I understand the ease of not having to go via the web, use a bank car to reserve and a hotel reception deskto deal with, but “day room rates” (bookable for 2/3/4 hours) at hotels advertised on day room hotel rate websites are getting cheaper. So renting private apartments by the hour is getting less appealing.

I agree especially if you don’t know how apartment looks like and most of us requiring accommodation  receipt for tax purposes anyway