Apartum, el primer comparador de apartamentos turísticos del mundo levanta una ronda de 2M de euros

- En menos de tres años superó su punto de break even - Recoge información de más de 6 millones de apartamentos de todo el mundo - Espera cerrar 2017 habiendo realizado más de 50 millones de euros de transacciones Apartum, el primer portal comparador de precios de apartamentos turísticos del mundo, ha levantado una ronda de financiación de 2 millones de euros procedentes de los fondos Kibo Ventures junto a Smartech. Además, han obtenido una línea de financiación pública y continúan contando con la confianza del fondo Seedsyndicates. Entre los inversores iniciales cuentan con Lanta Digital Ventures, Pablo Zubicaray, así como con otros business angels españoles.

El proyecto, que nació en Barcelona en el año 2013, ha logrado en menos de tres años superar la barrera de break even. Actualmente son líderes en el sur de Europa y continúan su proceso de expansión internacional con el objetivo de convertirse en la plataforma líder para turistas de todo el mundo que cuando viajen prefieran quedarse en apartamentos antes que en hoteles, hostales o cualquier otra modalidad.

En comparación a otras herramientas, Apartum (http://www.apartum.com/es/ ) se conecta con el máximo número posible de webs de reserva de apartamentos para encontrar la mejor oferta. Con este modelo de negocio, Apartum está asociado con más de 100 agencias de alquiler de apartamentos y es capaz de localizar los mejores precios de casi 6 millones de apartamentos de diversas categorías. De esta forma, Apartum se coloca entre las empresas líderes del sector y se sitúa a la vanguardia de los meta-buscadores de hospedaje turístico de todo el mundo.

Sergi Villaubí, Fundador y CEO de Apartum afirma que “Apartum es uno de los portales de comparación de ofertas más efectivos a nivel mundial gracias al algoritmo que utilizamos basado en Business Intelligence y que consigue que las búsquedas sean lo más eficientes posibles”. Y añade, “Gracias a esta ronda, queremos consolidar nuestro posicionamiento y seguir creciendo para ofrecer los mejores precios a nuestros usuarios”.

Esta nueva ronda de inversión procedente de Kibo Ventures junto a Smartech, se destinará a ampliar el equipo que ya forma parte de Apartum y para continuar con la expansión internacional por el norte y el centro del Europa, donde ya opera en países como Francia, España o Italia, entre otros. Además, espera cerrar el año 2017 habiendo registrado unas transacciones de más de 50 millones de euros a través de su página web.

Who cares about Black Friday?

BOOK NOW AND SAVE 60% Apartum.com, comparing better than you.

Link a Google

Find your ski destination!

Are you looking forward to descending giant slopes? Eager to sit by a fireplace? Or are you simply dreaming of snowmen and snow angels?

When winter comes and snow flakes start falling, it’s time to look for winter escapes. Be happy as a snowboarding clam with these 7 alternative winter destinations.

The longest jumping slope station - Vikersundbakken

We wouldn’t recommend you to jump unless you are a true professional. But enjoying the view of one of largest jumping slope used in official competitions can be an astonishing experience. Jump!

Ski under borealis - Levi, Finland

Picture yourself skiing under a sky full of moving colours. The northern lights are one of the most amazing phenomenons on our planet. Imagine if you could enjoy them while descending a mountain in Finnish Lapland.

Game of Thrones snow - Skaftafell, Iceland

Iceland was one of he filming locations for the popular tv-show Game of Thrones. The ice and the snow of Skatafell are as magic and inspiring as it can get. Travel north and enjoy them.

Rackets walking paradise - Dolomites

It’s not all about skiing or snowboarding. What about some snow walking? The Dolomite mountains in Italy are a great destination to use rackets in a different way. Show your best drive!

Snowboard universe - Mammoth mountain

The legend talks about California skateboarders dreaming of descending snow slopes. Now, the USA host some of the greatest snowboard destinations in the world. What about Mammoth mountain?

Indoor ski - Ski Dubai

Almost everything is possible in Dubai. Of course, it will be complicated to see snow flakes falling there, but that’s what technology is made for. Ski Dubai is one of the most amazing indoor ski resources in the world and probably the most exotic of them all.

Bonus track: Water ski!  - Acapulco

Enough with snow? If you’d rather ski under the snow, start packing your best swimming gear and travel to Mexico. Acapulco is a paradise, and ski water just one of the ways you’ll end up enjoying your holiday there.

