Hotels vs Airbnbs
I’ll be honest, I LOVE a good hotel. Especially if it is a Hilton hotel. Airbnbs make me nervous, but I can appreciate what they can offer. My boyfriend and close friends LOVE Airbnbs. They say they have better experiences, they’re cheaper, and they have more room! I counter by saying that I prefer consistency, feeling like I’m treating myself, and not having to clean up after myself. If you’re torn between deciding whether you want to go with a hotel or an airbnb, see my pro and con list below :)
PROS:
Airbnbs:
Probably more authentic experience - Airbnbs are homes that people are letting strangers stay in. These are direct representations of the culture you are experiencing!
May be cheaper, especially for 4+ groups - for smaller groups, it may be just as expensive as a hotel once the cleaning and fees add up. But for groups larger than 4, Airbnbs are definitely the way to go.
Kitchen and laundry access - it is SO NICE to have access to a washer / dryer during your vacation. It makes me so happy to wash my clothes at the end of the trip so all of my clothes are clean when I get back. It also is so nice to have your own kitchen and can help save money by cooking on your vacation.
Some have really cool experiences - my friend stayed in one house in LA in the hills and had an outdoor bathtub and shower….. incredible.
Good for bigger groups - hotels usually only allow up to 4 people to a room. If you have more than 4 people or want extra room, then an airbnb is the way to go.
hotels:
If something goes awry with your reservation, they can fix it immediately - I see so many stories on a travel Facebook page I’m on that when an Airbnb cancels last minute, they are stranded. This will not happen with a hotel. Especially with larger brands like Hilton or Marriott.
More consistent experience - I know that if I stay at a Hilton Garden Inn in Fayetteville, Arkansas and a Hilton Garden Inn in Miami, Florida, it’s going to be identical and I love that.
Centrally located usually - hotels are typically more centrally located since they are for tourists. So if you’re wanting to be in the thick of things, get a hotel.
Can feel safer - I feel safer in hotels. Not knowing who all has a key to your Airbnb, if there are cameras, etc. freaks me out. Knowing that I’m surrounded by people and that there is someone always working at the hotel also makes me feel more secure.
Turn down service - You’re on vacation!!!! I want to be cleaned up after because I am a diva on my trips! I also don’t want to be responsible for cleaning someone’s home on my vacation, so I stay in hotels.
CONS:
Airbnbs:
Not always safe - Like I mentioned above, you’re staying in someone’s home. There might be cameras, there might be multiple people with keys and access to the home. I don’t like that. However, I don’t know anyone personally that this has happened to.
Some shady people on airbnb - There has been a concerning trend of scams on Airbnb and people cancelling reservations the morning of your arrival thus leaving you stranded. I’ve also seen where the host will charge the tenant hundreds of dollars because the house wasn’t clean and the tenants had to either prove they cleaned everything, or they have to pay. No thank you.
Usually just as expensive once fees are added on - Once the cleaning fees, administration fees, and service fees are added on, airbnbs can be just as expensive as a mid-range hotel.
Not held to the same standards as hotels - Not all Airbnbs are created equally! These are people’s homes! Just as unique and strange as the people who live in them lol. If an Airbnb has mold or roaches in it, you’re stuck until you get in touch with customer service. If there is mold and roaches at a hotel, they’re going to get you to a better place.
hotels:
Not authentic to the environment usually - While hotels can be influenced by the environment and culture of their location, they aren’t as authentic as the homes.
Less room than an airbnb - Especially in Europe! Their “double” rooms are twin beds! If you have more than 2-3 people in Europe, you need multiple rooms or an Airbnb.
Can have loud neighbors - Hotel rooms are close together, so if you have a loud neighbor, that can be annoying and disruptive. Hotels can sometimes change your room around, but there have been times I’ve been a “Karen” and begged a hotel neighbor to quiet down.
Have to pay to do your laundry - Most hotels don’t have a laundry room, but they have laundry services. These add up… they sometimes cost $7 per shirt, $10 per pair of underwear, $5 per pair of pants, etc.
Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs?