Why Self Check-in Changes Everything
If you have ever arrived at a hotel after a long flight, exhausted and ready to collapse, only to face a 20-minute queue at the reception desk while fumbling for your passport and credit card, you already understand why self check-in exists. It removes the friction between you and your bed.
At Koala Apartments, every property uses a self check-in system. There is no reception desk, no front office, and no need to coordinate your arrival time with anyone. You receive clear instructions before your trip, you arrive whenever you want — day or night — and you let yourself into a clean, fully prepared apartment. The whole process takes about two minutes from the moment you reach the building entrance.
This guide walks you through exactly how it works, what to expect, and how to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Before You Arrive: What We Send You
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a detailed check-in guide via email and messaging (through whichever platform you booked on — Airbnb, Booking.com, or our direct booking system). This guide includes:
- The exact address of your apartment, including building name, entrance details, and floor number
- A unique access code for the smart lock on your apartment door
- Building entry instructions, including how to access the main entrance and any security gates
- Parking information if you are arriving by car
- WiFi network name and password so you can get connected the moment you walk in
- Our contact number for 24/7 support if anything goes wrong
We send this information 24 to 48 hours before your check-in date. If you booked last minute, you will receive it as soon as the booking is confirmed. We recommend saving the message or taking a screenshot so you can access it without an internet connection when you arrive.
Pro Tip: Add our WhatsApp number to your contacts before you travel. If you have any questions during check-in — or at any point during your stay — a quick message gets you a fast response, usually within minutes.
Step-by-Step: Your Arrival
Here is what the check-in process looks like in practice.
Step 1: Get to the Building
All Koala Apartments are located in modern residential buildings in Belgrade Waterfront and the West 65 complex in New Belgrade. These are well-known, easy-to-find developments. Simply enter the address into Google Maps or any navigation app, and it will take you to the right spot.
If you are arriving by taxi or airport transfer, show the driver the address — they will know these buildings. If you are using public transit, our check-in guide includes specific instructions for the nearest bus stop and walking directions from there.
Step 2: Enter the Building
Most of our buildings have a main entrance with a digital intercom or access system. Your check-in instructions will explain exactly how to get through the front door. In some buildings, this involves a code; in others, the main entrance is open during certain hours. We cover every scenario in your personalized guide.
Step 3: Go to Your Floor
Take the elevator to your apartment's floor. All of our buildings have modern, well-maintained elevators. Your check-in guide specifies the exact floor and apartment number.
Step 4: Open Your Apartment
Each Koala apartment is equipped with a smart lock or a secure lockbox system. You simply enter the code we provided, and the door opens. No physical key to lose, no key handoff to coordinate, no deposit to worry about. The code is unique to your stay and is changed between guests for security.
Step 5: You Are Home
Walk in, close the door, and exhale. Your apartment is clean, prepared, and ready for you. Kick off your shoes, connect to the WiFi, and start your Belgrade experience on your own terms.
Arrive at Any Hour — Literally
One of the biggest advantages of self check-in is that there is no "check-in window" to worry about. Traditional hotels and many rental agencies require you to arrive during specific hours, typically between 14:00 and 22:00. If your flight lands at 23:30 or 05:00, that creates a problem.
At Koala Apartments, check-in is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your flight arrives at 2 AM? No problem. You want to check in at noon? Also fine. The system works the same at every hour. There is no one you need to wake up, no one whose schedule you need to accommodate. The apartment is ready, the code works, and you are welcome whenever you get there.
Standard check-in time is from 15:00, and checkout is by 11:00. If you need early check-in or late checkout, just ask — we accommodate these requests whenever the apartment schedule allows, often at no extra charge.
Airport Transfer: The Easy Option
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is approximately 20 minutes from both Belgrade Waterfront and the West 65 area, depending on traffic. While taxis and the A1 bus are available, many of our guests prefer to arrange a private airport transfer through us.
Here is how it works: when you book, let us know your flight details. We arrange a driver who will meet you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. You get into a comfortable, air-conditioned car and are driven directly to your apartment. The driver knows exactly where the building is, which entrance to use, and where to drop you off for the easiest access.
The cost is competitive with a standard taxi, and the convenience — especially after a long journey — is well worth it. No negotiating fares, no language barriers, no figuring out unfamiliar streets.
What Is Waiting for You Inside
Every Koala apartment is fully equipped for a comfortable stay, whether you are here for two nights or two months. Here is what you will find when you walk in:
Bedding and Linens
- Fresh, high-quality bed linens and pillows
- Extra blankets in the wardrobe
- Clean bath towels, hand towels, and floor mats
- Hair dryer in the bathroom
Kitchen Essentials
- Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, and refrigerator
- Microwave, electric kettle, and coffee maker
- Pots, pans, plates, glasses, cutlery, and cooking utensils
- Dish soap, sponge, and cleaning basics
- Salt, pepper, oil, and basic condiments in most apartments
Bathroom
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper (with extras under the sink)
Technology
- High-speed WiFi (details in your check-in guide and typically also on a card inside the apartment)
- Smart TV with streaming capability — you can log into your own Netflix, YouTube, or other accounts
- Air conditioning and heating with individual room controls
Extras
- Iron and ironing board
- Washing machine (a lifesaver for longer stays)
- Hangers in the wardrobe
- A welcome guide with local recommendations
Pro Tip: If you are a coffee lover, the apartments come with a coffee maker, but you will need to pick up your preferred coffee. There is a supermarket in Galerija mall (Belgrade Waterfront) and a Maxi market near West 65. Both are within a 5-minute walk of most Koala apartments.
Connecting to WiFi
Every apartment has high-speed WiFi. The network name and password are included in your check-in guide and are usually also printed on a small card placed on the desk or kitchen counter. Internet speeds in our apartments are reliable and fast enough for video calls, streaming, and remote work. If you are a digital nomad or working remotely during your stay, you will have no issues with connectivity.
If the WiFi is not working for any reason — which is rare — contact us immediately and we will troubleshoot or provide an alternative solution.
House Rules: The Basics
We keep our house rules simple and reasonable. They exist to protect both you and our neighbors in the building.
- No smoking inside the apartment. Most apartments have a balcony where smoking is permitted.
- No parties or events. These are residential buildings with families and professionals living next door. We ask that you be respectful of noise levels, especially after 22:00.
- No additional guests beyond the number specified in your booking without prior arrangement.
- Take care of the apartment as you would your own home. If something breaks or is not working, tell us — we will fix it promptly and without drama.
- Pets are welcome in select apartments. Check the listing or ask us before booking if you are traveling with a pet.
These rules are not meant to be restrictive. They are simply about mutual respect, and the vast majority of our guests never give them a second thought.
Checkout: Just as Easy
Checkout is at 11:00 on your departure day. Here is all you need to do:
- Gather your belongings and do a quick check of drawers, closets, and the bathroom to make sure you have not left anything behind.
- Leave used towels and linens on the bathroom floor or in a pile on the bed — our cleaning team handles the rest.
- Run the dishwasher if you have used dishes, or at least rinse them and leave them in the sink.
- Take out any perishable food from the fridge.
- Close all windows, turn off lights, and make sure the air conditioning or heating is switched off.
- Close the door behind you. The smart lock engages automatically.
That is it. No key to return, no checkout form to sign, no waiting for an inspection. You walk out on your schedule.
If Something Goes Wrong
We are realists. Occasionally, a code might not work on the first try, or you might have trouble finding the right entrance. This is why we provide 24/7 support. Our team monitors messages constantly, and in the rare case that something is not working as expected, we will resolve it quickly — usually within minutes.
Save our contact number before you arrive. A quick call or WhatsApp message is all it takes.
Book Directly for the Best Experience
While Koala Apartments is available on all major booking platforms, booking directly through our website gives you the smoothest check-in experience, the best available rates, and direct communication with our team from the moment you book. No middleman, no platform delays, no miscommunication.
Whether this is your first time trying self check-in or you are a seasoned apartment rental guest, we have designed our process to be effortless. You focus on enjoying Belgrade. We handle everything else.
