Picture this. You’re planning a super fun vacation and there’s one thing on your mind. Should you book a plush hotel or a spacious Airbnb? Which one would serve your purpose and end up being cheaper? Well, Airbnb are privately owned accommodations run by Airbnb hosts. Their revenue collection model works on the fees collected from the host and the guest during booking. So are they cheaper than hotels? Well, read on to know which one should you choose depending on your travel preferences.
1. Number Of People Vacationing
When it comes to travelling in a large group, it’s a no brainer to go for Airbnb or any other vacation rentals, they are definitely cheaper. You can share common areas like living rooms, backyards and swimming pools, plus get t spend more time together. Imagine booking separate rooms in a hotel for a larger group. Solo travellers or couples can go either way. Enjoy your privacy in a secluded Airbnb or pamper yourselves with luxuries in a hotel.
Also Read: 6 Tips To Help You Survive Hotel Quarantine
2. Dining Experiences
One of the biggest differences between an Airbnb and a hotel is the dining experience. Airbnbs come with kitchenettes or kitchen, so it’s easier to prepare your own meals. You can save big bucks on dining outside and create beautiful memories preparing your own food and sharing them with your loved ones. This ends up being cheaper especially if you’re staying in major cities like Las Vegas where a simple meal can cost you around ₹1904 per person. Meanwhile, if you look forward to plush dining experiences, then staying in a hotel with numerous in-house restaurants would be a better option for you.
Also Read: 5 Hacks To Book Luxury Hotels At Cheaper Rates & Save Money
3. Flexibility In Costs
Hotel rates are set in stone. They are non-negotiable, no matter how many puppy dog faces you make at the reception, or cry in front of your laptop screen. The good news is that there is a wiggle room when it comes to vacation rentals. You can talk to the Airbnb hosts before you actually book the property. Especially during offseason time and in places where rentals have a lot of competition, you can ask the hosts to lower the rate just a wee bit. They may rent it for a little less.
Also Read: 5 Hacks To Book Luxury Hotels At Cheaper Rates & Save Money
4. How Long You’re Staying For
The duration of your stay plays a huge role in determining the cost of your vacation. If you’re staying in a city for just a night, it would be cheaper to book a hotel. If the hotel offers free airport shuttles then you must definitely opt for it. But when it comes to longer trips then Airbnbs have an advantage over hotels. In Airbnbs you have to pay the rental fees irrespective of the duration of your stay. So it would make sense to stay in an Airbnb for a longer vacation, even talk to the host for a good discount and enjoy the benefits of having a comfortable space to stay in.
Also Read: 5 Smart Ways To Detect Hidden Cameras In Airbnbs, Homestays & Other Hotel Rooms
5. Extra Perks
If complimentary breakfasts, lavish buffets, impeccable room service, spa, fitness centres, infinity pools make you drool. Then, close your eyes and book a hotel. It’s no doubt that hotels offer you extra perks like free breakfasts, endless coffee, shuttle services to the 24-hour concierge. While all the amenities aren’t free, if you desire the extra perks, you might find it worth paying for. Airbnb Luxe offers high-end rentals like airport pick-ups, childcare and private massages. But they don’t come cheap. But we’d still say, that when it comes to extra perks, you can gravitate to hotels over Airbnbs.
So, are Airbnbs cheaper than Hotels? Well, as we said in the beginning, it all depends on your travel preferences. Know your priorities and choose well.