Why Booking Hotels May Be Better Than Airbnb
Part 1
Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel, offering unique accommodations and experiences that traditional hotels often can't match. However, after years of using the platform, especially our experience from our Philippines and Thailand trips, we decided to stop booking or reduce booking as much as possible through Airbnb.
For example, we have a month-long trip coming up to Malaysia and Maldives and this is the first time we don’t have a single Airbnb booking. Here are our main reasons behind our decision:
1. Increasing Costs
When Airbnb first emerged, it was known for providing affordable alternatives to hotels. Over time, however, the cost of Airbnb rentals has risen significantly. Service fees, cleaning fees, and other hidden charges often make the total cost comparable to, or even higher than, hotel prices. This shift has made Airbnb less appealing for budget-conscious travelers. We noticed for our Malaysia and Maldives trip, Airbnbs had higher prices than hotels (and no breakfasts were included).
2. Safety Concerns
This was our priority issue. Staying in someone else's home can sometimes raise safety concerns. While Airbnb has measures in place to ensure safety, we've had experiences where the security of the property was questionable. Issues like faulty locks, lack of emergency exits, and unfamiliar neighborhoods have made us reconsider the safety of Airbnb accommodations.
I remember we had a two-storey unit in Boracay (in general Boracay is very safe for tourists), but at night we didn’t feel safe at all. Although the host stated there was security at night, we never saw anyone around.
3. Host Reliability
The relationship between guests and hosts is crucial to the Airbnb experience. Unfortunately, we've faced situations where hosts were unresponsive, canceled bookings at the last minute, or failed to address issues during our stay. This lack of reliability can lead to stressful and unpleasant travel experiences.
In one instance, when we went to check in the attendant disappeared and we had to hunt down the owner on WhatsApp to arrange our check-in. In another situation, we had to wait a long time in a condo reception area and the attendant never showed up, so the condo concierge had to hunt them down.
4. Local Regulations
Many cities around the world have implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals, including Airbnbs. These regulations can lead to legal complications and fines for both hosts and guests. Navigating these rules has become increasingly complex, making traditional hotels a more straightforward option.
5. Impact on Local Communities
Airbnb has been criticized for contributing to housing shortages and rising rent prices in popular tourist destinations. By opting for hotels, we feel we're making a more responsible choice that supports local economies without exacerbating housing issues.
6. No One to Help Around the Clock
This is my personal preference; I like seeing someone always available at hotel desks. When I enter or exit hotels, or in case of an emergency, there is always someone available to help. This is a must—especially if you have late-night flights. As with Airbnb, you might worry during your long flight if someone is available to let you in in the middle of the night or if you have to leave very early to catch a flight.
Conclusion
While Airbnb offers unique and memorable stays, the increasing costs, inconsistent quality, safety concerns, host reliability issues, local regulations, and impact on communities have led us to reconsider our use of the platform. For now, we find that traditional hotels provide a more reliable and stress-free travel experience.
