Types of accommodation vary to suit different budgets and types of customers. You're about to book accommodation for your next trip and are a bit muffled on what type of accommodation to choose. There are many types of accommodation to choose from, such as hotels, hostels, Airbnb apartments and homes, motels, chalets, resorts, lodges, villas, guesthouses, and many more. 

The focus of the article is on types of accommodation in the comparison of hotels and Airbnb, which are known to be popular among tourists. Hotels and Airbnb each have great amenities to offer and it all boils down to your expectations of accommodation and the condition of your travel purpose. 

Aside from a hotel and Airbnb, other types of accommodation might interest you but at the forefront, this article will be comparing hotels vs. Airbnb to showcase the distinction and insight between them and help you clarify your accommodation decision. 

Accommodation types

Hotels

Hotels are one of the most traditional and common types of accommodation. There are large and small hotels that are either independently owned businesses or part of a hotel chain. Hotels are ranked using a star rating system, ranging from 1 star being the lowest to 5 stars being the highest. The star rating of the hotel determines what level of service is to be expected as a guest. 

Airbnb

Airbnb is a cheaper option compared to a hotel due to the nightly rates offered. However, there are variables in quality, privacy, and amenities. Airbnb is a private short-term rental that connects travellers with home owners offering their place as suitable accommodation. Since the launch of Airbnb in 2008, it has helped guests find suitable accommodation in popular tourist locations and remote areas. One of the many charms of Airbnb is its easy accessibility to book and check into the apartments, making it sought after by tourists. 

Amenities 

When it comes to the different types of accommodation, although booking a hotel comes to the forefront of your mind, Airbnb presently comes ahead for different travellers. 

Known as the biggest home-sharing service in the world, connecting private homeowners to travellers looking to rent out their homes for a specific period, Airbnb offers standalone apartments, shared spaces, and houses. To book an Airbnb, you can search online for your travel destinations and budget. 

There are residential Airbnbs that aren’t much different from a hotel. The amenities include a place to sleep, and various rooms for different guests and they are cleaned between uses similarly to a hotel. However, there are some advantages of booking an Airbnb compared to a hotel room. 

With an Airbnb, you could acquire a residential-style apartment with amenities like a living room, kitchen, dining room, and extra rooms fit for a group trip. Some hotel suites have these amenities included but certainly at a steep price compared to Airbnb accommodations. To pick out the best option for accommodation, it is important to consider if it is a solo trip or with a group, the budget, and the duration of the trip.

Some hotels provide a long-term stay discount, which is an advantage if you’ll be staying for weeks or months, although it doesn’t compare to the spacious comforts that Airbnb residential properties provide. 

Quality

Airbnb is on the rise in popularity but in terms of quality, it is yet to beat the oversight that hotels have. Quality is one of the reasons Airbnb has yet to beat hotels. Booking hotel accommodation guarantees you access to a 24-hour staff available to handle any problems you might have. It could be an issue with the WiFi, housekeeping, room issues, or swimming pool, and you can be rest assured that the hotel staff are on it to fix the problem. 

This isn’t the case for many Airbnbs, as some options offered by hotels aren’t applicable to Airbnb accommodations. For housekeeping, for example, some Airbnbs charge an extra fee for daily cleaning services. Airbnb has a property designation known as Airbnb “plus” which indicates that a representative has been sent to vet the place you have booked in advance. If it is your first time booking an Airbnb accommodation, it is advised to go for the plus Airbnb properties. 

Flexibility

Hotels and Airbnb offer good flexibility to their customers when booking with their policies concerning reservations. Many hotels have cancellation policies and are flexible with their guests who need to cancel due to either an emergency or unforeseen circumstances. 

Unlike Airbnb hosts, who often set their own refund and cancellation policies, which are usually stated on the listing page or during the booking process. If you're intentional about finding an Airbnb accommodation with refundable price options, you can find it in the listings. Keep in mind that your experience with your accommodation might vary from others, depending on your situation. 

Hotel vs. Airbnb. Which should you book? 

Hotels and Airbnb each have their charm and advantages and what’s important before booking is considering your budget, the number of people travelling, and the duration of the visit. 

If you want a unique and long-term stay with more amenities or with a group, booking an Airbnb would be the right choice, as it offers more attractive options than most hotels. If you want top-notch quality and the option to save money in the long run, hotels might be a safer option. In the end, it is up to you to make the final choice after vetting the advantages and amenities both accommodations offer and booking the one you feel is best suited for you.