Airbnb vs. Hotel: Choosing the Right Accommodation
by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan and Airbnb Superhost
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
The idea of staying in an Airbnb is very popular right now, but is it the best decision for you? Are you asking yourself what the differences between an Airbnb and a hotel are? Do you find yourself wondering what are the pros and cons of using Airbnb vs. a hotel or wondering if you “should” stay in one versus the other? Choosing the right accommodation is an important part of your trip, so read on to learn how to decide what the best choice is for you when looking at Airbnb vs. hotel!
Global Game Plan is a travel company that specializes in custom trip planning, so we believe the best answer to the Airbnb vs. hotel question is, “it depends!” As a general travel rule, what is true for one traveler isn’t always true for another; so consider these factors when it’s time to choose between Airbnb and a hotel:
Trip length and purpose
Number of travel companions
Interest in traditional or unique lodging
Accommodation space, privacy and style
Amenities and services offered
Location and transportation options
Operational differences between Airbnb and a hotel
By understanding these differences, you will have more information to compare when choosing the right accommodation:
The booking process: There is typically a straightforward way to book a hotel room - you either reserve online or call the hotel directly, and once in a while you can reserve via email. However, the only way to book when using Airbnb is electronically, through the Airbnb platform (on the website or the app). To communicate with your host, click the “contact host” on the Airbnb listing to send them a message (you won’t be able to talk to them over the phone). It is better to ask any questions or address any concerns you have about your potential stay in advance of booking, not afterwards. It is also important to note that unless the “instant book” feature is on, your reservation is not confirmed until the host accepts it.
The cancellation policy: As with anything, it’s essential to read the fine print in advance of booking your Airbnb or hotel. Generally speaking, cancellation policies favor the guest in hotel reservations but favor the Airbnb host in Airbnb reservations. With hotels you may be able to cancel up until 24 hours in advance, but it’s rare to have that opportunity with an Airbnb. From the perspective of an Airbnb host, it can be difficult to rebook a reservation that’s been on the calendar for a while, especially last minute, thus leading to the likelihood of a stricter cancellation policy. However, there are several different cancellation policy options that your Airbnb host could choose for their listing. For this reason, before booking it’s important to read and understand the risk if you choose an Airbnb with a strict cancellation policy. Although there are many disincentives for Airbnb hosts to cancel a reservation with little or short notice, it has been known to happen. Consider this compared to a booking a hotel, which carries little risk of cancellation from their end.
The Airbnb cleaning fee: Different than a hotel which builds in the cost of cleaning into its total costs, Airbnb shows the cleaning fee as a separate line item during the booking process. What does the cleaning fee cover? The host sets the cleaning fee and it should be the cost of professional cleaning in between guests or if the host does the cleaning, it should cover the cost of cleaning supplies and the host’s time. It’s important to note that the cleaning fee is charged one-time, no matter the number of nights that a guest stays.
Airbnb service fees: There are two components of the Airbnb service fee, an Airbnb guest service fee and an Airbnb host service fee. Airbnb collects and receives both types of service fees from the guest and the host as payment for the use of its platform. This means that the host does not receive the Airbnb service fee that the guest is charged. The Airbnb guest service fee (a percentage of the booking subtotal) is also shown as a line-item cost during the booking process. To find more information about Airbnb service fees click here.
The Airbnb review system: After a hotel stay, only the guest has an opportunity to review and provide feedback to the hotel. However, after the Airbnb reservation concludes, both the Airbnb guest and Airbnb host have the opportunity to post reviews about each other. This is part of the community format that Airbnb has set up – the guest’s review of the host can impact the ranking of the Airbnb listing, and the host’s review of the guest can impact the future booking capability of the guest. Airbnb provides guidance for both hosts and guests on how to write a review.
Related: How to Be a Great Airbnb Guest
Why choose Airbnb instead of a hotel?
When you…
Have a group of people that want to be together (especially if the cost is split between guests)
Are staying longer than a few days and you’d like more space (more space isn’t guaranteed, although in general, the opportunity for more space exists in an Airbnb)
Would like to cook your own meals (note: you should confirm your Airbnb has a full kitchen and all the utensils and materials you desire)
Want the opportunity to stay somewhere unique
Prefer privacy and/or would like to reduce the number of interactions with others outside your group (this isn’t guaranteed with an Airbnb so read the listing to learn how you may or may not interact with your local Airbnb host)
Related: 8 Essential Tips for Booking on Airbnb: Advice from a Superhost
When is a hotel better than Airbnb?
When you…
Prefer a more standard experience, including an easier reservation process and check-in/check-out procedures
Are staying for a short amount of time and/or don’t plan to be in your room very often
Don’t want to do any of your own housekeeping
Like having hotel staff on-site 24/7
Enjoy knowing what amenities to expect
Want to accumulate points for your hotel’s reward program
Desire a cancellation policy that favors the guest (usually…and it’s still always a good idea to read the fine print).
Related: How to Plan a Birthday Vacation
Keep in mind that Airbnbs can vary greatly from one another. When you’re searching for an Airbnb, an apartment style will be the closest match to a hotel room. That being said, there are a variety of other styles of Airbnb rentals, such as beach houses, cabins in the woods, Airstream trailers, and plenty of other unique places to stay that would give you a much different feel than the typical hotel rooms.
To wrap this all up, when choosing the right accommodation, prioritize the factors that are most important to you for this specific vacation. You don’t have to decide for all time if you like staying in an Airbnb or hotel better - you can make a different decision each time...and now you have the information you need to compare and choose between an Airbnb and a hotel!
Global Game Plan would be happy to help you save money while traveling or plan your next trip! Just send us an email or schedule a free phone consultation to discuss it.
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