Balancing travel and remote work is one of the biggest challenges for digital nomads. Sightseeing and productivity often clash — hunting for a quiet coffee shop or dealing with unreliable Airbnb Wi‑Fi gets old fast. As remote work has grown since the pandemic, many coliving spaces have emerged to combine coworking amenities with a social, home-like atmosphere. Outsite is one of the largest and most popular of these networks, and I stayed in their Bordeaux house recently. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Outsite?
Founded in 2015, Outsite is a global network of coliving and coworking properties built for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and location‑independent professionals. They started with a house in Santa Cruz and now have over 5,000 members and around 50 locations worldwide. Anyone can book a stay, but membership (annual $199 or lifetime $499) unlocks perks like members‑only locations, promotional discounts, extended‑stay savings, early access to new houses, and community events.
How Outsite Works
Outsite operates like a boutique hotel crossed with a coworking space. You book a private bedroom — most have en‑suite bathrooms, while some budget rooms share with one other person. Communal areas are spacious and well‑designed: fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, patios, and in some places roof decks or pools. Every house includes a dedicated coworking area with ergonomic chairs, plenty of outlets, external monitors in some locations, and fast, enterprise‑grade Wi‑Fi so you can get to work quickly.
A Community Manager runs each location, adds guests to a local messaging group before arrival, and organizes regular activities: family‑style dinners, weekend trips, local tours, yoga, and social evenings. That social structure makes it easy to meet people who understand the balance of work and travel.
My Bordeaux Experience
The Bordeaux Outsite had modern furnishings, daily cleaning of common spaces, laundry, a small gym, and rooms with private desks and strong shower pressure. The shared kitchen was especially nice — lots of counter space and free coffee and tea. The Community Manager provided local tips and helped organize events, which made the stay both productive and social.
What I Like About Outsite
– Quality properties and design: natural light, plants, and local touches make spaces feel more like a stylish house than a sterile hotel.
– Ready‑to‑work setups: desks, monitors, and reliable Wi‑Fi mean you waste less time setting up and more time being productive.
– Community: staying with other remote workers reduces isolation. Guests tend to be professionals spending weeks at a time rather than short‑term backpackers, so there’s a shared understanding of working and socializing.
– Convenience: daily cleaning, communal kitchens, and on‑site support streamline everyday life on the road.
Things to Consider
– Not a budget option: Outsite costs more than dorms or basic hostels. But when you factor in an Airbnb plus a coworking pass, the all‑in value can be comparable or better.
– Popular locations book fast: desirable houses (Lisbon, Costa Rica, etc.) often require months’ notice if you want specific dates.
– House rules and minimums: some houses have minimum stay requirements, especially where local laws dictate longer rentals.
FAQs
Do I have to be a member to book? No — anyone can book. An annual membership typically pays for itself if you stay more than a few days thanks to discounted rates.
Is there an age limit? No official upper limit; you must be at least 18 (sometimes 21 in certain locations). Guests skew toward late 20s–40s professionals.
Minimum nights? Most locations allow stays as short as two nights, but some cities may require 30‑day minimums.
Can I bring a pet? Generally not — most locations prohibit pets to protect communal comfort and prevent allergy issues.
Final Thoughts
Living the digital nomad life shouldn’t mean sacrificing career progress, comfort, or social life. Outsite offers a mix of private rooms, dependable workspaces, and a curated community that helps you be productive and make friends. If you want the perks of a private home, the functionality of an office, and the social atmosphere of a hostel, Outsite is worth trying — especially for stays of a week or longer.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips
– Flights: Use a wide‑search engine to find the best routes and prices.
– Accommodation: Compare options if you’re flexible, but Outsite bundles lodging and workspace which can simplify planning.
– Travel insurance: Always purchase coverage for illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Consider budget options for basic coverage or higher tiers for more comprehensive protection.
– Rental cars and activities: Use reputable aggregators and local experience marketplaces to find good deals and reliable services.
– Travel rewards: Travel credit cards and loyalty programs can offset costs if you travel frequently.
Outsite is a solid option if you want comfortable, productive, and social stays while working remotely — check availability early for popular destinations and consider membership if you plan multiple stays.