Airbnb vs Hotels

Gone are the days when hotels were the only accommodation option when traveling. I used to always choose hotels but that changed once I had kids. On our family vacation last year we ended up using Airbnb and I swore I’d always check there first going forward. Like with everything there are pluses and minuses to both Airbnb and hotels. If you’re debating on which suits your needs best for your travels, I’ve got a list that you can use to compare between the two and decide for yourself.

Price

The biggest thing I consider when booking a place to stay is the price. What is the cheaper price between the two depending on your destination? Our Airbnb was cheaper for a 3 bedroom than most 1 room hotels in the area. Something to make sure you take into consideration is while hotels are a set nightly price and include everything, Airbnbs have nightly prices and additional charges for cleaning/service fees. Make sure to add the extra Airbnb fees into your calculations when comparing prices.

Space

It’s one thing when your traveling solo or with all adults. It’s another when you’re traveling as a family with multiple kids. A big reason we chose Airbnb was for the space aspect. Both of my kids are used to sleeping in their own rooms. I knew none of us would get any sleep if we were all in the same room.

Hotels are typically one room, but some have multi-room suite options or adjoining rooms. Those options tend to add an extra expense though. Airbnb’s are typically full condos, apartments, or houses. Airbnb tends to have more space than hotels, especially for the price.

Amenities

A basic hotel room has minimal amenities. Most have a mini-fridge and microwave but that’s about it. Some hotels do offer suite and kitchenette options but they can be harder to come by. An Airbnb is typically a whole apartment or house with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and sometimes other amenities such as laundry machines.

Location

A big factor when booking a place to stay is often location. Hotels tend to be in more tourist areas and Airbnb’s are homes/apartments within communities.

Extras

Check on any extras that hotels and Airbnb’s may have. Hotels typically have room cleaning during your stay while Airbnbs only have it before and after your visit. Hotels often have a complimentary breakfast, cable, and wifi options. Hotels sometimes have pools, gyms, office spaces, and parking included in your stay as well.

You can still find many great options available for Airbnbs too although they vary. For example, our first Airbnb experience was at a condo that was part of a resort. We had free parking and the resort had an amazing waterpark that was part of our stay. It was a blast! Just make sure anything extra that is important to you is included wherever you choose to stay.

By taking all of these things into consideration when you are choosing a place to stay, you’ll make sure to cover all your bases. With a place to stay set, you can sit back and enjoy your vacation. Do you have an accommodation preference for when you travel? Share in the comments below. Happy travels!