The weirdest, craziest and funniest Christmas characters

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle everywhere! Besides Santa and Christmas trees, Christmas is packed with different traditions and characters less known but definitely exotic. 

Let’s have a look and compare some of the funniest Christmas creatures out there.

Joulupukki: The original Santa?

The Finnish legend talks about a big man dressed in green (not in red). He was the real Santa, living in the mysterious lands of Finnish Lapland.

El tió: A wooden log who loves being hit

Kids, sticks and candy. Singing joyful songs while they hit the log, children enjoy while the smiley logs let candy and presents flow. 

Olentzero: A coalman from Basque lands

Living together with his wife and away from most human beings, Olentzero is the Basque version of Santa Claus. Red cheeks, black cape and presents for everyone!

Krampus: Have you been bad? Then, watch out! Out there in the Alps, there’s an evil creature known as Krampus. While children expect presents and fun from their beloved Santa, Krampus is the one to kidnap and eat all bad kids. Scary, isn’t it?

Gnomes: A big story about small creatures

There’s lots of stories about gnomes. Santa’s helpers, forest lovers... one thing everyone agrees on is their rather small size.

Caganer: Born to hide (and be found)

Buidling LEGO-style Nativity scenes is a sacred tradition in countries with Catholic tradition. In Catalonia, they always find a spot for the most popular and desperate character of the scene...

Biblical magi: Three wise men following a star

Melchior, Caspar, Balthazar are better than Amazon. They enter your home while you sleep and leave you exactly what you have secretly wishing for.

Ded Moroz: the slavic version of Santa

Different names in different countries for the Russian version of Santa Claus. Bulgaria, Ukraine or Russia are some of Ded Moroz’s lands.

Halloween around the world

Spooky, creepy and funny. Halloween is about pumpkins, witches and free candy. But there are many different celebrations around the world when November comes knocking our door.

Let’s travel around the world to see how people welcome the arrival of dark and cold days.

Halloween

There’s no celebration as creepy and famous as Halloween. As strange as it sounds, horror becomes fun.

Día de los muertos

Colours, party and a different way to approach death. Because death is part of our lives.

Todos los santos

Visiting your beloved ones after they leave this world. Tradition and remembrance in Spain.

Castanyada

Celebrating autumn’s fruits and tastes. Catalonians know how to deal with hunger!

Guy Fawkes night

Fire and pirates celebrating a historical moment.

Falling into autumn colours

Autumn is about colours. And tastes are like colours too. That’s why you should’t waste time comparing which colour is more or less beautiful and just enjoy them all.

Autumn might not be as popular as summer, but it is a spectacular season. We have prepared a colorful selection of places filled with autumn colours.

Red, for Canadian maple leafs. The flag tells it all, doesn’t it?

Purple, for bilberries in Finland. A local favourite, a present from nature.

Yellow, for grapes in Catalonian fields. Color, smell and the beginning of wine...

Brown, for tree landscape in Central Park, New York. There’s no season as autumn in NY’s biggest park.

Green, for apples in the Basque Country. Reineta apples smell and taste like heaven...

Orange, for pumpkins in North American fields. As Halloween approaches, pumpkins say hello.

Crimson, for Japanese tree leafs in Fuji. Watching the autumn colors is truly a popular sport in Japan.

To beer or not to beer

Oktoberfest is a great celebration. Unless you are not into beer. But it is not the only beer celebration in the world. 

Beer and its culture are different depending on the country and season. Taste, temperature, where to drink it... it all makes a difference.

Let’s celebrate beer! Let’s compare! Bottoms up!

1. Beer and lemon: pleasure or sacrilege?

2. Beer and tequila: Mexican style!

3. Festival beer: don’t expect the best... 

4. Drinking or pumping up? Big jars in Oktoberfest!

5. Cold or not: small and cold in Andalusia

6. Traveling to the past: honey beer like a medieval knight

7. Beer pong and other games: more fun than beer?

Apartum reaches 5 million apartments!

Hard work always brings results! During the latest months, Apartum.com has closed several agreements with key hospitality partners. As a result, we are listing now more than 5,000,000 vacation rentals in more than 50,000 destinations around the word.

The arrival of, amongst others, TripAdvisor, Wimdu and Novasol has added hundreds of thousands new holiday apartments. That’s great news for us and for our users, as it means more choices, new destinations added and better deals.

Our new partners join Booking, HomeAway, FriendlyRentals, Waytostay and dozens of global and local providers. And the list keeps growing...

