AirBnB vs. Hotels
How to decide which option is a better fit for your upcoming adventure!
You are dreaming of your next vacation and where your adventures will take you, but how do you decide where to lay your head at night?
Do you go the more traditional route and stay in hotel accommodations? Or, do you choose to become a local and opt for AirBnB/VRBO? Both options offer amazing benefits and can be used interchangeably throughout your entire trip! But first, what is the difference?
AirBnB & VRBO
AirBnB and VRBO are online marketplaces that offer in-home stays for your travels. This can include single rooms, bed and breakfasts, or whole-house rentals. Travelers can invest in short or long-term accommodations worldwide, and their user-friendly platforms allow you to explore stay options by neighborhood, city, or country!
Hotels
Your more traditional form of accommodation, the average hotel room offers a bed, bath, and closet with varying levels of comfort. Hotels can range in rating and size from more boutique stays to large resorts offering a variety of on-site amenities such as spa services, gym equipment, dining options, and more!
Now that you know the main difference between the two, how do you decide which option is the better fit? While personal preferences play a huge role in this decision I encourage clients to experience a bit of both throughout their travels! Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the best option for you:
Location
Depending on where you travel certain accommodations may/may not be available. AirBnB/VRBO is fantastic to use in larger, well-known cities throughout the world offering a wide variety of stay options. When traveling abroad to smaller, more regional cities, hotels are typically the better way to go. Keep this in mind when planning where you want to visit!
Work Load
How much do you want to do while on vacation? Do you want to leave your room and come back to a freshly made bed and clean sheets? Do you mind washing your own dishes and picking up after yourself? One of the biggest things you need to decide is how much time you want to dedicate to taking care of your space while traveling. When renting AirBnB’s you will probably have to do some light chores during your stay. While at a hotel, there is a staff to take care of those pesky day-to-day tasks so you can spend more time exploring!
Budget
How much have you allotted in your budget for accommodations? While there are absolutely budget-friendly hotels out there, they tend to be more basic. And when you add in potential resort fees, taxes, tips, and additional expenses, sometimes it makes more sense to stay with AirBnB/VRBO. You can shop for groceries and use the fully-stocked kitchens to cook meals which can be HUGE savings! Don’t forget that some offer on-site laundry as well which means clean clothes for no additional charge. And that is a blessing while traveling!
Luxury
Looking to be pampered and taken care of while on vacation? Hotels are your jam! Everything from daily housekeeping to 24/7 concierge services will make you feel like royalty. Did we mention spa services? AND ROOM SERVICE?! Remember, you’re on vacation after all! Don’t forget to spoil yourself and enjoy your time off to really turn off.
I highly encourage my clients to utilize both AirBnB and hotels while they travel! Immerse yourself in the culture and live like a local, but also enjoy your hard-earned vacation and pamper yourself. It’s the best way to explore and get to know a city.
For The Story Vacations will help you book accommodations perfect for the trip of your dreams. Now accepting travel clients booking trips November 2022 and beyond. Ready to schedule your complimentary consultation? Click here!