I stayed in the Airbnb alternative trying to do things differently
I love Spain, particularly its mainland cities; gazing at Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona, watching flamenco in Madrid, and of course, eating tapas anywhere, anytime, at any given opportunity.
But as a British tourist, Spain doesn't always love me back.
Backlash to mass tourism has snowballed in the past year, with locals complaining of overcrowding and short-term rentals wiping out affordable housing in holiday hotspots.
At first glance, Limehome, a sort of Airbnb alternative which offers short-let apartments in 153 European cities, might seem like it's adding to the problem.
But the strategy is different. Limehome aims to transform unused urban buildings into hotels and apartments, reducing the impact on housing for locals.
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'This approach helps bring new life to city areas without impacting the availability of residential housing,' a spokesperson told Metro.
They've recently acquired an office building in Paris, which will be transformed into 25 apartments, as well as an unused building in Burgos, a city in Northern Spain less popular with visitors than its famous neighbours.
I headed to the Limehome in Ruzafa, Valencia's trendiest neighbourhood, to check it out.
Limehome is a hotel-holiday apartment hybrid. There's no reception or concierge — it's all done via an app.
You can check in online before your stay, much like you do for a flight. Then, on the day of arrival, you're sent the codes which you use to access the building.
To some, this could feel impersonal, but it's quick, easy and faff-free.
Opening the door to the light-filled apartment, it's clear to see that providing a clean, comfortable stay is the priority.
The aesthetic is all clean lines and grey interiors, with a pop-of-red kitchen. There are a few extra touches to make the place feel cosier, such as houseplants and colourful art on the walls.
If a hotel full of personality and local tips is what you're after, this isn't for you — if you'd told me I was the first person to stay here, I'd have believed you.
There's no guest book or well-worn pamphlets like you might find in an Airbnb, and I didn't see a single other guest for the three days I was there.
But the apartment was spotless, the kitchen stocked with everything you need (including an all-important bottle opener) and the Wi-Fi super fast.
Someone visiting Valencia on business would be equally at home here as a group of friends on a city break.
The apartment I stayed in had one bedroom, plus a sofa bed in the lounge/dining area.
It was spacious, more than big enough for the maximum four people that could stay here. Beds were comfortable, and the bathroom was equipped with shower gel and shampoo, unusual for stays like this.
As a self-catered apartment, you won't find any adds on: there's no spa or swimming pool, for example, but the standout feature has to be the cute balcony that looks out onto the street below. Small but compact, it was the perfect spot to rest my legs after a long day of sightseeing, sangria in hand, of course.
A special shout-out also goes to the full-length mirror – this should be a must in every holiday accommodation, but it's not.
Often, when staying in a self-service apartment, it's all about location. You're foregoing the luxury amenities of a hotel, in exchange for staying right in the action.
That's certainly the case for Limehome Valencia, which is in the heart of Ruzafa, Valencia's hipster neighbourhood.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink: from aesthetically pleasing brunch spots (I liked Casa Raíz with it's cute outdoor courtyard), and some of the best tapas I've ever eaten (I lost count of the amount of plates I ordered at La Anjana) to quirky cocktail bars (La Bella De Cadiz is quite a sight to behold…).
There are vintage stores and art galleries, and Ruzafa is known for being particularly LGBTQ+ friendly, with rainbow flagged adorned from various balconies and awnings.
And, while it's not Valencia's most famous area for street art (you'll have to head to El Carmen for that), Rufaza feels colourful and creative. You'll still be able to spot some amazing murals if you keep your eyes peeled.
You feel like you're hanging out with the locals here, who spill out of bars, and drink Agua de Valencia — a lethal but delicious cocktail — on the kerb.
The only downside is that it's not exactly quiet, and it was a little noisy when attempting to sleep. That being said, as a Londoner who lives on a main road, I was able to drift out without any problems.
That's not as straightforward as you might think.
Limehome uses airline-style dynamic pricing driven by demand, the local market price, and the respective occupancy rate at the location.
Rates rise during peak periods (such as during Valencia's famous street-festival Las Fallas in mid-March) and falls when demand is softer.
At the time of writing, a standard room in Valencia for a small one-guest apartment will cost: October 8 2025: €123 per night January 14 2026: €98 per night
When I first arrived, I threw open the doors of the balcony, and was immediately confronted with a banner hanging from the window of the flat opposite, with the words 'tourists go home'.
Perhaps I should have opted for an alternative destination or a locally-run hotel — as Metro's Lifestyle Editor, it's not like I'm unaware of up-and-coming cities that aren't overrun with visitors. More Trending
I tried my best to be a responsible tourist. I booked tours with local companies, bought produce from local suppliers at the Central Market, and ate food at restaurants owned by Spanish chefs.
Yes, I may have stayed in a short-term let, but Limehome is at least attempting to do things differently.
Am I trying to justify my trip to a country that welcomed a staggering 17.3 million British tourists in 2023 alone? Maybe. But I'm not ready to give up my love affair with Spain just yet.
Time: Valencia is GMT +1 hours.
Weather: The average daily temperature in July and August is around 31°C. Spring is much cooler, with highs of around 21°C in April.
Adaptors: Plugs in Spain are type F, which has two round pins.
Visas: Currently, there is no visa requirement for UK tourists visiting Spain. However, next year 2026, UK citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).
Check in/check out: 3pm and 11am.
Disability access? Yes. Limehome Valencia has a lift, which offers access to all floors. However, not all Limehome apartments are the same, and it's important to check before booking.
Standout feature: The right-in-the-heart-of-it location, and little balcony.
Perfect for: Limehome Valencia would suit pretty much every type and group of guest, from families to business travellers.
Not right for: Those looking for a stay with bags of character.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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