10 Reasons To Stop Using Airbnb & 10 Reasons Why It’s Still The Best Way To Travel
To Book Airbnb or Not to Book Airbnb
Incredible lodgings make or break a vacation—you’re either trapped in a lackluster Airbnb with a crabby host, or you stumble upon a local favorite beloved by travelers. You probably have some opinions about the platform but we’re here to break down its pros and cons!
1. It’s Isn’t Always Cheaper
On the surface, Airbnb lodgings may be cheaper, but hidden fees and travel costs can easily spike those prices. Depending on where you are and what you plan to see, you may spend a fortune getting around.
2. Cumbersome Check-In
Some hosts are sticklers about check-in time, making it a pain to deal with. Despite traffic jams or delayed flights, some vacationers experience less than savory hosts who expect strict arrivals.
3. You Have to Cook
Not everyone wants to fend for themselves on vacation. Though a full kitchen is great for some, others aren’t too keen on whipping up meals for a week. Without a hotel’s everyday amenities, vacationers need to get by on their own.
4. Lack of Safety
Hotels have all sorts of safety measures in place—key cards, early check-ins for luggage storage, and security on site give most visitors peace of mind. Airbnbs, on the other hand, are more about local immersion, so don’t expect advanced security.
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5. No Hotel Amenities
Many vacationers consider a hotel’s amenities before booking; they’d love to lounge near an indoor pool or break a sweat in the on-site gym. Airbnbs don’t always have those options. While some don’t mind, it’s an easy dealbreaker for other travelers.
6. Minimum Stay Requirements
Outside of potential travel costs, several Airbnbs require a minimum stay, making it harder to find lodgings for a short period. They’re akin to deceptive resort fees, and it’s not fun to deal with on vacation.
7. Can Feel Intrusive
Those Airbnb commercials make it look so simple—you bunk with a host for a couple nights, see all the local haunts, and go home with great memories. But it’s also easy to feel like an intruder. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time there, you’re still in someone else’s home.
8. Longer Booking Times
Hosts naturally have a lot of control on Airbnb, meaning you’re at their schedule’s mercy. You not only need to make an account to book, but you may not even hear back from a host right away. Booking a hotel is much easier in most cases.
9. Cleaning Rules and Fees
First-timers might not know about Airbnb’s “cleaning fee,” an added cost to keep lodgings tidy. Depending on where you stay, the price of your room can skyrocket. You’re also expected to follow cleaning rules—it seems common on the surface, but it actually makes packing up more cumbersome.
10. No Points System
Frequent fliers love collecting Air Miles or Aeroplan points, but likely won’t have the option through Airbnb (unless you grab a gift card). More importantly, you can use points to save on hotels or nab upgrades, whereas Airbnb doesn’t necessarily have that option.
The good news is that Airbnb is still an amazing route for offbeat travelers. Let’s dive into a few reasons they’re still a good place to book.
1. The Hosts are Great
It’s a little hit-and-miss with hosts, but most are phenomenal. They know all the best local restaurants, speak the language, and are more than happy to guide you around. In some cases, you may just make a new friend.
2. Remote Locations
Not everyone wants to book a busy hotel room. Sometimes the only way to immerse yourself in the culture is to set up camp remotely, which is exactly what Airbnb offers. You can stay in little villages or wake up to idyllic views outside of the city.
3. More Space Available
Hotel rooms are nice, but they’re no house. No matter where you stay, you’ll have the option to book entire spaces free of hosts or shared accommodation. Because of this, Airbnb is often an ideal choice for large parties.
4. Local Knowledge
There’s no better person for local knowledge than your host. From small businesses to authentic dining, they’ll direct you to legitimate tourist spots. They’ll also know about seedy areas to stay away from.
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5. Immersive Experience
Airbnbs put you right in the action—you’re nestled in the outskirts of town, have access to insider knowledge, and might even pick up the language. Booking local immerses you in ways a hotel never could.
6. Generally Honest Reviews
Like any platform, Airbnb’s fallen victim to phony reviews, but most remain genuine. Combing through commenter profiles helps weed out reviews from friends and family, but diligent research will guide you to the right booking.
7. Bring Your Furry Friends
Though some hotels are dog-friendly, many turn away your fur baby. Airbnb doesn’t. Feel free to pack Fido along for the ride, and rest easy knowing there’s a cozy dog bed waiting. (Just make sure you check with the host beforehand, regardless of what the listing reads.)
8. Unique Lodgings
Hotels may have interesting amenities, but they’re nothing compared to Airbnb’s peculiarities. Cabins and treehouses, cottages and tiny homes—all await adventurous travelers. In fact, those unique lodgings often have the longest waitlist.
9. Support Local Businesses
When you book a hotel in the city, you’re usually surrounded by chain restaurants or popular tourist attractions. In an Airbnb, you have a better chance to support the little guy. You can eat in local restaurants or peruse small shops, giving your money to places that truly deserve it.
10. Access to Full Kitchen
Not everyone minds cooking on vacation—many travelers like the cost-cutting solution of preparing their own meals. If you’d rather not eat out every night for a week, you can always utilize the kitchen often found in most Airbnb bookings.
