Is it time to make travel plans? The great Airbnb vs. hotel argument is now ready for you to choose a side!
Although some aspects of travel will probably seem different the next time you pack your luggage, we are all daydreaming about our upcoming holiday. Even still, there are few things as thrilling as organizing a trip to a new location, and now that house exchanges and Airbnb have become more popular, tourists have more alternatives than ever for lodging. How do you decide between a hotel and an Airbnb, or between a motel and a hotel? Where you stay ultimately relies on the kind of vacation you want to have, as well as how you want to travel and experience a location. You might be concerned about Airbnb scams or expensive hotels. Both types of accommodations have advantages and disadvantages, and we’ve listed some of the most important ones below.
Do you wish to live a local’s lifestyle?
In close proximity to entertainment, dining options, and tourist sites are many hotels that are in prime locations. But an Airbnb is a great option if you really want to blend in with the locals who live there permanently. For the duration of your stay, booking an Airbnb apartment or room in a house makes you a local. Like everyone else, you’ll go to the same supermarkets, eat at the same eateries, and lock your front door behind you when you leave in the morning. This strategy also provides you the chance to explore a less-touristy (but charming) neighborhood, which can be useful for obtaining a true sense of a city’s everyday life as opposed to merely its highlights. On the list of Airbnb vs. hotels, we believe this is a win for Airbnb.
Do you have a sizable traveling party?
Airbnb can be far less expensive for large groups than reserving a hotel suite or a number of hotel rooms if you’re traveling with another family, or even just your own. Having more space is always preferable when children (or even adult friends) are around, and splitting up the cost of cooking and cleaning between the adults is more economical than searching for kid-friendly recipes or dining out every single day. The availability of childcare at some hotels, on the other hand, can allow for a much-needed break or a quiet meal. How close your group is and how much time you desire to spend together could determine this.
Want to put off doing the chores you usually do?
Let’s face it: for many individuals, taking a vacation means taking a break from their typical household chores (cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes, doing laundry, etc.). Typically, while renting an Airbnb, you must provide at least some basic housekeeping. You’ll prepare some of your own meals, wash at least the occasional wine glass, and make your own bed. However, being in a hotel means being blissfully free from everything mentioned above. You may even get new towels every day if you’d like to (and don’t feel bad about disobeying the bathroom’s “please help us be green” sign). You’ll be getting into crisp, well-tucked-in sheets every night, at the very least. You might, however, be awakened at 8 a.m. You’ll spend more money eating out every meal and on housekeeping. There is a lot to think about!
Do you desire a fresh vacation experience?
In the argument between hotels and Airbnb, this provides advantages for both parties. Around the world, there are many unique boutique hotels with various themes, artwork, and even construction techniques (such as ice hotels in Scandinavia). You can dine in an underwater restaurant in the Maldives or stay at Giraffe Manor in Kenya. However, Airbnb also provides a wide range of unconventional lodging choices. The listings on the Airbnb website include treehouses, yurts, and houseboats. Additionally, as is customary, Airbnbs typically result in lower overall travel expenses.
How long will you be staying?
Short stays benefit from hotels. You don’t need to do much study into the neighborhoods, modes of transportation, or attractions because everything is conveniently located. However, we believe that there is a clear winner in the Airbnb vs. hotel discussion, and it is not hotels, for longer stays where you’ll be spending more time at your lodging (think month-long work visits or research jaunts). We can’t help but believe that having control over your home is a far more pleasant experience than the anonymity of a hotel, even though you will have to undertake some of your everyday life duties (like laundry). It’s good to feel like you’re in your own space for that long.
Do you prefer opulence?
It makes sense why hotels are always the top name in luxury. With Michelin-starred restaurants, daily housekeeping, designer toiletries, and four- and five-star ratings, everything is taken care of for you, down to the thread count of your bedding and the round-the-clock check-in and check-out. However, Airbnb just launched its Airbnb Luxe service, which enables guests to stay in stunning houses with all the amenities of a five-star hotel (the kind you may see in Architectural Digest). Some residences have butlers, drivers, cooks, and “trip designers” who can arrange events for you (much like a traditional luxury hotel concierge can). Are we really astonished to learn that the luxury jetsetter has so many amazing options?
Or do you have budget constraints?
Hotels with reasonable rates do exist. They often provide everything you need and are straightforward and easy to clean. Which is acceptable, particularly if you’re only there for one or two nights. As a result, if you frequently travel for business, you can stay at the same chain of hotels across the nation (or the globe!) and accrue points that you can redeem for upgrades or genuine vacations. In the epic Airbnb versus hotel battle, the hotel has won. However, if you intend to remain for a longer period of time, an Airbnb is unquestionably your best choice. You can locate an inexpensive Airbnb in most places, there is no requirement to tip, and the inclusion of a kitchen saves money on food so significantly that it is a no-brainer.
Who triumphs in the epic Airbnb vs. hotel battle then?
It varies! Hotels are easy to find, have no chores, and have assistance available by calling the front desk. However, you will likely pay extra on lodging and meals. Airbnbs are private, frequently less expensive, and provide you the opportunity to live like a local while saving money on food. However, you must do your homework on nearby communities and transportation, and their range of amenities and services might occasionally be less trustworthy than that of hotels. We love utilizing both! After all, travel involves a lot of variety and flexibility. Selecting a facility that meets your specifications and preferences is key to finding a suitable hotel option. In either case, you’ll enjoy organizing your upcoming vacation!
