Family Preferences - Why Does Choosing an Apartment Matter?

Comfort and space

From the perspective of a family traveling to the capital family apartment becomes much more than just a place to spend the night – it is a private base, where each member feels at ease and safe. In practice, this comes down to three key expectations: adequate space, comfortable layout of rooms and friendly amenities that will allow you to spend time together without unnecessary logistical stress. In Warsaw, we are observing a growing interest in apartments measuring 50 to 70 m², in which the living area combines the living room with the kitchenette and dining room. This combination allows for childcare while preparing a meal and gives a sense of closeness, which is the foundation of family trips. Parents attach importance to harmonious colours, natural light and ergonomic furniture; they particularly appreciate fold-out sofas, where in the evening you can watch a cartoon together or have a mini-film session. At the same time, children need their own zone: a separate corner to play, shelves for plushies or a place to spread out puzzles. Hence, search engines most often ask about two- or three-room apartments, in which one of the bedrooms can be arranged especially for the youngest. Families are eager to choose apartments equipped with washer-dryers and dishwashers – a small detail that shortens daily duties and allows you to focus on exploring the city together. Interestingly, the differences between domestic and foreign tourists are already blurred at the stage of the first conversations with our office: everyone asks about good Wi-Fi, quiet at night and a safe housing estate. To further emphasize how important this comfortable foundation is, it is worth paying attention to specific interior elements that come up most often in surveys:

• Separate bedroom for parents, giving a sense of intimacy after a whole day of attractions.

• Travel cot and a high chair – preferably available immediately, with no additional charges.

• Spacious bathroom with a bathtub or a large walk-in shower, making it easier to bathe little ones.

• Large table in the dining area, which is used both for breakfast and for playing board games together.

• Balcony or loggia, allowing you to catch your breath while the children fall asleep and the parents enjoy their coffee.

All these factors create the image of a Warsaw apartment that fulfills the family dream of having their own, temporary “home right away”, while allowing them to enjoy the city’s attractions.

The most frequently chosen types of apartments by families in Warsaw

Two-bedroom apartment with kitchenette

The most popular solution is the two-bedroom model with an open kitchenette. Its success is due to its simplicity and functionality, which respondents describe as the “perfect golden mean” between budget and comfort. The first bedroom becomes a refuge for parents, while the second takes on the role of a child’s fantasy land. The living space – a combined living room, kitchen and dining room – acts as a command centre: this is where you plan your next visit, unpack your shopping from the nearby bazaar and relax after an intense day. In our experience, families particularly appreciate the flexible furniture layout: a double bed placed under the window, two bedside tables instead of one, a suitcase rack and mobile LED lights that can be dimmed for night-time feeding. If the area exceeds 60 m², designers often add a sliding glass wall, which can be used to isolate the kitchen from the living room if necessary and minimise frying smells. Additionally, parents are convinced by the safety: an induction hob with a lock, socket protection and threshold-free entrances. Importantly, these apartments are most often located in new investments in Mokotów, Żoliborz and Praga Północ, from where you can reach both the Copernicus Science Centre and the Royal Łazienki Park in a few minutes by tram. The following elements are repeated in the descriptions of offers that disappear from the booking calendar the fastest:

• Second bathroom or an additional toilet – shortens the morning queues and calms the rhythm of the day.

• Versatile annex with full household appliances, including oven and microwave.

• Multimedia zone: Smart TV with VOD platforms, sound bar and high-speed 1 Gb/s connection.

• Walk-in wardrobe at the entrance, where there is room for a stroller, roller skates and school bags.

• Underground parking with a lift to the apartment level, minimizing the effort when unpacking the car.

A place configured in this way sells itself – just a few reviews on booking portals are enough for more families to book their stay many months in advance.

Open space studio with mezzanine

Flexibility and creative arrangement

Although initially studios were associated with singles, today they are increasingly being adapted to the needs of 2 + 1 or 2 + 2 families, especially where attractive prices and central location count. The key to success is creative arrangement; the mezzanine serves as the parents' bedroom, and the ground floor part of the apartment turns into a colorful playground. Thanks to this, it is possible to create a height of over 4 m in a small area (35 - 45 m²), which gives an impressive sense of space. Families choosing this solution are delighted with the industrial character of the Southern City Center: brick walls of the loft, large windows overlooking the Palace of Culture and a terrace on the roof of the building, where you can do yoga in the morning and admire the city panorama in the evening. Surveys show that the decisive factors are: the presence of air conditioning, intelligent lighting control and the possibility of blackout blinds, so that children can fall asleep even in broad daylight. Additionally, this type of premises surprises with the number of storage compartments in each step of the stairs to the mezzanine - someone thought of puzzles, games and picnic blankets. The owners, aware of the needs of families, throw in a starter pack: a set of coloring books, a map of Warsaw attractions in a “kid-friendly” version, and a discount coupon for the artisan ice cream shop next door. The biggest advantages that distinguish these studios from the competition are:

• High ceiling increasing the comfort of use and aesthetic values.

