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AirBnB has become an enormous disruptor in the hospitality space – for better or worse. The company was founded by two guys renting out air mattresses in San Francisco and turned that into a travel revolution. With a market cap of over 70 billion dollars, it is the premier platform for unique travel experiences. I have stayed at a few AirBnBs and wanted to talk about the pros and cons of AirBnB from my experiences.
In This Post
Pros of AirBnB
First, the platform itself is BEAUTIFUL! UX nerds like me love this stuff. I strongly encourage visiting AirBnB.com if you have never been to the site. The platform has now extended from renting homes to experiences and now restaurant reservations!
Here are just a few pros I have found to using AirBnB throughout my travels.
Local Flavor
In cultured areas, homes tend to reflect the place they are in. Many standard hotel rooms tend to be very cookie-cutter. AirBnB’s can be plain Jane or unbelievable one-of-a-kind experiences.
Hospitable Hosts
Hosts can be incredibly hospitable. I’ve had my host make us breakfast and coffee in the morning! Or they’ll leave baked goods for you to enjoy or extra supplies to make your own meals.
Insider Knowledge
Hosts have great knowledge of the area. Best restaurants, activities, etc. Think of them as your own personal concierge about the local area. Listen to the We Travel There podcast for the best things to do in cities around the world.
Flexibility & Communication
Many times, hosts are open to texting back and forth with you regarding questions you may have. Whether it be a late check-in, a prolonged stay, or issues with your unit.
Customer service
Just like hotels, AirBnBs have not-so-perfect experiences too. In my experience, its customer service has been incredibly helpful in answering my questions and addressing my needs.
Value For Your Money
It was founded on the premise of saving people money. I’ve stayed in homes that cost $25 compared to basic hotel rooms at $200+. If you just need a bed to sleep in, this can be a great way to save money!
Save Money On Food
Most AirBnB rentals include a kitchen, unlike a majority of hotel rooms. You can grab some groceries from a local market. Then, save money on food while traveling by cooking a few meals in the kitchen instead of eating out the entire vacation.
Cons of AirBnB
While AirBnB has been a revolutionary company, it has negatives as well. Here are just a few cons I have heard about/experienced.
Fees & Required Minimum Stays
While the service promotes flexibility and affordability, sometimes it does fall away from that. Here is an example below.
This apartment in Salt Lake City stays it is $85/night. Not bad, right?
However, when I go to book, I find that there is a required one-night stay. If I were needing just a one-night stay, I would have to look at a new place.
Even if I were looking for a two-night stay, my final price all of a sudden jumps to $214. A 26% increase from the per-night rate!
In my eyes, the service feeis very similar to a “resort fee”. This is definitely my leastfavorite part of the platform. Very deceptive.
Lack Of Privacy
Privacy can be limited if you share a home with the host. Of course, renting a room from someone is why you’re saving money. But you have to ask yourself if it is worth it. There have been some very public horror stories with hosts, so be careful out there.
Where Are My Points?
Of course, for points and miles enthusiasts, there isn’t a co-branded AirBnB credit card. However, many credit cards do categorize AirBnB charges as “hotels” or “travel”, so you can take advantage there! With travel credit cards, these charges often earn bonus points and may be eligible to use with annual credits.
And there aren’t any loyalty programs with AirBnB. You won’t get better accommodations, free upgrades, or benefits through status like you would with a hotel chain.
Disruption (For The Worse)
Working in the Silicon Slopes (Utah’s version of Silicon Valley), I taste disruption every day. On my most recent Delta flight, I came across the BBC series Secrets of Silicon Valley. I highly recommend it!
I won’t give away too much, but there is a portion highlighting the AirBnB website in Europe. Let’s just say the results aren’t very good.
The Bald Thoughts
For those looking for a unique experience or to cut costs, AirBnB is a great alternative instead of a hotel. But you need to weigh the pros and cons of AirBnB versus staying at a hotel. Have you used AirBnB recently? What was your experience like?
Let’s hear it in the comments!
This article originally appeared on BaldThoughts.com on February 8, 2018.
