The tourist accommodation market is undergoing a phase of restructuring. In Europe, the growth in overnight stays is concentrated in mid-range to upscale hotels, while well-located budget options are declining in major cities. At the same time, the European regulation 2024/1028 on the transparency of short-term rentals, applicable since May 2026, requires platforms to have a mandatory registration number and to systematically transmit data to the authorities. These two movements are significantly changing the options available for travelers.
European regulation on short-term rentals: what changes for travelers
The regulation 2024/1028 does not directly target travelers, but its effects are felt on the online visible supply. Platforms like Airbnb must now verify that each listing has a valid registration number before publication. Non-compliant hosts see their listings removed.
In practice, this translates into a reduction in the number of available accommodations in cities that strictly enforce the framework. For those booking an apartment in Barcelona, Lisbon, or Paris, the stock of listings tends to tighten, particularly for small units managed by occasional private hosts.
Field reports vary on the actual extent of this withdrawal. Some destinations see a notable decrease in listings, while others absorb the change without visible pressure on prices. The regulatory framework is still new, and its effects vary according to the rigor of local controls. Comparing accommodations on Partir Voyager before booking helps identify the options that remain accessible in each destination.
Rated hotels vs. rentals: price and comfort trade-off in 2026
The divide between accommodation segments is widening. Three to five-star hotels capture the bulk of the growth in visitor numbers, while unclassified establishments and budget options are losing ground. This shift has a direct consequence: finding a well-located budget hotel is becoming more difficult in major European metropolises.
In this situation, short-term furnished rentals retain an advantage in one specific area: space. An apartment offers a kitchen, a living room, and sometimes several bedrooms, often at a lower rate than two hotel rooms. For families or groups of four or more, renting remains the most cost-effective format per person.
When the hotel regains the advantage
For a stay of one to three nights alone or as a couple, hotels offer benefits that rentals do not easily compensate for: cancellation flexibility, daily housekeeping, and available reception. The time spent retrieving keys, communicating with a host, or managing an early check-out weighs more heavily on a short stay.
The available data does not allow us to conclude that one format is systematically cheaper than the other. The ratio depends on the destination, the season, and the number of travelers. Case-by-case comparison remains the only reliable method.
Hostels and homestays: two distinct logics
Hostels and homestays share a reputation for being budget options, but their logics differ profoundly.
- The hostel operates on a collective model: shared dormitories, common areas, and accessible kitchens. The price per night remains among the lowest on the market. However, comfort and privacy are kept to a minimum, and quality varies greatly from one establishment to another.
- The homestay (bed and breakfast, homestay, house sitting) relies on a personal relationship with a host present on-site. The experience gains authenticity at the cost of predictability: the level of comfort depends entirely on the host and the accommodation.
- Couchsurfing and house sitting eliminate accommodation expenses but require a level of availability and flexibility that not all travelers have. House sitting often involves pet care and a commitment for several consecutive days.
For solo travelers seeking connections, the hostel remains the simplest format. For those prioritizing local immersion, the homestay offers access to the daily life of a family or owner, with the adjustments that this cohabitation requires.
Concrete choice criteria based on travel profile
Rather than creating a comprehensive catalog, three variables suffice to guide the decision: the duration of the stay, the number of people, and the desired degree of flexibility.
A short stay (one to four nights) in the city favors hotels or hostels, where booking and cancellation remain simple. Beyond a week, furnished rentals become more relevant due to the autonomy they provide (kitchen, linens, workspace).
The number of travelers shifts the calculation. A couple will often find a competitive hotel. From three or four people, renting takes the financial advantage, provided that the listing complies with local registration obligations.
Checks before booking
- Confirm the presence of a registration number on the rental listing (mandatory in the European Union since May 2026)
- Compare the total price (cleaning fees, tourist tax, deposit) and not just the displayed nightly rate
- Check cancellation conditions, which vary significantly between platforms and individual hosts
- Read recent reviews (less than six months old) rather than the overall rating, which may reflect a situation prior to a change in ownership or management
The choice of accommodation is not just a ranking between options. It is the combination of duration, budget, and number of travelers that determines the suitable format. The tightening of budget options in major cities and the implementation of the European regulatory framework make prior verification more useful than ever.
