, and the guests get their own share of toiletries. It has its own parking space, albeit hundred meters away, and the possibility of getting a set of 3 meals for an absurdly low price (delivered from a nearby ethnic cuisine restaurant). Close to Slavia Square in a neighborhood of Vračar it really is one of the best spots for seven in Belgrade.
So to conclude…none of these apartments are perfect, and our intention was not to present them as such. Their flaws, for reasons stated above are more or less a case of let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ while I’ll ignore the log in my own eye.The more people there are in single apartment the more compromise one has to make. Although you can always opt for two smaller apartments they will never be as cheap. Therefore, we are certain that apartments for seven people in Belgrade will still be a first and the smartest choice for those who seek affordable short term stays. They might just opt for the ones presented here or see something we haven’t seen in the group of those apartments that can accommodate seven.