End Google Tag Manager -->

Join the #OnlyBeRevolution and Win a Trip for Two!

The #OnlyBeRevolution is here! The movement of travelers vindicating a different way to travel. Because it’s the moments that count, and not the number of nights you’re staying Because we can whip up an improvised dinner with whatever is left in the fridge Because we are travelers, not tourists   At Only-apartments we’ve brought out our most rebellious side to shout out from the rooftops what many think but none dare say. And we’re counting on you to help us spread the word! Would you also rather stay at an apartment than at a hotel? Why? Join the #OnlyBeRevolution!   How? All you need is a marker and a piece of white fabric (the larger the better). Write down the reason you’d rather choose an apartment over a hotel, get your picture taken with the message (it needs to be legible), share it on Instagram under the #OnlyBeRevolution hashtag and become eligible to win a fantastic trip for two.* But there’s more… In addition, all entries will be collected in a book we’ll publish under the title Manifesto #OnlyBeRevolution and of which you’ll be able to get a copy just by participating. Have a look at our compilation of #OnlyBeRevolution reasons if you like, and discover some of the reasons that make us choose for apartments when it comes to holiday accommodation. Dare to do it! *Check the Terms and Conditions of the contest here....

#OnlyBeRevolution Instagram

Join the #OnlyBeRevolution! Write down the reason you’d rather choose an apartment over a hotel, get your picture taken with the message (it needs to be legible), share it on Instagram under the #OnlyBeRevolution hashtag and become eligible to win a fantastic trip for two.*   [fts instagram instagram_id=OnlyBeRevolution super_gallery=yes image_size=250px icon_size=65px space_between_photos=1px hide_date_likes_comments=no center_container=no image_stack_animation=no type=hashtag]   Dare to do it! *Check the Terms and Conditions of the contest...

The Best Towns in Southern Spain

Andalusia: its summer heat, the colors of its streets, its charming little villages, its heavy southern accent, its flamenco dances, its cuisine, its rich history… Just breathtaking! Open your eyes wide and let us take you on a route through some of the prettiest towns in southern Spain.   Ronda Ronda, northwest of the province of Malaga, is one of the oldest towns in Spain. The Tajo River crosses Ronda’s old town, dividing it into two parts connected by the Puente Nuevo, a 100 meter tall bridge with picturesque views over the city. The labyrinth-like streets of Ronda are a constant reminder of its Muslim past. Don’t leave without visiting its famous bullring, built in stone.   Vejer de la Frontera Vejer de la Frontera is a village in the province of Cadiz, built atop a 190m tall hill, on the banks of the Barbate River. It is known for its walled historic center and the historic-artistic ensemble formed by its castle, with amazing views, and its numerous churches. There is nothing quite like exploring its narrow, steep streets, and delighting in the view of its palm trees and white houses before heading to Plaza de España, with its beautiful fountain, for something to drink.   Úbeda Úbeda is a small town in the autonomous community of Jaén, facing the Sierra Mágina massif. This town is regarded as one the maximum exponents of the Spanish Renaissance, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its renaissance buildings, such as the palace of Las Cadenas or the church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares. A short wander through...

Bastille Day in Paris, New York or New Orleans

“Is this a revolt?” asked Louis XVI to the Duque of Rochefoucauld, to which he replied:  “No Sire, this is a revolution.” With the intense passion flowing through the streets and the immense popularity this event gains, it´s no wonder we all know Bastille Day is closing in. With its intriguing decorum and vast diversity of visitors. Bastille Day is the place to be, especially if you´re a little bit of a Francophile. Just for a little piece of history, Bastille Day, the 14th July marks the end of the French monarchy and the beginning of the French revolution. It all began when a brave group rebelled against the King and Queen and ensured their voices were heard! Even the word Bastille comes from the French word Bastide, which means stronghold and it was only in 1880 that it was adopted as a National holiday. For those who wish to know the origin of the French flag, the 3 colors of Blue, Red and White were introduced during the revolution and together represent the following: Liberty, equality and fraternity for its people. Today, this day is celebrated far and wide. No longer just a French National day, this even is celebrated across the land and across the waters. You will find this day in France, various states of the USA including New York and New Orleans and even as far as Australia. There are Francophiles everywhere! So it´s no doubt this event is celebrated in style. Paris Paris will give the greatest welcome to this celebration and will start with La Patrouille de France, a division of France´s air...

NYC Summer Plans

There´s just something about summer that makes you want to up the stakes each year. To make this year better than the last; do something worth remembering. Then to repeat this process every year. And why not, summer does come only once a year after all. So make the most of it! The destination I fell for this year is our very own New York City. From beautiful beaches to the best bars and concerts. Live music, fashion, drama, to tastetastic culinary explosions. New York City has it all! What better way to spend summer, than to check out a few of the top notch local scenes this year. If you´re in NYC this year, I suggest you go full throttle and experience the fun a truly American summer can dish out!       For the slower starters in the day, go to see Shakespeare in the Park. As an NYC tradition, this event takes place each summer. The city even has their own theatre troupe! This year includes ´The Tempest´ and the ´Cymbeline´. Delacorte Theatre, Central Park; may 27th – Aug 23rd, free entry.  Love the pearls and the glory of the Gatsby era? Look no further! Bask in the Grand Affair, as you are cast away with an event full of DJs, Charleston contests, to delectable cocktails and music from Michael Aranella and his Dreamland orchestra. Find yourself swept away with the glorious waves only Jazz can provide! Governers Island; Aug 15-16th  If musical elements is what you´re after,  New York has a wide array of selections in store. Visit the Afrofunk festival. A popular event...

