Hotels vs. Airbnb

When traveling should you choose a hotel or Airbnb?   In many respects, such as price, the two are almost evenly matched. And as with most decisions, where you stay totally depends on your personal situation. But from my own experience let me share the positives and negatives of each.  I will keep it short and sweet, but feel free to email me with questions.

The hotel:  My kids love swimming pools!  Usually the pools are indoors so the weather is not a factor and often there is a hot tub for the adults as well.  Both feel great after a long day of traveling (and especially after camping).  The pillows in most newer hotels are so comfortable, often down feathers, and four to six per bed.  Blackout shades keep light out and often the continental breakfast is filling with both healthy and unhealthy choices. 

Hotels also provide services as well.  Besides the basics in the rooms like cable TV, Wi-Fi, coffee and usually a small fridge, a person can ask favors from the front desk if necessary.  Need something printed?  Laundry cleaned?  Directions?  Most hotels offer several services that the average person doesn’t even think about when staying the night.   

Notice I am not speaking about a hole in the wall road side motel, but there are plenty of options out there for around a $100 per night, depending on location. I go with the Choice Hotels program.  Like any reward program you build points and it may take several stays before you earn enough to get a free night.  But there are other perks: a late checkout when requested, easy booking with an app that comes in very helpful while on the road, and, from my experience, cheaper rates than other hotel search engines. 

Now Airbnb:  It always depends on what we are looking for, but this is our go to for longer stays.  Most Airbnb rentals are people’s homes and apartments.  If I can find a decently priced home in a good location then I can skip the pool and hot tub.  No matter how much I like trying the local cuisine (pizza shops and breweries), there is nothing like a home cooked meal.  Plus, it saves dinero in the long run. Also, sometimes the host can be obliging when it comes to discovering and exploring an area.  No one really knows a town better than a local. 

If you are staying for any significant amount of time, then even a home away from home can begin to feel comfortable.  Book 28 nights or more, and most hosts will give you a significant discount.  Be sure to always ask the host plenty of questions before you book.  Some rentals do not have amenities that we take for granted, like a TV, but we have yet to rent a bad place. 

So in a nut shell, for a few nights or less, especially if I am jumping from city to city, I would go with a hotel room.  I like the comfort and ease of relaxing, getting breakfast, and being able to leave without much packing.  Otherwise, for the long-term it’s Airbnb. Give me a place I can make comfy and homelike, cook a delicious meal, and stock the fridge.