As travelers reassess their accommodations, many are once again favoring hotels over Airbnb. For those wondering about the reason for this shift, here are some points that could convince you too.
Services
Hotels are great choices as they give you the option to use services such as laundry cleaning and room service to make your stay more comfortable. When it comes to Airbnb, many of these services aren’t available. According to Faster Capital, the service fee for room service typically ranges from 15–20% of the total bill, but people still use it.
Cancellation Policy
A lot of people choose hotels over Airbnb because of their transparent cancellation policy. When finalizing your booking, most hotels will state their cancellation policy, which, according to Hotel Chantelle, can range from one night’s stay to the full amount of your reservation. The same transparency is not common with Airbnb.
Consistent Quality
According to Big Foot Hospitality, chain hotels are the most popular types of hotels. Another reason why people choose hotels over Airbnb is because they can guarantee that they’ll get a quality experience in different countries around the world. This is something you can’t be sure of in an Airbnb.
Helpful Staff
Something unique about hotels is the professional and reliable staff. A good hotel will have staff on call 24/7 who are ready to help you with anything you need. At an Airbnb, you won’t have the same service and will likely do the majority of the communication with your host via the internet.
Ambiance
The statistics from Travel Perk report that one of the most impactful deal breakers for most travelers are bland and unappealing hotel rooms. Yes, people really value a smart-looking room when booking. Finding a well-designed room is more likely in a hotel than an Airbnb.
Amenities
Many people choose hotels over Airbnb because of the amenities that they come with. A good hotel will likely have an on-site gym, conference room, swimming pool, and a number of restaurants. These on-site amenities save you the hassle of looking for them elsewhere when staying at an Airbnb.
Loyalty Discounts
According to PhocusWire, 46% of those booking a place to stay say they’re influenced by previous experience. When you stay in the same hotel again and again, many hotels will reward you with some money off of your next stay or other perks. These loyalty discounts are less common from an Airbnb.
Room Options
Because a lot of Airbnbs are houses that people rent out, they may not have the traditional rooming options that you can expect at a hotel. This makes a hotel a more common option for those with special rooming requirements, such as a triple room.
Accessibility
Most hotels have great accessibility options. They have wheelchair ramps and elevators that make moving around easier for many travelers. Finding the same accessibility options in an Airbnb is difficult, which is why hotel bookings are far more common for those with concerns about mobility.
Security
A lot of people choose hotels over Airbnb because of the added security measures in hotels. Hotels usually have surveillance cameras, secure key cards, and 24-hour security to add to the integrity of the hotel. These features are not common in an Airbnb, causing people to book hotels for added peace of mind.
Emergencies
Hotels have an emergency procedure and staff who are on call if someone should suffer a medical emergency. This feature is great for older travelers and those traveling with young children. In an Airbnb, you would not have the same support in an emergency, and this puts some people off.
Cleaning Standards
The better the hotel you stay in, the more you can guarantee that your room has been cleaned to the strictest protocols. The reassurance that the hotel room has been sanitized between guests gives hotel guests the confidence that they wouldn’t get at an Airbnb.
Location
Most hotels are located in the heart of popular tourist locations. This makes it easier for you to see the sights of the place that you’re traveling to. Many Airbnbs, however, are residential houses that have been renovated and are not necessarily located in the most convenient places.
Transfers
It’s often easier to stay at a hotel than it is at an Airbnb because the transfers are already in place for all visitors. Most good hotels have a shuttle service in place that will take their guests to and from the airport. When you stay at an Airbnb, you’ll have to arrange your own transportation.
Business Travel
Good hotels are normally equipped to care for the needs of business travelers. They often have meeting and conference rooms as well as high-speed internet. These features aren’t common in an Airbnb, and you might have to go elsewhere to connect to a business meeting.
Pricing
The price of a hotel is normally more predictable than that of an Airbnb. An Airbnb is independent and can adjust its prices according to the demand in the area. This makes it possible to scout out Airbnb deals, but you’ll get far more consistent prices at a hotel.
