By no means do I consider myself an expert in determining the quality and value of Air BnBs. However, I have had my fair share of experiences staying at Air BnBs in different countries, including the United States. With that being said, my recommendation on Air BnBs is half-and-half.
The first time we utilized Air BnB was in Iceland. We were able to rent an entire apartment for less than it would have cost to book a hotel for the duration of our stay. Our Air BnB also included a full-sized kitchen as well as a washer and dryer. Not to mention, the apartment was located in the middle of downtown Reykjavik – this made us feel as if we were actual locals experiencing the city first-hand.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when determining whether to book with Air BnB:
Advantages: full-sized kitchen (limits eating out, reduces spending), washer and dryer (limits size of luggage), privacy (for entire apartments), location (choose places closet to sites you want to visit), usually cheaper, homey feel (not living out of a suitcase)
Disadvantages: breakfast is not included, privacy (sometimes only single rooms are available), no parking, eating in doesn’t help you experience local culture, missing accommodations, issues not resolved in a timely manner, pictures online are misleading, dirty, dealing with a person versus a company (reliability), having to clean up after yourself
While our stay at an Air BnB in Iceland was perfect for our needs, we weren’t so lucky with our selection in places during our stay in Scotland. The first Air BnB we stayed at, the heater and water-heater broke on the day of our arrival. Our host was super nice and refunded our full amount the same day; thankfully we found a cheaper hotel too. The second Air BnB though, was an absolute nightmare; and we paid a fortune for it too. Despite our research, the host lied about its location in relation to downtown Edinburgh and it took us forever to find it – address was not showing on Google Maps. Not to mention that the place was disgusting and covered in mold. When we contacted Customer Service at Air BnB, they told us there was nothing that could be done since we didn’t complain during our stay.
Unfortunately, our experiences with Air BnB in Scotland left us with a bad taste in regarding Air BnB as a whole. For our next trip, we opted to stick with hotels instead of venturing out and putting our faith in someone else’s home. While we have no future plans to utilize Air BnB again, some people swear by it as the best alternative when traveling. To each their own!
The majority of our travels overseas and around the United States have been spent in-and-out of hotels. Based on my collective travels and fair share of hotel-living, without a doubt, I would definitely recommend staying in a Hotel versus an Air BnB. While staying in an Air BnB has many advantages, the type A side of me sides with the safety and comfort of staying in a hotel versus renting out someone’s house (or room).
Now, this isn’t a disclaimer to say that I would never consider using Air BnB again – I do make it a point to check places and prices prior to booking a hotel. I’ve definitely had my fair share of crummy hotels that have scared me into rethinking my decision to travel. One hotel in Italy, in particular, was just as disgusting as the second Air BnB we stayed at in Scotland. Keep in mind that not all hotels have to meet the same standards or expectations we may be used to in the United States. I would compare that specific hotel to a Motel 8 in the US; cheap and clean enough to pass inspections. We also had a bizarre hotel experience in Iceland who charged us extra for having two guests, even though we were sharing a bed.
In other words, even hotels have their advantages and disadvantages that may also make you rethink your life choices:
Advantages: safe and secure (need a specific key card to enter), always staffed (immediate assistance), parking usually included (also secure), breakfast (if you choose one that is included), dealing with a company versus a person (can complain if need be), endless hot water, clean sheets (daily), room service, accommodations, concierge, free coffee in the morning, hotel restaurant(s)
Disadvantages: small, noise (immediate neighbors), less accommodations (i.e. laundry, fridge, microwave, television, ability to cook), sometimes dirty our out-dated, other people’s hair (if not well cleaned), broken or no a/c, uncomfortable bedding and/or pillows, more expensive
Whether you are staying in a hotel or using Air BnB, there will always be a combination of advantages and disadvantages. I have yet to find the perfect accommodation throughout my travels. It’s true when they say, “there’s no place like home.” It’s important to remember that your residence for the duration for your stay is a place to sleep at night, house your stuff while you’re out adventuring, and rest in between sight-seeing. In other words, don’t freak out if it’s not perfect. Learn from your mistakes and make sure you pay better attention during your research next time you book. As long as you make it out alive, that’s all that matters!
Beyond Borders 