Apartum.com is the first vacation rental comparison site and these figures are the proof:

Life's easy when choice is wide! Go check it out!

All TripAdvisor apartments now at Apartum!

Family keeps growing: TripAdvisor, one of the most popular online travel websites, teams up with Apartum.

From today, you'll find all TripAdvisor vacation rentals also at Apartum.com. You'll be able to compare the prices with Airbnb, Booking.com, HomeAway and dozens of websites. 

With the inclusion of TripAdvisor, Apartum lists more than 5 million vacation rentals.

Find yours now!

Wimdu & Novasol land at Apartum… in good company!

Hold tight, we have very GOOD NEWS! Wimdu & Novasol join the party and become our new partners.

What’s in it for you? A lot! From today, more than 150,000 vacation rentals from Wimdu and Novasol’s 40.000+ will be available at Apartum.com.

Thanks to our partnership with them, Apartum will now compare now among more than 5 million vacation rentals from dozens of different websites.

Find yours now!

What's going on at Apartum? New ratings system... and more!

It's spring time! And spring means spring cleaning. Changes are happening and we are happy to show them around to all of our friends. Who likes ratings? We love them. And why? Because travellers have the wisdom and their experience is the best help when choosing your holiday apartment. Hold tight, here's the news!

Ratings system: If people love it, it must be great

We have integrated more than 1.000.000 ratings from real users. You'll be able to read also comments from people who have stayed in the apartments you are looking for. Check the hearts before you book!

Improvements in interaction: What am I doing here?!

We want you to know where you are and what to do (when comparing apartments in Apartum, at least). So we decided to talk to you clear and straight. Almost like being in front of you.

Design surprises: Time to rearrange some furniture

It's always nice to give a fresh look to your living room. Apartum loves new-fresh stuff and that's why we also decided to paint a bit here and there. Change is always fun!

What now? This is -not- the end

We are working to make things even better. And there's a big box of new stuff almost ready to go. So... stay tuned!

Apartments in 10 famous movie locations

Movie time! As every year, the Oscars remind us of beautiful stories and places. At APARTUM we love films and we love what’s on them. Can you imagine staying next to the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris?

What about watching the sunset over Woody Allen’s New York? We have prepared you a shiny guide to some of the most famous movie locations ever. 

Action!

1. La dolce vita. Fontana di Trevi, in Rome

There’s few scenes more famous than this one in La dolce vita. Anita Ekberg enters the Fontana di Trevi, in Rome. How sweet can it be? If you love with strolling around the ancient streets around La dolce vita locations, renting an apartment in the Trevi district in Rome will work wonders.

Apartments in Rome

2. Moulin Rouge. Pigalle and Montmartre, in Paris

You might not be interested on entering a show at Moulin Rouge but certainly you will pay attention to it if you decide to stay around Pigalle or the famous Montmartre neighbourhood in Paris. Nicole Kidman won’t be attending tonight but still, Moulin Rouge is one of the symbols of the night in Paris.

Apartments in Paris

3. Rocky. The Museum of Art, in Philadephia 

Dress your best sporty outfit and climb the stairs up to the Museum of Art in Philadelphia. Once on top you’ll feel as powerful as Sylvester Stallone in a truly classic movie about overcoming.

Rocky lovers, welcome to Philly.

Apartments in Philadelphia

4. The King's speech. Buckingham Palace, in London 

Closed doors, blue blood, kings and queens. The Buckingham palace is a symbol of tradition. If you want to imagine a king taking lessons to be able to speak in public, the King’s speech and a stroll around London royal parks and buildings might do the trick.

Apartments in London

5. Casablanca. Place Mohammed square, in Morocco 

We’ll always have Paris, he told her.  Casablanca is one of the big classic movies, shot in the exotic Casablanca, in moroccan lands. Travel to a land of spices and love... we’ll always have Casablanca!

Apartments in Casablanca

6. Forrest Gump. The Washington monument, in Washington D.C. 

One of the most memorable scenes fromTom Hanks’ masterpiece Forrest Gump is surely the one taking place around the Washington monument. Follow Forrest Gump on his dream and enjoy a city with lots to offer.

Apartments in Washington D.C

7. Manhattan. The Queensboro bridge, in New York 

Woody Allen is one more of the big personalities in New York. And New York lives and acts in most of his movies. The views from the Queensboro bridge in his movie Manhattan, is just one of the fantastic movie icons you'll find walking around the Big Apple.

