Remember the days when one of the best money-saving travel tips was booking an Airbnb ABNB versus a hotel? Not only were nightly rates almost always far cheaper, but the Airbnbs and hosts themselves often shaped up to be the most memorable aspects of a trip.
These days, staying at an Airbnb rarely involves big savings or friendships with the hosts. For better or for worse, features like self-check-in make it so hosts and guests never even meet. Meanwhile, many listings are not managed by owners, but by corporate property management behemoths — without the convenience of on-site, full-time staff.
Length of the trip For short stays, Airbnbs are rarely a good deal for two reasons: discounts and cleaning fees. Another reason is cleaning fees. While not all listings have them, the median cleaning fee is $75, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. Since it’s a one-time fee, the cost is reduced by longer stays. A $75 cleaning fee stings more on a one-night stay versus a three-week stay, where it would amount to only about $3.50 per day. Since hotels typically don’t have cleaning fees, travelers staying a night or two might be better off with a hotel if Airbnb cleaning fees are steep.
Transportation: Does the hotel charge for parking? Is there a free airport shuttle? Is the hotel downtown and walkable, whereas your Airbnb might necessitate a rental car? Other amenities: Does your Airbnb include laundry? Are daily activities included with your hotel, making it so you can skip paying for other entertainment if you’ll spend all day at the pool?
For a short stay. If I’m on vacation for a week it’s Airbnb or Vrbo. Almost always it’s a nicer place for a cheaper price.
Always.
Always (99%)
Always