Where You Stay Matters
Accommodation choices impact your slow travel experience significantly. Stay in walkable neighborhoods where you can establish routines. Choose places that feel like temporary homes rather than anonymous hotels. Support locally-owned properties over chains.
Accommodation Types
Boutique Hotels
Small, locally-owned hotels (under 30 rooms) in residential neighborhoods. These offer more character, personal service, and local knowledge than chains. Owners often provide insider recommendations unavailable in guidebooks.
Apartments
For stays over a week, apartments let you live like a local—shop at markets, cook some meals, establish neighborhood routines. Choose apartments in residential areas rather than tourist centers.
Guesthouses and B&Bs
These offer intimate experiences and opportunities to connect with hosts who genuinely know their cities. Breakfast conversations often yield the best local insights.
What to Look For
- Walkable neighborhood location (not city center tourist zones)
- Near public transit, markets, and neighborhood cafes
- Locally-owned rather than international chains
- Good natural light and comfortable workspaces for journaling
- Kitchen access if staying 7+ days
- Outdoor space—balcony, courtyard, or nearby park
- Quiet location supporting rest and reflection