Apartments in Manhattan

8. Lost in translation. Skyscrapers, in Tokyo 

A crazy city, a story about humans and the majestic skyscrapers in the center of Tokyo. Japan is an amazing destination and a fantastic background for cinema storytelling. Don't get lost in translation, but lose yourself as much as you can in Japan.

Apartments in Tokyo

9. Brooklyn. Brooklyn, in NY 

One of the top movies in 2016 takes its name after one of the most fashionable districts in NY. Brooklyn means lots of stories, different realities and a great landscape for great movies. From Brooklyn Heights to Prospect Park, be welcome!

Apartments in Brooklyn, NY

10. Hollywood, California It’s the Oscars! 

Los Angeles means cinema, and the biggest celebration around movies takes place every year in Hollywood. And the winner is...

Apartments in Los Angeles

Guide to sleep and survive the Mobile World Congress

The Mobile World Congress in back. As every year, Barcelona lives an amazing week. This could be great (and it is) but it also means that you need to keep it in mind when searching for a place to sleep.  People everywhere means few places available, and that's happening again. Last year, holiday apartments doubled their price during the celebration of the Mobile World Congress. No wonder, as hotels and holiday apartments are almost impossible to book if you don't do it with enough time in advance. As Barcelona locals, we at Apartum want to help you live, sleep and survive during the Mobile World Congress. Here we go!

1. Better in company

Being alone during an event such as the MWC doesn't really work out. If you plan to attend this or another massive event, traveling with your colleagues means you also have to consider it when booking your accommodation. A spacious apartment for groups can be a great option not just for commodity reasons but also to get more for less. How great it is to prepare your day at the fair while having coffee together in a design apartment with terrace?

2. Time flies, you should fly too!

Don't wait too long to book. That should apply to most of your trips. But if you are visiting a city during a big (int his case huge) event, planning the trip in advance will help you wonders. So, start checking, start booking early and be safe and not sorry. Attending again next year? Why not booking it already after leaving the venue?

3. Look, compare... and look and compare again!

Prices tend to rise and availability tends to decline during big events. Wether you are booking a luxury apartment in the very center of Barcelona or an affordable flat in a surrounding area, you want to pay what's fair. How? Keep in mind that, as with hotels, an apartment might have different prices depending on which website you use to book it. Tools like Apartum are born to help you. Try us out!

4. Choose with brains: Where's the fair, where's the fun?

It's not about suits and cards. Networking also happens out of the venues and that's why location is crucial when you choose your apartment or hotel. The Mobile World Congress locations are two: Gran Via and Montjuïc. Most of the main events though are at Gran Via venue. Are you looking for a well communicated area in the center or would you rather be close to the venue? There's a place for everyone.

Near the venue: Sants or Plaza España are some of the most convenient areas of you want to sleep close to the fair. In few minutes, you'll have a bed to rest after a hard day's work.

In the center: Areas such as Eixample, Born or Gràcia are great if you plan to stay close to the center. Other popular areas to stay are Poble Nou, Raval or Barceloneta.

Far but cheaper: If you don't mind being a bit further (or you don't have any other option), consider neighbour towns as Sant Cugat, Badalona or Esplugues.

Even a village next to the sea: You could also choose to stay in coast villages like Sitges or Mataró.

We are from Barcelona and we want you to enjoy our city at its fullest. Keep these 3 extra tips in mind as our small souvenir for you and your mates.

Bonus tracks

5 carnivals you must visit in Spain

Spain is not Rio de Janeiro. But they surely know how to celebrate Carnival. We have chosen 5 destinations you should consider if you are planning to visit Spain around February.

1. Cádiz (Andalusia)

People from Cádiz are known for being funny and their jokes. Carnival is for sure the craziest time there as people prepare and sing their famous chirigotas. These songs talk about recent topics, in a very special way. Of course, if you understand Spanish you will double the fun.

2. Sitges (Catalonia) 

If you are looking for a nice mediterranean town near Barcelona, Sitges is a top choice. Besides, this gay-friendly town celebrates every year a quite crazy Carnival. Parades, colour, music... Fun all over the town during a whole week.

3. Tolosa (Basque Country)

Less knows by foreigners, in Tolosa they reall take it seriously when it comes to Carnival. The town, located in the middle of the mountains and half an hour away from San Sebastian, gets full of people eager for fun. Crazy costumes, great atmosphere but don't expect sun and heat.

