Airbnb vs VRBO vs Hotels

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Airbnb and VRBO used to be cheaper but now I feel like they are so much more expensive than Hotels. I also am now worried about https://fox17.com/news/local/spring-...-mexico-airbnb

I know people are making money hand over fist buying like 50-100 properties or STR as landlords and the profits are crazy. But with a recession I wonder if that would collapse?

I will say that since we don't stay long trips I'm more a hotel person. It's cheaper.

[bjl584]

I like Airbnb for the simple fact that having a whole house with a kitchen and a backyard is a nice option versus a traditional hotel that forces you to eat out almost every meal.
It's especially nice on longer trips.

Just beware the hidden fees and taxes that are never advertised on the listed price

[disneysteve]

VRBO and hotels are two entirely different things. Which we choose depends on what type of vacation experience we’re looking for.

[rennigade]

If we're staying in one area for a week or so, we almost always rent through VRBO. If it's only for a night or two, hotels. Renting through vrbos allows us to pack light. Couple outfits that we can wash. We also don't mind paying a hair more for a lot more space. Full kitchen also makes things easier. We never cook full meals but simply being able to utilize a stocked kitchen is nice.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Did you guys see that article? does it make you leery of airbnb?

[kork13]

I travel alot for work, so I'm 'Gold' with Hilton, 'Titanium' with Marriott, and 'Platinum' with IHG. I've also used AirBnB & VRBO extensively for almost 2 decades, for everything from 1-night rest stops on a solo road trip to huge family/friend events (20-30+ guests). I've had better & worse experiences, but never anything outrageous like the article discussed. Had she known better, she could have handled that situation differently in many ways, even up to & including Mexico national police getting involved (short answer: always demand a US Embassy representative, especially in a country friendly with the US, and say/offer/accept nothing until you talk to the Embassy). But I've traveled alot, including probably 30-40 countries... And also received a few forms of specialized training that protect me while traveling. So there's definitely risks involved that merit attention.

As others have mentioned, the difference between selecting an STR vs. hotel is normally a factor of availability/location, relative cost, business vs. pleasure, length of stay, and if there's anything particular I'm looking for.

Some trips, AirBnB can be a third the cost of a hotel, and better suited to my needs to boot. Other times, the simplicity, flexibility, and consistency of a hotel are more valuable, and merit paying more. Note: I've almost never been unable to find a STR that wasn't cheaper than area hotels.... Though it's more difficult in big urban cities with alot of tourism & visitor traffic.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I travel alot for work, so I'm 'Gold' with Hilton, 'Titanium' with Marriott, and 'Platinum' with IHG. I've also used AirBnB & VRBO extensively for almost 2 decades, for everything from 1-night rest stops on a solo road trip to huge family/friend events (20-30+ guests). I've had better & worse experiences, but never anything outrageous like the article discussed. Had she known better, she could have handled that situation differently in many ways, even up to & including Mexico national police getting involved (short answer: always demand a US Embassy representative, especially in a country friendly with the US, and say/offer/accept nothing until you talk to the Embassy). But I've traveled alot, including probably 30-40 countries... And also received a few forms of specialized training that protect me while traveling. So there's definitely risks involved that merit attention.

As others have mentioned, the difference between selecting an STR vs. hotel is normally a factor of availability/location, relative cost, business vs. pleasure, length of stay, and if there's anything particular I'm looking for.

Some trips, AirBnB can be a third the cost of a hotel, and better suited to my needs to boot. Other times, the simplicity, flexibility, and consistency of a hotel are more valuable, and merit paying more. Note: I've almost never been unable to find a STR that wasn't cheaper than area hotels.... Though it's more difficult in big urban cities with alot of tourism & visitor traffic.

I've found the STR in Toronto where we are going this August in downtown to be more expensive than a hotel. The taxes and fees seem to make it more

[Fishindude77]

Have done VRBO for family or group vacations numerous times and enjoyed that. Have never stayed in motels for an extended stay, typically no more than 2-3 nights in a row max. and that works out fine.
Not a fan of Airbnb's or bed & breakfast type setups.

[riverwed070707]

Agree with DS, it depends on the location and experience we're looking for. They are completely different. I like AirBnB when we have the kids because its easier/cheaper to get space and privacy than booking multiple hotel rooms or a suite. I also like AirBnB when we're looking for more of a "local" experience vs a tourist one. Example: I'll take a studio apartment in the east village of Manhattan over a hotel room in midtown any day. Often when we travel to other countries (especially non-english speaking ones), airbnb hosts are worth their weight in gold because they can provide transportation, make tour guide recommendations, and even itinerary suggestions for way cheaper than going through a tour company. Sometimes they'll even stock your kitchen for you if you have specific requests and are staying in an area that isn't easy to get around!

All that said, I'm a plantinum marriott member (work travel/event planning) and I haven't paid for a hotel room in a decade so there are definitely times we will stay on points or use upgrades to get a different experience than an airbnb.

ETA: I have had something similar to what was described in the article happen with Airbnb. Not quite to that extent but when we were in Hawaii, I booked a one night stay on the Hilo side of big island. The day of, host said they couldn't accommodate and asked me to cancel. I pushed back and told them they needed to cancel on their end so I wouldn't be subject to cancellation fees. It turned into a dispute but airbnb handled it and I eventually received a refund a few weeks after our trip. I think its just important to know your rights, the booking sites policies and to pick places with good reviews. I would never book a place that didn't have at least a handful of positive reviews, especially in a foreign country.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Is Airbnb different that VRBO? Same thing I feel like.

[kork13]

Is Airbnb different that VRBO? Same thing I feel like.

Both companies provide a similar service, from a customer's standpoint. VRBO has been around alot longer, and AirBnB listings are more restrictive & closely controlled by the company than VRBO. Pricing between them varies (even for an identical listing). I think AirBnB's fees are generally higher, but not always.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I always felt like the placed on vrbo are nicer

[davidmuray]

It really depends on what you're looking for in a lodging experience. Keep in mind, too, that on Airbnb and VRBO, you can book entire houses or apartments, which can be helpful for families or groups of friends traveling together.

[Bluezewoo]

Airbnb and VRBO used to be my go-to for affordable stays, but lately, I've noticed the prices creeping up too. It's a bummer, especially when you see those crazy landlord profits making the news. And that recent incident in Mexico does raise some concerns about safety. I think hotels are better options, and there are even many guides (like the best place to stay in miami) that help to choose the right one. So, this is my go-to option.

[riverwed070707]

Since this was brought back to the top, feels worth mentioning that while it may not be for everyone, airbnb really started out as a way to rent a room and have shared accommodations. These listings still exist and are still substantially cheaper than hotels. We had a great experience in an airbnb in Chicago a couple weeks ago. Hotels were running $400-600 per night due to a convention in town. I found a UofI PHd student with a 3 bedroom near campus in Hyde Park who rents by the bedroom. DD and I booked 3 nights for $400. We had the place to ourselves for most of our stay. Location was great and the house was well stocked with fruit, breakfast items, coffee, snacks, toiletries, etc. While we didn't cook while we were there, it was nice to have access to a full sized fridge for leftovers and generally to be in a neighborhood instead of in the hustle and bustle of a hotel zone. Free parking too, which in chicago saved us an additional $40+/night. Its not the stay I want every time I travel but for this trip it was perfect!