Are you a traveling professional, digital nomad, or someone who frequently stays in major cities around the world? If so, you may be interested in an alternative to traditional accommodations like Airbnb and VRBO. Enter Blueground, a platform that offers longer-term rentals of at least a month with beautifully furnished apartments in 18 global cities. In this review, we'll explore the pros and cons of Blueground and how it compares to its competitors.
Booking And Cost: What You Need to Know
Blueground operates by renting out apartments in various cities and furnishing them with a consistent, premium aesthetic. This means that regardless of the location, you can expect a modern, minimalist design with metallic, white, and black accents. The apartments are professionally cleaned and equipped with high-quality furniture and appliances.
While searching for an apartment on Blueground may seem straightforward, the pricing structure can be a bit misleading. The platform initially shows you the lowest prices available, regardless of the duration or availability of the apartment. To get a more accurate listing, you can adjust the dates, but keep in mind that the difference in pricing between a 1-month and a 6 or 12-month rental can be significant. Additionally, the final price is not immediately displayed, which can make budgeting a bit challenging. You may encounter additional costs like utilities, fees, and insurance that can increase the price by 30% or more.
Image: Airbnb Alternative With Growing Pains: Blueground Review
The Experience: Top-Notch Furnishings and Comfort
Once you've booked a place with Blueground, you can expect a premium experience. The apartments are furnished with top-notch furniture, including comfortable couches, elegant granite tables, and minimalist lamps. The kitchens are fully stocked with high-quality pots, pans, and silverware. You'll also find modern appliances such as refrigerators, coffeemakers, and microwaves, ensuring that your stay is convenient and enjoyable.
The attention to detail extends to the bedrooms and bathrooms as well. The bed sheets and blankets are soft and luxurious, akin to what you would find in a high-end hotel. Blueground also provides shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soft towels, a hairdryer, and an ironing board for your convenience.
And let's not forget about the internet connection. Blueground offers lightning-fast internet, ensuring that you can stay connected and productive during your stay.
Image: Blueground
Room for Improvement: Transparency and Community Feedback
While Blueground excels in providing a premium experience, there are a few areas where improvements could be made. One of the main shortcomings is the lack of transparency in the booking process. The platform does not display the final prices upfront, leading to potential surprises for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, there are no reviews available for the apartments, which can be disconcerting, especially considering that changing apartments incurs a $1,500 fee. Community feedback and reviews play a crucial role in building trust and confidence among travelers. Blueground could benefit from incorporating this aspect into its platform.
Conclusion
Blueground caters to the growing population of digital nomads and remote workers who seek consistency and quality in their temporary accommodations. The platform offers beautifully furnished apartments in major cities worldwide, providing a premium experience for travelers. While there are areas for improvement, such as transparency and community feedback, Blueground's commitment to delivering a high-end stay is evident. As the platform continues to evolve and learn from established competitors like Airbnb and VRBO, we can expect even better experiences for those who choose Blueground as their alternative accommodation option.
