How to Choose a Short-let Apartment for Group Trips

Posted on Friday, November 6, 2026

Travelling with friends, colleagues, or family can be an exciting experience. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, attending a wedding, celebrating a birthday, or organising a group holiday, choosing the right accommodation can make the entire experience more enjoyable.

A shortlet apartment can be a practical option for group trips because it offers shared living spaces, multiple bedrooms, kitchen facilities, and the opportunity to spend quality time together.

However, finding an apartment that comfortably accommodates everyone requires more than simply counting the number of available beds. You also need to consider space, privacy, location, amenities, safety, and budget.

Here is how to choose the right shortlet apartment for your next group trip.

1. Consider the Number of People Travelling

Before searching for an apartment, establish exactly how many people will be travelling.

The number of guests will determine the type of apartment you need and the amount of space required.

For example:

A group of two to three people may be comfortable in a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the sleeping arrangements.
A group of four to six may require a two- or three-bedroom apartment.
Larger groups may need a spacious multi-bedroom apartment or multiple units within the same property.

Do not assume that an apartment can accommodate everyone simply because it has a large living room.

Always confirm the property's maximum occupancy and whether additional guests attract extra charges.

2. Choose an Apartment With Enough Bedrooms and Sleeping Space

One of the most important considerations when booking group accommodation is the sleeping arrangement.

Everyone should have a comfortable place to sleep, particularly when the group includes people with different preferences.

Before making a reservation, confirm:

The number of available bedrooms.
The number and sizes of beds.
Whether sofa beds are available.
Whether extra bedding can be provided.
Whether guests will need to share rooms.
The number of available bathrooms.

For example, a group of six may find a three-bedroom apartment more convenient than a smaller apartment where several people have to share limited sleeping spaces.

The goal is to make sure everyone can rest comfortably after a busy day.

3. Prioritise a Spacious Living Area

One of the biggest advantages of travelling as a group is spending time together.

Whether you want to watch movies, have conversations, play games, or simply relax, a spacious living room can make the experience more enjoyable.

Look for apartments with:

Comfortable seating arrangements.
A spacious lounge.
A suitable dining area.
Entertainment facilities.
Good ventilation.
Enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.

A well-designed common area allows everyone to enjoy shared activities without feeling crowded.

This is particularly important for birthday celebrations, family trips, and weekend getaways.

4. Choose a Convenient Location

The location of your shortlet apartment can influence the overall cost and convenience of your group trip.

If everyone plans to visit different attractions or attend events, choosing an apartment close to your main destinations can help reduce transportation time and expenses.

Consider the apartment's proximity to:

Restaurants and cafés.
Shopping centres.
Entertainment destinations.
Event venues.
Beaches and recreational facilities.
Supermarkets.
Hospitals and pharmacies.
Major roads and transportation routes.

For groups visiting Lagos, it is important to consider traffic conditions when selecting an apartment.

For instance, if your activities are mainly around Lekki, booking accommodation closer to your planned destinations may be more convenient than staying far away and spending additional time in traffic.

5. Check the Kitchen and Dining Facilities

A kitchen can be particularly useful when travelling with a group.

Instead of purchasing every meal outside, guests can prepare breakfast, snacks, and simple meals within the apartment.

This can also make it easier to manage different food preferences.

Before booking, confirm whether the apartment provides:

A refrigerator.
Cooking appliances.
Pots and pans.
Plates and cutlery.
Drinking water arrangements.
Kitchen cabinets.
A dining table with enough seating.

If your group plans to prepare meals together, check whether the kitchen has enough space and equipment to support that arrangement.

You should also confirm whether kitchen facilities are included in the booking or subject to additional conditions.

6. Consider the Number of Bathrooms

Bathrooms are often overlooked when booking accommodation for groups.

However, when several people are sharing an apartment, having too few bathrooms can create unnecessary delays, particularly when everyone needs to get ready at the same time.

For example, a group attending a wedding, conference, or special event may need enough bathroom facilities to prepare without rushing.

Before booking, consider:

How many bathrooms are available?
Are the bathrooms shared?
Is there a guest bathroom?
Is there a reliable water supply?
Are towels and basic bathroom facilities provided?

The right bathroom arrangement can make group accommodation significantly more comfortable.

7. Check the Available Entertainment and Recreational Amenities

A group trip is not always about going out. Sometimes, the best moments happen inside the apartment.

Entertainment facilities can make your accommodation more enjoyable, particularly when everyone wants to relax together.

Depending on the property, useful amenities may include:

Smart television.
Streaming services.
Gaming facilities.
Swimming pool.
Gym access.
Outdoor relaxation areas.
Balcony or lounge spaces.

If your group plans to spend considerable time indoors, choose an apartment with amenities that support your preferred activities.