• Mezzanine with railing and a safety net in accordance with the PN-EN 12600 standard.

• Mobile walls acoustic, which can be set up as a screen while your baby naps.

• Easy self-check-in, allowing you to arrive at any time without stress.

• Friendly price, allowing you to save on additional tourist attractions.

As a result, families receive a unique place to stay in the heart of the city, from where they can walk to the Museum of Technology, the Vistula Boulevards and the Saxon Garden, without having to use public transport.

Location and amenities are key to success

Proximity to family attractions

Regardless of the square footage or finishing style, the final argument for a given reservation is ideal location. The workshop conducted among our guests revealed that the “fifteen-minute city” is not an empty slogan: parents want most attractions to be within walking distance or a single metro ride. That is why apartments along the first line (M1) and the newly opened M2 stations near Wola win the most hearts. What makes short-term rentals in these districts attractive? Firstly, extensive recreational infrastructure: playgrounds, pocket parks and safe bike paths leading towards the Zoo and PGE Narodowy. Secondly, a rich gastronomic offer, dominated by establishments friendly to the youngest - with a play corner, children's menu and a changing table in the toilet. Thirdly, easy access to grocery stores open 24/7, which saves the situation when you run out of milk or diapers. The cultural aspect is also important: interactive museums - from the “Invisible Exhibition” to the “World of Illusions Museum” - organize family workshops, and some of them honor the Warsaw Resident Card, reducing the cost of sightseeing. In order to stand out from the crowd, owners are increasingly offering welcome packages, which, in addition to the aforementioned coloring books, also include city cards with a pre-loaded 72-hour ticket and discounted vouchers for the water park. According to data from the 2024 industry report, apartments that meet the following three criteria receive an average rating of 9.4/10 and a guest return rate of 38 %:

• Distance to metro not exceeding 400 m.

• Park nearby – at least one with a playground and a street workout zone.

• 24h shops and a pharmacy within a five-minute walk.

The availability of these amenities turns a vacation into a stress-free adventure, where the youngest discover the secrets of the city and parents are sure that everything is at hand.

How to make your offer more attractive to families

Modern technical facilities

In the era of digital nomadism, even a few-day trip with kids requires a solid technological background. Parents working remotely need a stable connection for video conferencing, and teenagers stream their favorite series on tablets. That's why fast internet and a set of smart solutions are becoming a distinguishing feature of the offer. Premises equipped with Wi-Fi 6 routers, USB-C sockets by the beds, sound bars with Bluetooth 5.2 and Smart TV with access to the guest profile (ensuring automatic deletion of history after check-out) gather significantly more reservations. Technology also supports safety: motion sensors connected to the application inform parents when children leave the apartment, and an electronic lock allows you to generate a temporary code for the nanny or catering company. From the owner's point of view, investing in a smart home is profitable - remote control of air conditioning and heating reduces utility bills, while allowing you to maintain the ideal temperature before the guests arrive. Ecology cannot be forgotten: charging stations for electric bikes, waste segregation and bottle vending machines at the reception respond to the growing climate awareness of families - especially those traveling from Western Europe. Below is a list of technical amenities that, according to tenant surveys, have the greatest impact on the choice of a specific apartment:

• Wi-Fi Router 6 covering the entire area of the apartment and terrace.

• Combination lock with biometric login in the application (fingerprint/Face ID).

• Inductive charger integrated in the bedside table, eliminating the need for cables.

• Bluetooth speaker with a “white noise” function, helpful in putting babies to sleep.

• Concierge app, where you can order cleaning, catering and event tickets.

Thanks to these solutions, the apartment becomes a smart space where both children and adults feel cared for in a modern way, and the owner builds a market advantage that pays off with high ratings and guest loyalty.

Additional facilities for families with small children

Details that make a difference

A family trip with a baby or a toddler requires well-thought-out logistics, which is why more and more families are paying attention to special facilities for the youngest. They make the apartment not only meet basic needs, but also become a safe and friendly space where parents can truly relax. Short-term rental in Warsaw adapted to children is not only a travel cot or a changing table - it is a comprehensive approach to the needs of a small child in urban conditions.

