AirBnBs vs. Hotels

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Traveling is all about exploring new places, but at the end of the day you need a place to rest your head. A critical component of good travel is finding lodging that meet your needs.

Never has there been more options when it comes to accommodations. From hostels and campsites and RVs to hotels and private homes and bed and breakfasts, there are so many choices. Selecting the right one can be daunting!

While traditional hotels are a mainstay in the travel industry, AirBnB has taken tourism by storm. And AirBnB is NOT just for Millenials!

Have you tried AirBnB yet?

AirBnB offers many perks for travelers as well as a way for the average person to make money by renting out a room or their entire home. (Be sure to read all the way to the end of this article for a special bonus!!)

I have had fabulous experiences staying in AirBnBs in the United States and in Europe. We even rented out our own home once while we were traveling. Yet I know some travelers are leery about this somewhat new form of lodging.

I will point out some of the ways hotels and AirBnBs are similar as well as how they differ. Then you can make an informed decision about which option works best for your travel style and any given journey you take.

Location

The location of your lodging makes a huge difference no matter if you stay in a hotel or choose an AirBnB.

Both hotels and Airbnbs can generally be found in the heart of the action or on the outskirts of town. It’s important to determine what suits you and your travel companions best.

I love to be right on the beach when traveling for sun and fun. I booked this unit in the New Smyrna Beach House through AirBnB last summer, and it was everything we could have hoped for!

When in Europe I want to be in the city center, close to cafes and all the main attractions. But some people prefer a bit of respite from the activity and a quieter atmosphere.

Our hotel in Heidelberg, Germany was right in the heart of the action, and I loved it!

In Lucerne, Switzerland our AirBnB was just over a mile away from Old Town, which made it a bit more affordable. But the view was priceless!

Length of Stay

If you simply need a safe place to grab some shuteye en route to your final destination, then a hotel will likely be the best option. In this situation, you want to be close to the highway so you aren’t adding unnecessary miles to your journey, and many hotels cater to this kind of traveler. With a 24/7 front desk staff, hotels also make late-night arrivals a bit more manageable.

When you have time to settle in for a longer stay, an AirBnB could be a great option.

Staying in a home or an apartment can help you feel like a local. So when you have multiple days or weeks in one spot it can be fun to really settle in. You will probably feel more “at home” in an AirBnB that you would in a highrise hotel during your extended stay.

Space

One of my favorite aspects of AirBnBs is having plenty of space to spread out! This may not be the case if you simply rent a room. But if you select an entire house you will likely have some private spaces as well as areas to hang out with your travel entourage.

Traveling is often about making special memories with those you love, but too much togetherness can put a damper on your travels. Basic hotel rooms can get a bit confining, especially if you are sharing a room with your children or other travelers for more than a night or two.

When booking an entire home or apartment through AirBnB you typically have access to a kitchen, allowing you to really make yourself at home.

Even when you book a room in someone’s home you generally have access to common areas that provide extra space beyond the bedroom and allow you the opportunity to get to know your hosts and even other guests, if you choose.

If you want to get to know the locals or gather insight on navigating your destination, AirBnBs can be a great option!

Cost

If money were unlimited, finding deluxe accommodations anywhere you travel would be a breeze. But assuming you aren’t Beyonce, your travel budget likely has a limit. And you don’t want to spend all your travel funds on lodging.

Sometimes an AirBnB can be the more economical option. But with both hotels and AirBnBs available in a range of budget-friendly to high-end options, you will need to be savvy in your search for accommodations.

When traveling with a party of 4 or more, renting just one place through AirBnB may be cheaper than reserving multiple hotel rooms. But always beware of “extra” fees. The nightly rate may seem reasonable, but cleaning fees and services fees vary widely from one rental to the next.

Review the final cost of an AirBnB before making your decision and booking.

You will also want to check the cancellation policy with both hotels and AirBnBs, and weigh that into your decision.

Keep in mind that since most AirBnBs offer access to a kitchen, you may be able to cut costs by eating a few meals at “home” or saving your leftovers for a late-night snack, if you choose.

Amenities

It is often the “extras” that really set one lodging option apart from the rest. Both hotels and AirBnBs can offer a range of amenities, so it’s critical to decide which are must-haves.

Some hotels offer a pool, hot tub, fitness center, free breakfast or an onsite restaurant/bar.

An AirBnB may include a kitchen stocked with cooking utensils, DVD players, games, wifi, parking, and a yard.

Again, your length of stay and who you will be traveling with can affect which amenities are important and can steer you towards the optimal hotel or AirBnB for your next trip.

Ready to give AirBnB a try?

Up next, I walk you through the steps for booking through AirBnB so you can confidently choose lodging that meets your travel needs.

Plus, use this link to save money on your first booking with AirBnB!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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