Always confirm whether shared facilities are available to guests and whether additional fees or booking requirements apply.

8. Make Sure There Is Enough Storage Space

When travelling as a group, everyone usually arrives with personal belongings.

Suitcases, clothing, footwear, handbags, travel accessories, and other essentials can quickly occupy the available space.

An apartment with adequate storage facilities helps everyone organise their belongings without cluttering the living areas.

Look for:

Wardrobes.
Bedroom drawers.
Shoe racks.
Storage cabinets.
Luggage space.
Bathroom shelves.

Adequate storage can make a noticeable difference, particularly during extended group stays.

9. Confirm Electricity, Water, and Internet Availability

Basic utilities are essential for a comfortable group stay.

With several people using the apartment, reliable electricity and water arrangements become even more important.

Before booking, ask about:

Electricity supply and backup power.
Air-conditioning availability.
Water supply.
Wi-Fi access.
Hot water facilities, where applicable.
Charging facilities.

Reliable internet can also help everyone stay connected, share photographs, plan activities, and handle work-related responsibilities.

Do not rely entirely on the amenities listed in an online advertisement. Confirm the actual arrangements with the property manager.

10. Understand the House Rules and Group Policies

Before making a reservation, ensure that everyone understands the property's rules.

Some shortlet apartments have specific policies regarding occupancy, visitors, noise, parties, and access to shared facilities.

This is particularly important when booking for birthdays, reunions, celebrations, or other group activities.

Confirm:

Maximum guest capacity.
Visitor restrictions.
Noise regulations.
Party and event policies.
Swimming pool rules.
Parking arrangements.
Check-in and checkout procedures.
Additional charges for extra guests.

Never assume that booking a large apartment automatically gives you permission to host a party or invite additional visitors.

Always obtain approval from management before planning activities that may fall outside the property's normal accommodation rules.

11. Compare the Total Cost With Your Group Budget

One advantage of booking a shortlet apartment for a group is that the accommodation cost can be shared among the guests.

However, it is important to calculate the full cost before making a reservation.

Consider:

Total accommodation price.
Cleaning fees.
Service charges.
Security deposits.
Additional guest fees.
Transportation expenses.
Grocery and meal costs.
Optional facility charges.

For example, if an apartment costs ₦300,000 for three nights and six guests are sharing equally, the accommodation cost is ₦50,000 per person.

This is only an illustration; confirm the actual total booking cost and any additional charges before dividing expenses.

Agreeing on the budget early helps avoid misunderstandings among group members.

12. Read Reviews and Verify the Apartment Before Booking

Beautiful photographs are useful, but they do not always tell you everything about the actual accommodation experience.

Before confirming your reservation, review feedback from previous guests and verify important details with the property manager.

Pay attention to comments about:

Cleanliness.
Security.
Customer service.
Accuracy of property photographs.
Electricity and water supply.
Maintenance.
Noise levels.
Overall comfort.

Where possible, request a virtual or physical inspection before completing your booking.

This is particularly useful when several people are contributing towards the accommodation cost.

13. Book Early and Coordinate With Everyone

Group trips involve different schedules, preferences, and expectations. Booking accommodation early gives everyone more time to prepare.

Once you identify a suitable apartment, share the important details with the group before making payment.

Confirm:

Travel dates.
Number of guests.
Arrival and departure times.
Sleeping arrangements.
Total accommodation cost.
Payment contributions.
House rules.
Check-in instructions.

It is also helpful to appoint one person to communicate with the property manager and coordinate the booking.

Good planning reduces last-minute confusion and makes the entire trip easier to manage.

Group Trip Shortlet Apartment Checklist

Before completing your reservation, use this checklist to assess the apartment.

The apartment accommodates the entire group.
There are enough bedrooms and sleeping spaces.
The living room is spacious and comfortable.
There are sufficient bathrooms.
The kitchen has the necessary facilities.
The location is convenient for planned activities.
Entertainment amenities are available where needed.
There is enough storage space.
Electricity and water arrangements are confirmed.
Wi-Fi availability is confirmed.
House rules and occupancy policies are understood.
Total costs and additional charges are clear.
Reviews and property details have been checked.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shortlet apartment for a group trip requires careful consideration of everyone's comfort, preferences, and budget.

The best accommodation is not necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It is the one that provides enough space, suitable sleeping arrangements, convenient facilities, and a location that supports the group's plans.

Before booking, take time to compare options, confirm the amenities, understand the house rules, and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the arrangements.

Whether you are planning a friends' getaway, family reunion, birthday celebration, wedding trip, or corporate visit, the right apartment can help make the experience more memorable.

At LandMall Shortlets & Apartments, we believe that great accommodation brings people together and makes every stay more enjoyable.