Unlike some frequent travelers, we’re not obsessed with hotel loyalty programs. Each trip is a case by case basis for where to stay. Sometimes a major chain is the best answer, sometimes a local boutique and other times – a cozy apartment or villa. Lately, Airbnb has won, with incredible options at tempting prices, in the places we frequent most. It’s high time we explained why the company has had such a profound impact on our travels, with at least ten reasons we think they’re worth a try for your next trip.
Airbnb offers an easy referral program much like the Uber program you’ve probably already signed up for. When you register using this link, you’ll get $40 off your first stay. It even works on one night stays! You can then refer friends and get your own Airbnb money when they stay. Free money, yay.
Free Extras
A big theme here is that people hate being nickel and dime’d. Airbnb’s generally always feature free, fast wifi. In addition, many have laundry facilities, Netflix or other time, comfort or money saving perks – like toasters. And there’s no silly 1,2,3 or 4 device limits either!
It’s so much harder to fake a good Airbnb than a great hotel. Only people who have actually paid and stayed at a given Airbnb can review it. This prevents fake reviews and leaves people with a real sense of what the pros and cons of any property are like. If you see a place with 20 perfect reviews, you can pretty much trust em’.
Locale
With Airbnb, you’re pretty much guaranteed that there will be a place somewhere near exactly where you want to be. Perhaps a friend lives in a certain part of town, or you want to be near a stadium, museum – whatever. There’s generally more location flexibility with Airbnb, which can make a huge difference in transit costs.
In a perfect world, everyone would be able to travel. But in the real world, dropping $1000 for accommodations in one go is tricky. Airbnb recently launched a feature allowing guests to split their purchases. You can pay half now, half later. In addition, you can easily split each night with friends, only paying your share.
Kitchen
You’ve gotta eat whether you’re home or traveling – but eating out gets expensive. With an Airbnb, you generally have access to a kitchen, allowing you to buy in food for breakfast, dinner or just a mid afternoon snack. With less hotels offering free breakfast than ever before, this is a valuable way to save each and every day.
It may not be true of every property, but many Airbnb’s are run by people who are proud of their city, beach or wherever they are. These people are often willing and happy to assist with recommendations, tips and insider info to make the most of your trip. We’ve had some of the best travel experiences of our life from Airbnb host recommendations.
Savings
Savings aren’t guaranteed, but in many cities, they practically are. A recent study showed Airbnb’s to be up to $127 cheaper per night than a hotel at a similar level. Which begs the question: what would you do with an extra $127 a day in your travel pocket? You don’t actually have to answer.
Extra Beds
Hotels love to place tight maximum occupancy restrictions on rooms. Now, that’s not to say you’d want to fit six people into one king bed anyway – but it’s true. Airbnb often offers far more flexibility, with pull out couches and depending on property, an allowance for more guests.
Terroir
We love the term “un tourist”. Staying in Airbnb’s is an excellent way to find where you’d fit into daily life in a new place. Seeing neighbors, neighborhoods and the styles of a certain city through the eyes of an apartment is a very cool way to feel closer to any destination. Terroir is a term usually associated with wine, but it definitely counts here.
Have you used Airbnb? What’s your opinion?
I totally agree with your article. Wherever I go I’d generally compare hotel vs. Airbnb. If the price are very similar or if a hotel is only slightly more expensive then I’d go with the hotel because of my loyalty programs. But sometimes hotels are ridiculously expensive and that’s when I’d go with Airbnb. I don’t really cook so the kitchen is very little use to me but I definitely see the value especially if you’re traveling with people.
not all reviews are posted and not all stays are great. i ended up in the emergency room after falling on a loose step in a dodgy airbnb and fracturing my foot. i had to pay medical bills. the owner posted untrue reviews of me while i posted honest review. i believe both were removed due to the dispute
after multiple airbnb stays in europe – some good. others blah and this awful one i’m not quite the airbnb fan.
on my last trip to london it was cheaper to stay in hotel than airbnb flat.
airbnb is good so that more people have access to travel with options for all budgets but it isn’t for everyone imo