Everyone has different travel needs and desires. Some people want to be completely pampered, not doing anything for themselves, and others want their own space to do things their way.

When choosing between renting an Airbnb vs. a hotel room, you should consider what you want from your trip and which will provide the most budget-friendly option.

Airbnb vs. Hotels: What’s the Main Difference?

Airbnb rentals and hotels are both short-term rentals that provide a comfortable place to lay your head at night. But the similarities end there.

The main differences include:

• Accommodation type: Airbnb rentals are often homes or larger spaces than a hotel room.
  They may be in a building with other units, or a separate unit.
  You'll typically get much more room with an Airbnb, including a living room, multiple bedrooms, and a kitchen.
  A hotel may only offer a sleeping area and possibly a separate TV or living area or a small kitchenette.
• Quality: Hotels are much more supervised than Airbnb rentals, so you have a better chance of getting higher-quality accommodations and service.
  Hotels often have staff available 24/7, whereas, with an Airbnb, you're at the mercy of the owner's availability if there is a problem with the unit.
• Loyalty program: Most hotels have a loyalty program or belong to a credit card’s points program, allowing you to earn free hotel stays if you frequent hotels.
  On the other hand, Airbnb rentals typically don't have any type of reward system or discounts like you might find at certain hotel chains.

What to Consider When Choosing an Airbnb vs. Hotel

When considering whether you need hotel amenities or would benefit more from one of the home-sharing platforms, consider these factors:

• Group size: Renting an Airbnb is almost always preferred if you have a large group.
  You can all stay in the same house and have separate bedrooms, versus being at the mercy of the hotel giving you rooms near one another and still not getting the same 'homey' feeling of being together.
• Transportation: Many hotels offer free transportation via bus or shuttle to certain local tourist attractions.
  A hotel may be preferable if you need transportation because you didn't drive or rent a car.
• Food needs: Will someone cook on your trip or will you need around-the-clock room service or nearby restaurants? If you have a cook in the group and don't mind grocery shopping, an Airbnb offers great accommodations, but if you need readily available food or room service, a hotel is better.
• Amenities: Decide what amenities your group needs to make the trip the most desirable.
  For example, do you need a pool, laundry, or daily activities? What about WIFI, parking, or other services? You’ll typically find more amenities with hotels than Airbnb rentals. 
• Safety: You may get more peace of mind staying at a hotel than at an Airbnb because hotels often have round-the-clock security guards and locked doors that require a hotel key.
  You don't get the same level of security at an Airbnb and are at the mercy of the owner's legitimacy. 

The Pros and Cons

Like any decision, weighing the pros and cons of Airbnb vs. hotels is important. Here's what to consider.

Pros of Airbnb

Airbnb rentals offer many benefits, especially for larger groups or if you’re looking for more area to spread out, especially outdoors. 

• Offers more comfort for long-term stays
• Offers more space
• You may find unique accommodations or amenities
• Allows you the option to cook 

Pros of Hotels

Hotels provide an air of luxury you don’t get when staying at a residence. You don’t get room service or the pampering many hotels offer.

• Provides a luxurious experience
• Has 24/7 customer service and concierge service
• May be safer with ongoing security
• Offers transportation 

Cons of Airbnb

As much as an Airbnb offers many benefits, there are some downsides to consider, especially the inability to get a hold of the owner when something is wrong. If it’s urgent, it could be a major downside or even risk to your safety.

• May not offer any amenities
• Can be difficult to get service if anything is wrong
• No loyalty points or cash-back offers

Cons of Hotels

Hotels have many benefits, but there's the downside of sharing space with hundreds of people you don't know.  Plus, there's no guarantee a hotel will be clean.               

• You must share space with strangers
• Lack of outdoor space for kids or pets
• May not offer kitchen space adequate for cooking

How to Choose

How do you choose between an Airbnb and a hotel? Consider the following questions:

• How large is your group? 
• How much space do you need?
• Do you want to be independent or have services at your disposal?
• Do you need amenities like pools, laundry services, or on-site restaurants?
• Do you belong to a loyalty club?
• Are you concerned about security?

Big groups

Usually, larger groups who want to do their own cooking, don't need transportation services, and don't care about amenities do best with Airbnb rentals.

They get the needed space without worrying about hotel staff breathing down their necks.

Small groups

Smaller groups or anyone looking for a more luxurious stay with amenities at their disposal may prefer a hotel stay, as would anyone who belongs to a loyalty program that wants to take advantage of free stays.

Choose wisely

The bottom line is that it comes down to your travel budget and the amount of space you desire.

If you choose an Airbnb, be sure to do your research and only choose legitimate places with good reviews to ensure you have a good and safe vacation!