Which is right for you? Hotel vs Airbnb
To save you time, get a hotel.
Airbnbs used to be a viable alternative.
They used to be, because they were, at one time, cheaper. But with contemporary pricing structures and multiple fees, the only value they offer now is the privacy of not having hotel staff go through your space.
And if you do consider that a value, what are you hiding?
Hypothetically.
You arrive at your hotel after a day’s worth of travel, and while checking in, the concierge states that during your stay, you are required to take out your trash, make your bed, and wipe down the used areas.
She continues—explaining that staying under these conditions it will still cost you an additional $250-$500 "cleaning fee". She further warns, that if you do not comply and the room does not meet their arbitrary satisfaction, you will be penalized with an additional cleaning fee. Another penalization will occur, your visitor “rating” will be affected. This low rating will, in the future, determine your ability to stay at other hotels.
She further stipulates that there is no maintenance on staff for issues. So in the case of your room being unsatisfactory upon your arrival, there are no alternatives or options to replace that unfit room and you will not receive a refund for it.
After hearing this list of requirements, you would walk away shell-shocked and find a different hotel. A hotel that isn't going to put you to work, and make you fully accountable for the final status of the room that you're paying for. However, this is commonplace in almost every Airbnb host's contract.
If you go with Airbnb, you will pay the same price as a hotel, come back to a disheveled bed, which you will have to make or leave unkept. You will see and smell trash bins full of the morning’s breakfast and yesterday’s waste, and you will need to message the host to find out where the additional towels are located.
Not to mention, upon your departure, you will take out the entirety of your stay’s trash to a dumpster, in which you will have to message the host to find its location, clean and rinse all the dishware you’ve used, and check off the remainder of the required checklist of chores—all while checking in for your departing flight and arranging a rideshare.
Be a guest at a hotel. This allows you to enjoy the small amount of time you have there. Its your trip, make it worth it.
If you want more travel hacks I use to save money, be safe, and find the coolest areas, check out The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide, even if you aren't solo traveling, there's a lot of helpful information in it.
