As someone who has done their fair share of vacationing, I’ve decided to share my thoughts on Airbnb’s vs. Hotels. They both have pros and a few cons, but at the end of the day you can’t really go wrong with either choice. But I will say, if you’re ever somewhere that all-inclusive is an option vs. hotels or Airbnb’s – go with the all-inclusive (duh)!
Hotels
The classic, “old-school” way to stay while traveling. Who doesn’t love a good hotel? While at a hotel, you have access to all the amenities: pools, the gym, front desk help, etc. There is usually someone downstairs at all times, so there’s always someone to call for help. Also, hotels are usually near the center of sightseeing areas. While they might be expensive the closer you are to popular areas, you know you’ll be near everything and won’t have to travel too far. You know what you get when booking a hotel. Before checking in, you’re aware of the amenities, the check-in and check-out times, if any food is included, and anything else. Hotels are always a reputable place to stay, especially the big-name ones. You can look up countless reviews to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Lastly, there are so many different types of rooms when staying in a hotel: studio, single room, room with two beds suites, several bedrooms, etc. You have a good amount of options with booking a hotel.
Airbnb
The new way to stay. Staying in an Airbnb is the same as staying over someone’s house (they’re just not home). I’ve come to the realization that Airbnb’s are usually cheaper than hotels. There’s more space in an Airbnb than there is in a hotel since you’re actually renting the whole house/apartment. You do also have the option of just renting a room in a house if that is something you’d be interested in. One big plus with Airbnb’s is that there is usually a kitchen. Cooking at your rented place can save money as opposed to going out to eat every night while traveling. You may not be as close to the sightseeing areas as you want, but you get to see how people actually live where you’re visiting. Sometimes you can meet the host of your rental and 90% of the time they’ll give you some insider information on the area. Even if you do not get to meet the host, there will usually be information available somewhere in the house. There are several different types of Airbnb’s and different size houses with a number of bedrooms. I’ve stayed in a one-bedroom apartment, and a 5-bedroom house. You can get anything.
Final Thoughts
When deciding where you want to stay, there are a few things you need to think about. If traveling in a group – do you want everyone in the same house, or do you want them in separate spaces? Do you want to be closer to the popular areas, or see how the locals live? How much money do you plan on spending? Are you interested in cooking, or are you planning to eat out more often? These can help figure out what’s best for you.
My Choice
I personally would rather stay in an Airbnb than a hotel when it comes down to it. I can cook for myself, I can live like a local and I can just pretend I am in my own home. On a lot of trips I have taken lately, I stayed at an Airbnb and had zero problems. As I mentioned, I’ve stayed at place with all different amounts of rooms and think it is just so convenient. I’ve been looking at places for future vacations and Airbnb’s seem to be the way to go. Unless I am going somewhere that has an all-inclusive option – you can catch me at an Airbnb!
I’ve yet to try Airbnb but I’m interested by the concept. I usually stay in hotels or B&Be when I go away.
Author
Definitely try it! I’ve never had a bad experience with them luckily.
I stayed in my first air bnb recently and loved it. I’d definitely consider it again on my next trips b/c until now I’ve always stayed in hotels but it depends on where I go and what sort of trip I want (like if I need a pool!) X
Author
Yeah that’s definitely true – depending on what I need helps me pick where I stay. But Airbnb has been my favorite lately!
I’ve never stayed in an Airbnb, but I’ve been wanting to for ages! They sound like a great way to properly embed yourself in a new culture and place, feel a bit more at home, and have home comforts like cooking facilities while you’re holidaying! I think I’ll bite the bullet and go Airbnb next time! 🙂
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
Author
Definitely would recommend it! I’ve never had a problem so far *knock on wood,* so I’m sure it’ll be a good experience for you as well!
I also prefer Airbnbs for the same reasons. Although I admit that sometimes I like to book a hotels to be pampered for the night and not having to worry about cleaning up or breaking anything 😛
Author
Haha yes, sometimes you need to treat yourself and get taken care of in a hotel!
