What to consider when choosing an Airbnb vs a hotel

Accommodation is one of the most crucial parts of any trip. Choosing where to stay can impact not only your travel budget but also your overall experience in your destination. Do you want somewhere convenient and a stone’s throw away from major sights or somewhere secluded for ultimate privacy? Are you eyeing a high-end hotel with all the trimmings or a cosy cottage in the countryside? Just like all travellers are different, accommodation options vary, too. And for many travellers, that can come down to choosing between an Airbnb vs a hotel.

This guide provides some things to consider, including the differences between the two types of accommodation and how individual preferences and priorities can influence your choice.

The differences between an Airbnb and a hotel

When it comes to holiday accommodation, there are those who swear by Airbnb, and those who won’t think twice about booking a hotel. There are pros and cons to both Airbnbs and hotels, so we’ll break down what you can expect from both.

Airbnbs are typically privately owned and operated properties, offering a range of options from individual rooms to entire homes. These rentals are managed by hosts who are responsible for handling reservations, guest communication and the property’s upkeep. You’ll usually interact directly with the owner or host, creating a personalised experience. Airbnb gives you access to unique types of accommodation, like treehouses, glamping tents or houseboats – though you can enjoy cosy cottages, large city apartments or suburban houses, too.

Hotels often belong to larger chains, though some smaller boutique hotels are independently owned. Typically, you’ll reserve a room within a larger complex, which may include shared amenities like restaurants, bars and swimming pools. Many globally recognised hotel brands offer consistent levels of service and quality, regardless of location. Many hotels are associated with loyalty programs, so you may enjoy additional benefits like upgrades, late check-out or welcome gifts.

Below, we’ll cover some things to consider when choosing between an Airbnb or a hotel.

Group size

The size of your group and the relationship between your travel companions can influence your choice of an Airbnb or a hotel. Families can often book an entire Airbnb property with multiple rooms, a lounge area and a full kitchen, giving you the convenience of a home while maintaining privacy from other holidaymakers. It’s a similar scenario when travelling as a group of friends, where each person enjoys the space of their own room.

On the other hand, hotels and resorts can be great for families too, with many offering programs and events catering to kids and teens. But depending on the type of getaway you’re after, a hotel can be an ideal pick for couples or solo travellers. That’s because most hotel rooms accommodate a maximum of two people. Many hotel amenities, like restaurants, spas and gyms, are the perfect pastime for smaller groups. Though if you’re a family or large group, don’t discount the option of adjoining rooms, or hotel rooms with multiple bedrooms.

Price of an Airbnb vs. a hotel

There are a lot of variables that influence the price of an Airbnb versus a hotel. These include:

• Location. Convenience to major attractions, distance to public transport.
• Size. For instance, a six-person Airbnb versus a two-person hotel room.
• Property type. A spacious apartment or luxury villa on Airbnb can be more expensive than a standard hotel room. On the opposite end of the scale, a budget-friendly room on Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel. Similarly, hotels have luxury and budget options too.
• Length of stay. Longer Airbnb stays can sometimes include a discount, while hotels may offer weekly or monthly rates. But, for shorter stays of a few nights, hotels may have more competitive prices.
• Other amenities. Airbnbs or hotels that have swimming pools, gyms, free parking, etc.

Overall, it’s impossible to say whether an Airbnb or hotel will be cheaper for your individual preferences, as several factors can influence the cost.

Safety in an Airbnb vs. hotel

As a global platform for accommodation rentals, Airbnb prides itself on its security measures. Before listings are approved, hosts undergo thorough screening processes. Guests are encouraged to leave reviews on their experience, which can help you determine the safety of an Airbnb listing. The platform also has a responsive customer service team that quickly addresses any violations. Plus, all Airbnb bookings include AirCover, which provides coverage for host cancellations, inaccurate listings and more.

Similarly, hotels have their own safety measures in place. Some offer a 24-hour reception, and most require guests to swipe their keycard to access the hotel after-hours. For some travellers, knowing that there are other guests nearby in hotels, or that public spaces often have security cameras, can provide peace of mind.

Overall, both Airbnb and hotels prioritise the safety of their guests, though the approaches can be different. The choice between the two depends on your priorities and personal preferences.

Quality

Generally, hotels offer a consistent level of service and quality across their brands. You’ll often know what to expect in terms of amenities, cleanliness, staff availability and responsiveness, and the overall experience, which can be reassuring for travellers seeking predictability. If you hold status with a particular hotel chain, you may also enjoy extra benefits like upgrades, late check-out or welcome gifts, which can further enhance the overall quality of your experience.

Of course, hotels can vary significantly in terms of quality, with factors like affordability, location and service coming into play. With that being said, it’s entirely possible to have a high-quality experience at a budget hotel, and a poor experience at a high-end hotel. Quality is subjective, and the perceived value of your accommodation is based on your own preferences.

Much like hotels, the quality of an Airbnb can vary depending on several factors. Given that Airbnb properties are managed by individual hosts rather than an overarching brand, the standards can be far less predictable than hotels. But the platform, and those that list properties on it, will at least uphold the basic standards of comfort and cleanliness. Some Airbnbs can provide more amenities than a hotel, and may be better located. Likewise, a hotel could have an excellent reputation, but not meet the needs of your particular trip.

Quality, price and reputation aren’t mutually exclusive. As with all aspects in this guide, the perceived value of an Airbnb vs a hotel depends on what you value most during your trip.

Earning rewards from Airbnb and hotel stays

Regardless of which accommodation type you choose, there are ways to earn points and other rewards from your stays.

When booking an Airbnb via Qantas Hotels, you’ll earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent. There’s also 500 bonus Qantas Points on offer for your first Airbnb booking via Qantas Hotels. Note that to earn Qantas Points on Airbnb bookings, you must book via Qantas Hotels – bookings made directly on the Airbnb platform are ineligible.

Alternatively, you could book your stay directly on the Airbnb website and take advantage of a gift card promotion to earn points from your Airbnb stay. We cover more on how to do that here.

If you’re eyeing a hotel, you’ll earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when booking via Qantas Hotels. Regular promotions can net you up to 9 Qantas Points per $1, or more as a Qantas Points Club member.

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn 3 Velocity Points per $1 spent on hotel bookings made via its partner Rocket Travel.

If you’re using a third-party booking site or OTA, major brands like Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com each have their own loyalty programs with perks and rewards.

Boost your points-earning potential with a credit card!

Summing up

Choosing between an Airbnb vs a hotel depends on your priorities. For groups, an Airbnb can be cost-effective and provide more space. It’s a similar scenario for families depending on what they value, as hotels can also have some excellent child-friendly facilities. Couples may prefer a secluded Airbnb villa, or a swanky high-end hotel with all the trimmings.

Ultimately, the four factors we’ve covered – group size, quality, price and safety – are just a handful of things to consider when choosing whether to stay at a hotel or an Airbnb.

Do you have a preference of accommodation when you travel? Let us know in the comments below.

Also read: Where can you earn the most points at hotels in Australia?

Featured image: Jeffrey Francisco, Unsplash.