Airbnb vs. Hotels: Which one is worth booking?

One of the most significant barriers to people with an itch for travel booking is feeling overwhelmed about where to stay. Jetting off to a foreign country can already feel intimidating, and deciding on accommodations is a big deal, especially if you’re away from home for long periods.

As vacation rentals have become more popular, you might wonder which is better – a hotel or an Airbnb? Travelers have vastly different preferences, so you’ll hear Jet Setters swear by one or the other. But which is best for you? Here’s my extensive list of pros and cons of each.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb has become the preferred accommodation of millions of people traveling the world. Airbnb’s site allows property owners to rent their homes to travelers for various periods, which has some definite benefits – and drawbacks. Hotels, on the other hand, have been around since the beginning of time. Most of it comes down to preference, but there are certainly some factors to consider.

Spaciousness

When it comes to spacious living areas, Airbnb usually wins over hotels. Airbnb often offers living space separate from the bedroom, which can be especially helpful for long-term stays. This can be especially attractive for people traveling with their family or several friends. Airbnb offers the flexibility to find a homestay with all the space you need for your crew, and you can find different sleeping arrangements like bunk beds, cribs, and more.

Hotels are often set up more like studio apartments, with beds in the main area. While you can find larger suites or pay up for a penthouse hotel room, most rooms will be limited to space. For travelers that are doing just a few nights in a place, or who have different priorities than space, this may not be a problem.

Amenities

Airbnb’s extremely flexible when it comes to amenities. Some properties offer very basic amenities while others offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s always important to carefully read the home’s description and reviews, as you may arrive to find you were supposed to bring something like linens, toiletries, or cooking supplies.

However, Airbnb often offers unique amenities that hotels don’t. This might include state-of-the-art appliances, personal tours, or access to unique local places.

Hotels generally have predictable amenities. You know you’ll have bedding and towels as well as basic toiletries. And most hotels offer essential items if you’ve forgotten them. Hotels might be the right choice if you’re looking for primary, predictable amenities. That’s not to say that some hotels don’t offer incredible amenities – there’s certainly a broad range of experiences available, from basic budget stays to high-end luxury. However, hotels will offer the same amenities to all their guests, while Airbnb is more individualized.

Reliability

When you rent an Airbnb, you generally work with a private individual rather than a company. The reviews on the site can expose issues like cleanliness, lack of communication, or inaccurate home descriptions. However, this doesn’t stop issues from happening. Utilizing Airbnb requires a certain level of trust between the property owner and the renter. Airbnb’s site does offer a guarantee that they will help you or refund your money, but a refund doesn’t do much good if you’ve just arrived in a foreign country with no contacts and no other place to stay.

Airbnb’s customer service is notorious for being slow and hit-or-miss when solving issues.

Hotels are quite a bit more predictable regarding communication and expectations. Since you’re dealing with a company rather than one individual homeowner, there is less chance that you’ll be scammed or left with an unsafe place to stay. When it comes to reliability, hotels are the way to play it safe

Cost

Accommodation cost varies a lot depending on your priorities in travel. However, if you’re looking to travel on a budget, staying at an Airbnb can help lower your costs significantly. Because they are privately owned, rental properties can save you loads on overhead costs. Airbnb with a kitchen can also save you money on dining costs, allowing you to prepare meals in your rental rather than dining out for every meal. Airbnb even offer the option for a home share, where you can rent a bedroom in someone’s home, lowering costs significantly.

Hotels range in price from low-cost hostels to the very high-end luxurious stay. Those traveling on a budget will likely find hotels less cost-effective than Airbnb. When you include amenities, dining, and figuring out how to get around, hotels usually cost significantly more than Airbnb rentals.

Adventure

Have you ever wanted to stay overnight in a treehouse? Or perhaps a houseboat? Maybe you’ve dreamed of staying in a bungalow on the beach? If that’s you, Airbnb might be right for you. Because they’re privately owned, Airbnb offers an incredible variety of places to stay.

For those who prefer a more predictable apartment experience, Airbnb offers locations off the beaten path. You’ll have the opportunity to stay among locals, which means the shopping and dining will be less catered to tourists. You might even make some local friends!

Hotels are quite a bit more predictable regarding what your stay will look like. As I mentioned in the reliability portion, some of us gladly give up an adventurous opportunity in the name of reliability – and that’s ok!

Luxury

While every Airbnb is different, these are more of a “home away from home.” That means doing your dishes, washing your laundry, and cleaning up yourself.

If you want a more relaxing experience, a hotel might be the right choice. Fresh bedding every day, a sparkling clean room, and a concierge to help you get around are factors that have to be considered! Hotels make it easy to have a taxi called, and order room service and some have amenities like a pool or even spa services. For travelers looking to be pampered, a hotel might the best choice.

Accessibility

Every Airbnb is different, which means each property will have its process of accessing the unit. For some stays, this will mean people with physical limitations may need to look closely at the rental’s description or ask questions ahead of time. That luxury apartment in the heart of London might not be suitable for you if you have to walk up six flights of stairs with tons of luggage or a stroller. Your hosts may not consider other factors like bathing facilities and accommodations for physical limitations.

Many hotels around the world are prepared for people who need accessibility accommodations. Whether you’re bringing along a baby, need accommodations in the shower, or have to have an elevator, hotels usually have accommodated a variety of guests and will be prepared to assist you.

People travel for various reasons, and we all have different goals for our time away from home. For some of us, it’s work, and for others of us, it’s fulfilling a desire to see the world. Whether you’re hopping from town to town or settling in for a months-long stay, rest assured there is a place right for you! Whether that’s an Airbnb or a hotel is up to you. No matter where you stay, make the best of it, and have the adventure of a lifetime!

If you feel like looking for Accommodation beyond Airbnb and Hotels, check out my blog post about 10 unique hotel Alternatives. Enjoy!