Our columnists are here to prove what is the best form of travel lodging — classic hotels or modern Airbnbs?
Leo’s Take:
From a tiny home underneath the California redwoods to an A-frame perched above the smoky mountains, Airbnb has provided me with immersive experiences in vacation destinations across the U.S.
Offering unique charm and plenty of space to spread out and relax, they provide a memorable vacation far superior to their dreadful counterparts — hotels.
Imagine staying at a Days Inn in Maine. Now imagine staying at a Days Inn in California. Would there be any difference? Except for the scenery out the window, it’d be difficult to see how the gray carpet and uninspiring wall art reflect any sense of place or culture.
With guest books and decor from the independent owner of each property, Airbnb allows you to experience a place from the perspective of someone who lives there, not of a corporation that mass-produces hotels to turn a profit.
Instead of just the typical single bedroom and bathroom of a hotel (unless you have the money for a presidential suite), Airbnbs often treat you to a private kitchen, living room and potentially outdoor space, depending on your rental. In my experience, more area to relax has meant less potential for family drama, which can boil over when everyone is crammed into a tiny hotel room.
Since the Airbnb app provides reviews of every host, it’s easy to know if a place is safe to stay and if the owner is legitimate. No more pulling into a seedy hotel on the side of the road with a disheveled front desk worker you worry may stab you in the middle of the night.
If you’re looking to make your vacation experience unique and more comfortable, scrap the hotel reservation and book yourself an Airbnb.
Jasmine’s Take:
As vacation rentals rise in popularity, some people develop the unfounded belief that Airbnb is the future of hospitality and that hotels will meet their demise.
This is simply not true. Hotels will always be the dominant form of hospitality because a natural limit exists on the number of Airbnbs in any given area. Airbnbs take up far more space than hotel rooms, usually being an entire house or apartment, and there will never be enough houses in a city to accommodate every traveler.
That’s why hotels exist — they’re small and convenient, offering a reliable experience superior to Airbnbs.
Particularly in big cities, hotels are ideal for business travelers and vacationers alike. Being close to downtown for conferences, meetings and sightseeing is crucial. However, reserving a house will require you to stay further away. This is a dealbreaker if you’re traveling without a car or want to be immersed in the city’s culture.
Airbnb recognizes that hotels are the most efficient accommodation in metro areas, as the company has built several hotel-like buildings in Nashville, Orlando and other cities, according to Boston Hospitality Review. Make no mistake: Airbnb may own these enterprises, but they are the same as hotels.
Airbnb’s other solution in cities is renting out apartment units — essentially, a worse version of the hotel experience. Walking into unfamiliar apartment buildings is unpleasant and disrupts neighbors. No one wants random travelers staying next door to them every night.
This problem is equally prevalent in small towns. I once lived near several houses converted into Airbnbs, and neighbors were constantly annoyed by loud and rowdy travelers. Many cities have implemented ordinances restricting the number of Airbnbs as a result.
Airbnbs are good in some situations, but hotels always hold the upper hand.
Leo’s Response:
Efficiency is the curse of our modern world. Vacations are meant for making memories, and staying in a cookie-cutter hotel room is a forgettable foundation for any trip away from home.
Sure, hotels may be more reliable and streamlined, but isn’t travel about new experiences?
While hotels may offer amenities like pools and fitness centers, they often fail to stack up against the amenities of Airbnbs. Unless the hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, their amenities feel more like gimmicks than ways to actually make a stay more comfortable or relaxing.
Having stayed in Airbnbs in Oregon, San Francisco and the Smoky Mountains, I’ve been treated to full kitchens, backyards and even outdoor hot tubs. The amenities aren’t always consistent, but they’re far more interesting and valuable than a rack of free weights and a few crummy exercise machines.
There’s no denying the superiority of Airbnbs for larger groups. Instead of packing family members into tiny, separate hotel rooms, you can rent out a large house where everyone can interact and come together for a family gathering.
During my first year at the University of Minnesota, my parents rented an Airbnb in Prospect Park during parents’ weekend. We were able to come together as a family in a way a hotel would not provide, as we cooked dinner and watched a movie on comfy couches in our living room.
My family had a slightly longer drive to campus, but it was well worth the added comfort and much-needed reprieve from the stresses of dorm life.
If “sterile” and “cramped” are adjectives you like to describe a vacation, look no further than a hotel. But if you want to get the most out of your travel experience, get an Airbnb.
Jasmine’s Response:
Although many hotels are cookie-cutter copies, others are incredibly unique, and reliability and familiarity are often a benefit rather than a downside.
Hotels balance a comfortable system in a wide variety of buildings and locations, from historic skyscrapers to rustic lodges. If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience, options are always available, but you’ll still know what to expect.
Plus, hotels offer special amenities like pools and fitness centers that are rare at Airbnbs. Many room varieties exist, from cost-efficient singles to suites with kitchens.
Many people, especially solo travelers, do not want the uncertainty of staying at random houses. Hotels have staff on-site 24/7 to support you, while Airbnb owners usually live elsewhere.
Hotels allow you to read reviews and judge safety just like Airbnbs. However, the lower frequency of Airbnb guests makes safety harder to measure.
I’ve personally had my privacy violated at an Airbnb with perfect reviews. The hosts discreetly set up cameras facing every door to monitor guests coming and going. Other people have experienced much worse.
And yes, driving up to a random roadside motel for last-minute accommodations does not always feel safe. However, if you show up at an Airbnb last minute without a reservation, you will never be successful. You would probably be arrested for trespassing.
