It has been a bit of a surprise that we found ourselves back in Serbia (we visited for one night last year), and even more so, heading to Belgrade.  We really hadn’t planned it all that well – in truth, we hadn’t really even planned it!

So when we contacted Rentastan, we were really pleased with the choice of apartments we found they had available, and on looking at the website, it was just so refreshing to see their fabulous and reasonable prices.

Sometimes it is just nice to have a place all to ourselves. We love the wonderful food choices we get at all the great places we eat, but for me, to sit down with a big bowl of steaming vegetables, or a dinner I created myself, has now become a treat.  So this is when we really get to just ‘veg out’, and relax.

On arrival, we were met by one of their staff from Rentastan at the retro front lobby door entrance to the apartment building.

We parked short term in the cobblestone street and went upstairs to a delightfully light and airy property.

 

The Rentastan apartment was really modern, and the linen looked either brand new or ironed – so soft and fresh! It was all presented so well, and the staff member who assisted us even spoke English and helped us with all our questions. Of course, number one question for Explorason is “what is the wi-fi password”?

The apartment named in their series as ‘PRAGUE’, was compact, and cozy, with great use of blog colors and art.

Love, love, love the massive light that featured as a central focal point of the main room too.

It had both heating and cooling, and a large flat screen remote TV.

One night we had the curtains open and lay in bed watching the snow gently wall outside, and so I had to get up and watch it fall softly onto the cobblestone street below.  Church bells could be heard from nearby places of worship, and for me, this was just so pretty. It all added to the ambiance and comfort we felt when staying there.

What impressed me greatly was how immaculately clean the Rentastan was.

All the basics were included, and little touches like a heated towel rail and a small bathtub were there too. In fact, it may have been a small bathtub, but both of us drew a nice hot bubble bath and used it every evening, and the water temperature was perfect.

There was a corner mini supermarket right diagonally opposite, so here we were able to grab supplies like milk and snacks.

A really groovy Parisian inspired cafe/bar was in the building across the street, and a mass of coffee shops, cafes, bakeries and other culinary delights were to be found dotted amongst in all the surrounding buildings.

After popping our bags inside, we headed down to the local market nearby, where we happily selected our own fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, coffee and other cooking items we needed.  Now, this is the first time that not speaking Serbian became a bit of a worry.  It was when I had to ask ‘how much’ that things became interesting, but I found each person just pulled the money out of their pocket to show me what to give.  I was never ripped off, as I can read the Kg of all the things on the signs, and also read the scales.

Those that know me, also know that I prefer to mix with the locals, and love living a life that blends in with those who also share living here as their home city.

I was especially pleased when we found a tea specialist where I could select some lovely organic herbal mixes to use in my infuser Explorason gave me for my birthday from Romania.

So it was back to the Rentastan apartment for a ‘cuppa.’

The kitchen was a real cutie.  With a good-sized half under bench fridge with a freezer, and a mini oven and cooktop.  So we were able to make dinner each night we were staying here.

We spent our first trips out to around the market side of the Rentastan apartment, so it was a huge surprise to us when we finally armed ourselves with the tourist map, that we discovered we really were smack bang in the middle of the city.

We walked right into Knez Mihailova, the main shopping street.  This street exudes groovy touristic markets, and I have to say, some of the most modern things to buy we have seen in quite a few months that were great keepsakes, and souvenirs.  At the end of this street is a lovely park, so we headed there next. But first, we had to cross the trolley bus line though.

We wandered into the beautiful park – Zemunski kej. Roasted chestnuts were for sale and Explorason has loved those ever since we were in Turkey – it brought back memories for us.

A few little stalls lined the pathways, and it was quite a happening place. There is a path that takes you all around The Belgrade Fortress, so we walked that, along with men in suits walking dogs.

Belgrade is full of art. It seems to pop out at us everywhere we went.

Explorason was constantly guiding me away from the temptations that lay before me with paintings, carved wood, handmade traditional leather shoes, and gorgeous wool hand knits.

I found a screen printed outline pattern on a round little cushion with a handle. Explorason thought it was extremely funky, so when he wasn’t looking I bought that to tuck away for his birthday in a few weeks – shhh, don’t tell him!

When we arrived in Belgrade, it was great to be in the city center so I could attend the Sisley Spa Experience.

I had some pretty major website issues I am working through whilst we were in Belgrade, so it was really appreciated that Rentastan allowed us to stay on an extra day too. Traveling and sorting out these kinds of problems can really be tricky, so it is extra gratitude we must give to them for this – thanks Alisa and your great team for all your help.

Here are a few facts and bits of information you might like about Rentastan.

Rentastan was founded with the overarching aim being to facilitate the provision of best holiday apartments, vacation homes or serviced apartment accommodation in Belgrade, Serbia on offer to all of those who come and need a place to stay.

Belgrade city center is basically Vracar, Old Town and Savski Venac and Novi Beograd – so very central.

They also provide an online chat option or contact them directly by email or telephone.

Accommodation Name: Rentastan

Location: Belgrade, Serbia

Telephone:  +381 62 709 000 +381 62 708 000

Date stayed: January 2015

Wi-fi: Yes

Child-friendly: Yes

Questions and Comments

• Are you a family that travels permanently?
• What inspired your decision?
• How has the experience been?
• Do share your comments with us below.