When choosing an apartment, parents often ask about quiet locations away from busy streets, gated communities with playgrounds, but also about the little things that make a huge difference, such as silicone bowls, plastic cutlery or a sink platform. It is these small elements – often underestimated by people without children – that affect the sense of comfort and safety. Here are the most frequently chosen and appreciated solutions that influence the choice of an apartment by families with children:

• Play corner with board games, books and safe toys.

• Cabinet Security and corners – eliminating the risk of cuts and accidents.

• Blackout curtains, which make it easier to take naps during the day, regardless of the season.

• Stroller available on site, which can be rented at no extra charge.

• Anti-slip carpet, allowing for safe crawling and playing on the floor.

• Bottle warmer, which is useful during night feeding.

• High quality mattresses, which provide proper support for the child's developing spine.

These types of amenities are especially important for families traveling from abroad and unable to take all their equipment with them. Warsaw is becoming more and more open to such needs — apartments close to shopping centers, but at the same time in quiet corners of districts such as Sadyba, Dolny Mokotów or Saska Kępa, are becoming increasingly popular.

Importantly, child-friendly apartments are also those that offer more than just equipment. Parents are increasingly asking about:

• Pediatrician or pharmacy recommendations 24-hour in the area.

• "Child Without Boredom" Package – i.e. brochures with routes for children, a list of restaurants with amenities or coupons for art workshops.

• Apartments with private garden, where you can go out with your little one without having to go down stairs or use an elevator.

The short-term rental market is currently winning comprehensive offer – one that immediately gives the feeling that everything has been taken care of. Owners who invest in “family” equipment and communicate this appropriately in the offer see a clear increase in the number of reservations and positive reviews. In the context of short-term rentals, it is returning families that constitute the greatest capital – because once they feel “at home”, they will most likely return for another weekend, winter break or summer vacation.

Recommendations for locations ideal for families

Where do people most often look for apartments?

Warsaw, as a dynamic and developed city, offers a wide range of locations, each of which attracts different types of family guests. The key is matching the location to the lifestyle of the family. Some prefer to live close to the bustling city center, others – in a more intimate climate, with easy access to green areas. Based on the analysis of reservations, opinions and conversations with customers, we can distinguish several districts that are particularly popular with families:

1. Mokotow

It is a district that offers everything: space, greenery and proximity to the city center. Families love Mokotów for its balance between modernity and peace. Popular spots include Dreszera Park, Pole Mokotowskie and numerous playgrounds. Apartments near the Racławicka and Pole Mokotowskie metro stations are often booked up to six months in advance.

2. Żoliborz

Intimate, green, with an artistic soul. It is an ideal place for families who appreciate retro style and a leisurely pace of life. The proximity of the Warsaw Citadel, Kaskada Park and the Tęcza cinema creates a unique atmosphere. Families also choose Żoliborz because of its modern investments with 24-hour security and recreational areas.

3. Saska Kepa

Saska Kępa is a classic – a green enclave on Wisłostrada, with charming villas and family cafes. Apartments on Saska are very popular among families visiting PGE Narodowy, the Zoo and Poniatówka beach. The atmosphere of the district encourages walks and peaceful living, even for a short time.

4. Will

Modern, well-connected, with numerous parks and attractions for children. Wola attracts families who want to have access to everything, without sacrificing comfort. Apartments in this district are usually new, well-equipped and easy to check in yourself. The proximity of the Arkadia shopping center and parks (Moczydło, Szymańskiego) is just an additional advantage.

5. Ursynów

Although more distant from the center, Ursynów attracts families with children looking for peace, space and safety. It is a great choice for longer stays. The proximity of the Kabacki Forest, the zoo in Powsin and many language schools and educational facilities means that parents often choose this district for a holiday "workation".

Families choose a location that suits their lifestyle and needs – it’s not just about the distance to attractions, but about the overall atmosphere of the place. That’s why it’s so important for the apartment offer to clearly communicate what makes a given place stand out – not only in terms of the interior, but also the surroundings.

Apartments perfect for families

It is clearly visible that families are looking for more than just a place to stay – they are looking for experience. They want to feel comfortable, safe and at ease. The number of properties in Warsaw that understand these needs and are able to meet them is growing. Apartments chosen by families are characterized by:

• Well-thought-out layout of rooms.

• High standard of finishing.

• The presence of child-friendly amenities.

• Access to family attractions and greenery.

• Flexibility when checking in and checking out.

For short-term rental owners and operators, this is a huge opportunity to build a loyal group of customers. Families who feel taken care of are more likely to return or recommend the place to friends. What's more, satisfied parents often leave long, detailed reviews - and these are invaluable for building the credibility of the offer.