Daily rental housing in the private sector has emerged as a popular lifestyle choice for travelers visiting Russia. This trend, highlighted by a study conducted in collaboration with Avito Real Estate and Aquarelle research, was shared with observers at socialbites.ca. The findings show that many visitors increasingly prefer booking private flats over traditional lodging when exploring the country, especially for longer stays or family travel. This shift reflects a broader move toward flexible, homey accommodations that offer autonomy and convenience during trips across diverse Russian regions.
According to the study, 47% of respondents opt for daily rental formats, with 33% booking apartments or individual rooms and 14% choosing country properties like cottages or dachas. The data point to a strong demand for short term stays that combine comfort with affordability. Travelers appreciate practical features such as self check-in, machineable appliances, and the ability to contact hosts directly for quick resolutions of everyday issues, which often translates into a smoother travel experience and fewer surprises upon arrival. These advantages align with a growing impulse among travelers in Canada and the United States who value independence, privacy, and the ability to tailor lodging to personal routines during trips abroad.
Regional patterns reveal that the northern parts of Russia show the highest share of daily rentals, accounting for around 57% of bookings in the study period. The south follows closely behind at roughly 52%, with the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East showing 48%, the Golden Ring around 45%, and major capitals and large cities each at about 40%. This regional distribution illustrates how diverse landscapes, from Arctic coastlines to historic town centers, influence lodging choices. For visitors from North America, these differences translate into different trip planning priorities, such as proximity to nature in the north or cultural hubs in the historic ring of towns, depending on the itinerary and season.
Hotel room rentals remain the second most popular option among travelers, selected by 34% of respondents. Another 13% report staying in a private home or with friends and relatives, 11% in apartments, and 6% in hostels. The mix shows that while hotel experiences still attract many travelers seeking predictable service, a sizable portion of visitors prefer the flexibility and cost savings of private arrangements. This balance mirrors patterns seen in Western markets where travelers weigh brand reliability against the personal touch and local flavor offered by privately managed spaces.
Analysts note that the evolving travel landscape in Russia includes a growing willingness to explore new destinations and types of accommodation. The shift toward private rentals is part of a broader trend toward authentic, community-connected travel experiences. Tour operators and regional tourism professionals emphasize that travelers often discover hidden gems by staying in nontraditional properties, a notion that resonates with international travelers who seek immersive experiences without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In this context, the private rental sector acts as a bridge between budget-conscious planning and the desire for genuine cultural engagement on the road. Marked observations from industry voices underline the importance of reliable hosts, well-located listings, and responsive communication as key factors influencing satisfaction and repeat visits, especially for travelers from North America who value efficiency and transparency during their journeys.