Short term apartment rentals are definitely a solution for families or groups, as hotel rooms are small. Airbnb has captured worldwide name recognition; good for that company! I personally think the better deals are found on free ad sites such as Craigs... or Ebayclassifieds; over there, the parties to an arrangement are not hit by any fees whatsoever. I easily rent out my huge by NY standards 4-room apartment to tourists, when we happen to go away on school breaks. I feel, again, that a single traveler or couple can do better by bargain hunting among hotels. But if a larger group requires more rooms than a studio, and wants to cook, and wants to park a car, and for a multi day stay - then private apartment market supersedes.