4. Tenerife (Canary Islands)

You will surely find nice weather if you visit Tenerife around Carnival. Their celebrations are well know, Songs, colour and a even their Carnival Queen are just some of the highlights of one of the biggest carnivals around Spain.

5. Lantz (Navarra)

If you looking for a very different kind of Carnival, Lantz might interest you. Rural, full of tradition and dramatic, the Carnival is full of symbolism and history. Nothing similar to what you might expect from a Carnival.

[HIRED] We are looking for a Web Developer

We are searching for a new and great Web Developer. If you want to join a young and dynamic group of, you are in the right spot. You'll be working in the very center of sunny Barcelona! Feel free to contact us at hello@apartum.com if the description fits you.

What will you be working on?

Everyday is different at APARTUM. You will not get bored. Your main activities include (but are nor limited to):

Are you the one?

We need a full-stack developer with experience in the following areas:

Of course you'll need to be positive and enjoy working as a team. If you are creative and analytical, even better!

Is it really you?

These are extra-points, the more the merrier...

Your reward

We are demanding. But we pay back. How? We are offering:

Would you like to know more about APARTUM? Keep reading!

Traveling with kids? How to choose your apartment

Traveling with kids can be great. Or it can be almost painful... Can you imagine yourself sharing a really small hotel room with your lovely kids? Well, that’s why apartments are by far a much better alternative. But still, there are few things you should check out before you decide on which apartment to rent for your next holiday or city-break.

1. Space, space, space

There’s nothing bad with a cozy studio. If you travel alone! Kids need space, and the more you have, the more they’ll enjoy and you’ll rest. Check the square meters, here is not about a nice lamp or beautiful design chair.

2. Balcony? Great!

What can be better than a terrace to let your small ones play? A big terrace. And even better if it is risk free (that’s mainly on you and how you organise that, of course).

3. Elevator, don’t you EVER forget

If you happen to travel with a pram, two or three kids and few bags, an elevator will make you just happy. Maybe you found a great penthouse with a view. But maybe you don't really feel like climbing lots of stairs few times a day with your screaming ones.

4. Location, crucial: quiet neighbourhood, parks, supermarket...

If location is always important, it is double-important when you travel with kids. An apartment in a quiet area is much better. Also, a park and some supermarkets around will make your life easier.

5. A cot, of course

Traveling with a five month old? Remember to check if it’s possible to have a foldable bed for your baby or if there is already a cot included in the amenities. Many apartments have the option to ask the owners for one. Use it!

6. Do they want kids there?

A family friendly apartment is always a good start when renting a private home. In many occasions, the owners do not specify if they are comfortable with kids in their place and they are. But if it is stated, then the better.

7. Check the photos: Do not break everything, kids!

Do you feel like running after your kids all day? Don’t touch that lovely sculpture! Do not play with that beautiful cristal bottle! Check the pictures carefully. If the apartment is full of lovely little treasures, might not be the best option for you and your heart.

8. Kitchen, your ticket to warm milk

Do not underestimate the power of a kitchen. Being able to warm up some milk or cooking an omelette is a great help when traveling with children. A real kitchen is your friend.

APARTUM TOP: The best holiday apartments in 2015

It's time to look back. 2015 comes to an end so we can finally know what's te greatest from the great. At the end of the year, it's time to know which are the TOP APARTUMS of 2015. Here we go!

1. GRANADA: Andalusian taste

Stop dreaming. Granada is a must, and this apartment is a great base to explore it. Pack and go!

Highlight: Inner backyard. Don't miss! Wooden furniture and windows.

2. BARCELONA: Industrial design

An elegant mixture of past and present. This cozy apartment in Barcelona is your key to a great stay.

Highlight: Big and comfy. Don't miss!: Brick walls... lovely!

3. VALENCIA: Terrace time!

A sunny city deserves a great place to enjoy it. Have a look at these pictures, as this is one of the TOP stays in Valencia.

Highlight: Day and night, in a terrace. Don't miss! Wooden floors.

4. LISBON: Nostalgia

Feel the charm of a charming city. Lisbon is always a good choice, and this is surely a great place to sleep in!

Highlight: Really convenient space. Don't miss! Stone walls.

5. AMSTERDAM: Welcome to the future

Amsterdam in style. This apartment has all the personality a common hotel room lacks.And it could be yours!

Highlight: Light everywhere. Don't miss! Check the ceiling!

Selection based on the most visited properties at APARTUM.com (January 1st- December 13th,  2015)