I’ve had good luck with AirBnB in Europe. Usually much cheaper than a nice hotel. But I didn’t need parking there and that can be a hassle in the US. Also, in Europe they have a much longer history of renting private apartments. You’ll find whole buildings where all the flats are rented by the night over there.
The airBnbs in Europe are unbelievable! My friends and I looked at a gorgeous old stone farmhouse, completely updated, in the Loire Valley in France for a steal. My son rented one right by the Vatican for the equivalent of about $100/night that he’s splitting with his traveling buddy next month. Their prices rival the pensions.