I tend to prefer hotels only because of what you have said there is often a 24 hour front desk for emergencies and you have a (usually) reputable company running the place. Having said that, the few times we have stayed in a BnB it has been really cosy and you do feel more like you are experiencing the place as a local.
Author
That is a really important part of staying in hotels, when you’re staying in an Airbnb you’re pretty much on your own.
Interesting reading as I’m someone that hasn’t done AirBnb yet… definitely persuaded me to give it a try though.
Author
Definitely do! Even if you just start somewhere close to home to try it.
It’s Airbnb every time for me. I’ve had such amazing experiences (and some terrible, but that’s life right?).
If you shop around you can find great prices, the local help and advice is usually priceless and you can stay in incredible locations where hotels don’t touch.
I find hotels to be too sterile and uneventful. I’m travelling to experience another culture, not a sanitised room which could be anywhere in the world.
Author
I have to agree with you on that.. I feel like you can get so much more with an Airbnb than a hotel!
I always use Airbnb when traveling now. The bang for your buck you get is incredible and you get a better perspective of the country almost like you’re living as a local!
Author
I haven’t gotten to use it in a different country yet, but I’m looking into it for my next trip!
I think it depends on where I’m going! I’m always a little nervous to stay in airbnbs but I def have done it before and I think I should try it more. You make some seriously great points. I do really love trying to live like a local in an area.
Author
I haven’t used Airbnb in other countries so I’m not sure how that’ll go. I’m looking at some in Puerto Rico right now though and they’re much cheaper than hotels!
I’ve always liked the security and convenience of a hotel. I have yet to try an AirBnB, although I continue to hear great things. I should definitely just go for it one of these days.
Author
I would recommend it, especially if you’re looking for something with a little more space, or if you like to cook for yourself!
We just did our first air bnb and loved it. We loved the huge space and will do it again. All great points 🙂 thanks for sharing
Author
Airbnb’s are so convenient mainly for space reasons, glad to hear you had a good experience!
I’ve never done an Air BNB – it scares me to be in someone else’s house! haha but hotels also gimme the creeps too so either way I can’t win! ha!
Author
Sometimes it’s a little weird staying at someone else’s house, but it’s definitely a good alternative to hotels! The last house I stayed at was a little spooky👻
OMG !! haha I need to know more
Author
It was a big 5-bedroom house in the dark ass Poconos .. And it could have been because we just watched a scary movie but I swear I heard things all night!!
omg haha I would have emailed them like ‘hey, you got a ghost?!’
I love air Bnb, it’s air bnb or a tent for us!
Author
Never stayed in a tent, sounds exciting!
It’s great fun!
I’m a huge fan of Airbnb and VRBO – and our preference when traveling as a family or large groups of friends. If I’m traveling solo, sometimes I’ll stay in a hotel instead as I feel a little safer but price and location are the typical drivers of my decision.
Author
That makes sense! I’ve never used VRBO, I have to look into it!
I love a good hotel andbhavebyet to try Airbnb. However I would consider staying in one. One of my extendedcfamily members use it all the time in Florida and love it. In fact they rave about not!
Author
I think Airbnb is a good way to travel! I know some people have had issues but I’ve (luckily) never had any problems!
Definitely depends on the type of a trip which to go for! I’m going to Seoul for 3 weeks around Easter and staying in an AirBnB, but for my birthday holiday last month you better bet I spent my money on a lush hotel!
Xoxo,
Laura || afinnontheloose.com
Author
Oh I am with you on that! If I’m doing something for my birthday I definitely want to treat myself!
We love Airbnb too. Like you said, they are usually cheaper especially when you cook for yourself! And I love how you can find hidden gems walking from them. We usually stay in a private room because we are on a budget and have met the best people this way!
Caitlin | budgetbreaks.org
Author
I’ve never tried staying in a private room, I usually just get the whole place- but it does sound like a great way to meet people!