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Sep 28, 2023

An argument for and against Airbnb

As summer quickly approaches it is time to begin thinking about vacation plans.

As summer quickly approaches it is time to begin thinking about vacation plans. Since the advent of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, the debate between these modern sites and hotels has run strong, with valid pros and cons for both sides. Between privacy concerns, added fees, and accommodation variations, each option has points worth considering.

Before online personal vacation rental platforms became popular, the argument between hotels and motels was the most relevant discussion when considering what to book. Hotels come at a wide variety of price points, many of which offer daily cleaning options, gym and pool amenities, and if you are so lucky, a complimentary continental breakfast. Motels offer fewer amenities and less security but come at a much more accessible price point. Other than a simple mini fridge and sink, most hotel and motel rooms do not come with a kitchen or multiple connecting rooms. I have found that these types of stays are pleasant for short weekend trips or for smaller groups and families, but what is one to do when planning a large group vacation? This issue is one of several gaps that Airbnb's fills.

My experience with Airbnb has been mostly pleasant, with only a few stays leaving me feeling as though the space fell short of what was promised online. Airbnb's are typically owned by families or individuals, as opposed to large corporations like hotels. Renters may book a single room within a home, which would then be shared by multiple strangers, or they can opt to book an entire house, making their stay private. While never having booked a single room, I have stayed in several whole-house bookings. This option comes in handy when traveling with large groups, or when staying for a long period of time. It is expected that any Airbnb advertising a kitchen comes stocked with at least a minimal selection of cooking supplies. This could include a stove, microwave, pots, pans, silverware, plates, and more. Other items like towels and hand soap are expected to be fully stocked as well. This all sounds great until you show up to find that these necessary items are missing, broken, or dirty.

Ideally, if all is as advertised online, Airbnb can be a great option for large groups, remote areas, or unique stays, but there is inherent risk when booking a home through Airbnb or other similar platforms. While hotels have a professional cleaning crew on staff, Airbnb hosts either clean the place themselves, to their own standard or hire a third-party crew. This method is less standardized and can promote huge cleaning fees. Airbnb also allows hosts to make cleaning requirements like stripping the sheets and starting the laundry before check-out, or putting the garbage on the curb. Of course, not everyone minds having to make these contributions but having to do these tasks while paying a large cleaning fee can be frustrating to some.

It is important to note that Airbnb guests can anonymously rate their hosts, and hosts can anonymously rate their guests after a stay, which encourages cooperation from guests and accommodation from hosts. I do however see the standardization of the hotel experience as a big positive. You generally know what you are going to get from place to place, especially if you book with the same hotel group each time you go to a different city. That being said, there is a place for Airbnb or equivalent stays. On trips where traveling with a large group, or for a long time, it is nice to have multiple bedrooms and a kitchen. Next time you book a vacation, I encourage you to consider these varying options to best decide what is right for you.