What to Choose: Hotel or Airbnb for the Next Trip?
One of the many decisions to make while traveling: Airbnb or hotel? While you’ll likely be considering obvious things like location, accessibility, and cost, there are many other factors that can affect your experience.
Of course, if the final score is the only thing that matters to you, you can simply choose the cheapest accommodation per night, although you should still factor in associated costs such as eating out or paying for hotel parking rather than extras. services such as Airbnb. cleaning fees and taxes.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you value while traveling, so here are a few things to consider when weighing your options.
When should you stay at a hotel instead of Airbnb?
When you put it all down, there are actually many benefits to staying at a hotel over Airbnb or another homeshare, from quality to flexibility. That’s when a hotel might be the best option for you.
Are you staying for a short time or just need a place to sleep
Hotels can be cheaper (and with less effort) than Airbnbs for a night or two. In addition, travelers often choose Airbnb for their sense of place and desire to spend their free time. If all you need is a bed and you don’t plan on spending any time there, a hotel may be preferable to a rental.
You don’t want any additional responsibility
When you stay at a hotel, all you have to do is come, stay and leave. When renting on Airbnb or otherwise, you usually need to do minor cleaning tasks before you check out, like running the dishwasher and taking out the trash. There are complaints about longer lists of chores required by hosts despite cleaning fees, and not following the host’s strict policies can result in a bad review.
You value hotel amenities and quality control
If you like having access to a pool, fitness center, dining and concierge services, as well as daily housekeeping, then a hotel might be the best option. Plus, you’re likely to have a more consistent and predictable experience at a familiar chain hotel.
While many Airbnb hosts are quick to respond to guest needs, you’re less likely to run into service issues that the hotel can’t resolve.
Do you have hotel bonus points
Hotel loyalty programs and travel credit cards offer perks such as free nights, room upgrades and free meals that can save you money and add value to your stay.
You need a flexible cancellation policy
Hotels often charge for late cancellations (for example, within 24 hours of check-in), but many Airbnb hosts have much stricter policies . The strictest require cancellation within 48 hours of booking, no matter how far away you plan to stay – otherwise you’ll get between 50% and 100% of the price.
Also, hotels will not cancel last minute bookings .
When is the best time to stay at an Airbnb rather than a hotel?
On the other hand, the main arguments in favor of Airbnb come down to comfort and value.
You are traveling with a large group
Considering both cost and comfort, Airbnb is often the best choice for larger groups. For example, paying for a few hotel rooms can be more expensive than renting a house that sleeps a dozen people. Plus, you’re more likely to have an open and shared space to hang out, cook, and spend time together.
Please note that Airbnb and individual hosts have policies regarding parties and number of guests, so this is not free for everyone.
You stay longer
Not only can a home be more comfortable if you’re staying for a few days or weeks, Airbnb hosts sometimes offer lower rates for longer stays. Airbnb often has washers and dryers for laundry during longer stays. In fact, stays of a week or longer make up about half of all Airbnb nights booked.
You prefer home-like environments and amenities, including access to a kitchen
Again, Airbnb will likely feel right at home, especially if you’re renting the entire space rather than a single room. Whether you want to cook, have a separate living space, or enjoy being outside, Airbnb is probably your best bet.