We’ve Gone Mad! 50% Off Your Apartment #JulyMadness

We did get a mild case of spring fever but now, with the summer, we’ve gone completely insane! At Only-apartments the summer heat has clouded our thoughts and we’ve started lowering prices like crazy. Now, if you book your apartment during the month of July, you can get up to 50% off the price*! Isn’t it crazy?! Choose your destination, choose your dates, and find the perfect apartment at the discounted rate you are looking for. But hurry up! This promotion is only valid for bookings made before July 31st. Take advantage of our temporary madness, book your apartment and enjoy the trip you want at half the normal price.   * Discount applied to the price per night. It does not include the extra costs of the apartment.     As you may have noticed, we were experiencing some technical issues regarding our promotion #JulyMadness that we premiered recently. For this reason, we were obligated to stop the promotion to avoid any confusion as we prefer to do things the correct and proper way.   We apologize for this change at the last moment and hope we did not interrupt your desire to...

7 Good, Cheap and Cheerful Restaurants in Madrid

If you’re in Madrid and looking for affordable restaurants for a lunch or dinner fix, you’ll find there’s more here than you ever thought possible: tapas bars, sushi places, or pizzerias… the Spanish capital is jam-packed with restaurants that will appease your hunger for less than 25€. We have compiled our own customized list that takes into account, not just the price but also the quality on offer, so you don’t have to spend twice as much if the first restaurant you visit doesn’t deliver. 1. Mythos Greek Restaurant. This restaurant on Calle Apodaca 20 (Chueca), offers a range of Mediterranean flavors that its regulars swear by. Among its specialties you’ll find Tzatziki, Dolmadakia, Hummus and Feta, as well wines straight from the vineyards of the Peloponnese. We recommend making reservations for groups, as they offer hefty discounts on group menus. 2. Taberna Malaspina. Ravenous for some typical Spanish tapas? If so, then head to Calle Cádiz 9 for raciones, paella and a great atmosphere with a lively terrace. But be sure to call ahead and book a table to avoid unexpected surprises. 3. Anema e Core Italian Restaurant. If you are looking for high-quality Italian cuisine at an affordable price, this is the place for you. The menu ranges from classic Neapolitan dishes to selected specialties from regions like Sardinia and Sicily. However, the undisputed star of their menu is their margherita ‘dop’ pizza with real Mozzarella di Bufala, followed by their delicious deserts. You’ll find it at Calle de las Donados 2, in the historic center of Madrid. 4. Museo del Jamón. With 5 venues across Madrid, these restaurants serve Serrano...

Update your prices for New Year’s Eve!

Although we’re still in fun-in-the-sun mode, before we know it we’ll be singing Christmas carols and drinking eggnog! We wanted to give you a heads-up as we’re already receiving reservations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.   This is why it’s very important that you update your prices and seasons as soon as possible (after all, we’re all interested in getting the best price!). If you don’t update your prices and seasons now you might miss out on increasing the price, because if you receive a reservation now you will need to accept it. We have found in the past that owners often forget to update their prices at this time of year. Avoid disappointment and update them now, as well as the prices for 2016. It´s all up to...

Food on Wheels in New York, Barcelona, or Paris

This new trend has reached Spain, and its protagonists are wonderful trucks and vans. We’re talking about some of the first Spanish food trucks, or what is the same, gourmet food on wheels. Just so you can enjoy a tasty culinary experience with a vintage touch while out on the street. What would you like to eat? We have it all! Ceviche, tacos, spectacular paninis, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, Californian cuisine dishes made with nothing but the finest ingredients, and stunning cakes for dessert. You’ll start seeing these colorful trucks during your lunch break, inspired on different parts of Hollywood and many other places. You’ll love their magical style! What are you waiting for? Let get this route rolling!   In the Streets of New York On every street corner you’ll find food trucks to brighten your lunch hour. Can we name some of the best? Let’s start off with pizza: Manhattan’s most popular is Eddie’s Pizza Truck, which gives its visitors the chance to vote for a pizza daily special, offered once a week. We also have Luke’s Lobster Truck with fresh seafood on offer, and Bian Dang Truck for Taiwanese cuisine. Further down your walk you can stop and try a few Greek delicacies at the Souvlaki GR Truck, for a quick and healthy lunch. And let’s wrap it up with desert, and make that delicious dulce de leche caramel or Nutella waffles directly from the truck’s side window.   Eat Street in Barcelona Last April saw Barcelona host its first Eat Street event, an international festival also hosted in Japan, Mexico, Jamaica, Thailand, California and Vietnam. This...

Summer Plans Under €30

There’s something about summer that just seems to burn a hole in our pockets. I can come up with many generic summer plans, like going to a summer movie screening, visiting a winery and attending a wine tasting, doing a cycling tour anywhere in the world, having a picnic in a park, camping and any other outdoor activities, having a BBQ, or watching the sunset. However, in this post I’ll suggest some very specific plans- everyday plans under 30 euros to have the best time this summer.