Do you prefer to stay in an Airbnb or hotel on your vacations? Let’s explore the pros and cons of both.

Hotels

Pros

Cost

This is not a consistent pro, but sometimes a hotel may be a more cost effective option.

Breakfast

If a hotel has a breakfast option, especially if it’s included, this can be a nice way to start your day and one less meal to buy.

Somewhere to leave your bag

If you have an afternoon or evening departure time, it’s nice to know you have somewhere secure to leave your luggage while you continue to explore.

Front Desk

There can be a comfort in having access to a professional in the travel industry at a front desk, especially when traveling in a foreign country.  If you want recommendations in the area or have logistical questions, you’ve got someone to help!

Safety

Having someone at a front desk in case you find yourself in a risky situation is reassuring.  Hotels also tend to have security cameras and lockable doors.  Additionally, hotels are verified businesses so you generally know what you can expect.

Amenities

Depending on the hotel, there might be a gym, pool, and spa. There are also clean towels and linens, which can be one less thing to pack.

Credit Card points

It’s common to have the ability to book a hotel using credit card points. Whether you travel frequently for work or are a big spender, it’s great to put those points into a vacation.

Cons

Cooking

Standard hotel rooms do not have a kitchen, and some may not even have a water heater. Eating out on vacation adds up quickly and gives you less control over what you’re putting in your body.

Location

Hotels tend to be located in urban city centers, near big sites, or near the airport. If you want to venture away from these hot spots, options are likely more limited.

Size

A standard hotel room has 2 queen beds and one bathroom.  If you are traveling with a group this may not be ideal and getting multiple rooms is not as fun.

Airbnb

Pros

Location

Airbnbs can be found in urban, residential, or remote areas.  It’s nice to have the option to stay further from more touristy hubs and stay among locals going about their daily lives.

Cost

Same as hotels, cost can be a pro for Airbnb but this is variable. There are some good deals out there, especially if you are open to booking a room within a home.

Big Groups

Traveling with more than 1 person? Airbnb is likely the way to go. You can find homes with several bedrooms, rather than having to rent multiple rooms separately.  Having common areas like a living room or kitchen is also a plus.

Kitchen

Just about every Airbnb should have a kitchen making cooking much easier.  Cooking just one meal a day can save a lot of money and calories on a trip. A fridge is worth pointing out too, you can store both groceries and left overs.

Unique

There is no standard Airbnb which means you can find some unique homes and can cater your search to what you are looking for. If you’re hosting a birthday party or Bachelorette party, maybe having a private pool or nice view is a priority.

Good for long stays

If you are staying in one place for more than 4 nights, an Airbnb is probably the way to go. You can make a home out of an Airbnb more easily than a hotel and some offer long term stays of 1+ months.

Local Knowledge

If you meet your Airbnb host they might be able to give you local knowledge that you wouldn’t necessarily get from professionals in the travel industry.

Cons

Small Groups

Airbnbs for 1 or 2 people are less common and often more expensive.

Luggage

If you have an afternoon departure time and want to explore without your luggage, you don’t have a guaranteed place to keep your bags. 

Coordinating

Your Airbnb host will send you instructions on how to get into the home, but it’s not always straight forward.  There’s no big logo displayed outside a building for you to look for, gates can be complicated, locks can be tricky, or you might have to wait on the host to come meet you.

Not Regulated

While it can be cool how unique different Airbnbs are, it is possible to be unpleasantly surprised when a home is missing what you might consider a basic amenity. 

Safety

There is not a professional at a front desk to assist you if you are in any sort of trouble, and you may have difficulties locating your Airbnb which is not ideal especially if you are a solo traveler.  If you’re renting a room within a home, it’s not guaranteed that the bedroom door locks.

Local Impact

Airbnbs can decrease housing for locals as home owners choose to rent to travelers.  They also impose externalities to neighbors with strangers coming and going frequently. Lastly, there is a lot of controversy over taxes imposed on Airbnbs and how diligently those are enforced.