Hotel or AirBnb? 5 Pros of Staying at a Hotel
In recent years, vacation rental apps such as Airbnb have made short-term rentals much more accessible to the average traveler. The alternative to a vacation rental is a hotel stay, which leaves many guests to weigh the pros and cons of Airbnbs vs. hotels. As you might imagine, we tend to believe the benefits of a hotel far outweigh those of an Airbnb. But don’t just take our word for it. Judge for yourself.
Here are five pros of booking a hotel rather than staying at an Airbnb.
1. Safety
Safety when traveling, especially with a family, is a paramount consideration. Safety standards for vacation home rentals vary greatly from location to location, and they almost always vary greatly from hotel standards. This is one of the biggest issues when weighing the pros and cons of an Airbnb vs. a hotel. Unfortunately, if you feel unsafe in your Airbnb rental for any reason, you don’t have the option of speaking to a manager or requesting a different room. Once you’ve arrived at your rental, you’re either stuck with what you have, or you can leave. There aren’t any options in between.
Hotels provide a buffer between your guest room door and the outside world, which creates a level of comfort and security to begin with. Additionally, hotels are required to pass specific jurisdictional inspections in order to remain open, which leads to much more rigorous safety standards. This includes inspections to ensure doors and locks function properly, emergency escape routes are labeled and maintained, the building is kept up to code, and more. These same regulations do not apply to 99% of Airbnb rentals. If safety is a major concern, hotels will always be the way to go.
2. Easy Check-in and Check-out Process
The check-in and check-out process is always a consideration when comparing an Airbnb vs. hotel. While it’s true that Airbnb hosts usually have a pretty good check-in system, it’s never fool-proof. If a key isn’t where it’s supposed to be or an access code isn’t working, you’re at the mercy of your host to make it right. This person could live in another city, be on vacation themself, or the ringer on their phone could simply be off. There are countless variables that could potentially impact your check-in, and you’ll never know what you’ll be up against until you arrive.
By contrast, hotel desks are manned 24/7, making check-in a breeze. No codes to remember or phone numbers to call. And regardless of whether you arrive at 2:00 PM or 2:00 AM, there will always be someone there to help you get settled.
Checking out of an Airbnb usually sounds simple – until it comes time to pack up and hit the road. You probably won’t need to worry about getting in contact with your host as you leave, but there are inevitably several other tasks to accomplish before heading out. Take out the trash, strip the beds, wipe down the fridge. Some hosts even ask you to wash the linens before you go.
The last thing anyone wants to worry about as they leave vacation for reality is completing a bunch of chores. When you’re in a hotel, all you have to do is pack up your belongings, return your room key, and head out. Easy peasy.
3. Routine Cleaning Standards
Sure, Airbnb has cleaning guidelines that hosts are expected to follow. But who is present to hold them accountable and ensure these standards are regularly met? Furthermore, clean doesn’t necessarily mean sanitized. In today’s world, where everyone is concerned about the spread of germs, confidence in those responsible for sanitization is a major bonus as well as a key factor in the Airbnb vs. hotel debate.
Quality hotels have always maintained stringent cleaning standards for guest rooms and common areas. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels have beefed up their cleaning and sanitization standards even more. Hotel teams will likely be trained on proper protocols and supervised to ensure standards are consistently met. This offers a certain level of comfort that simply isn’t available when renting an Airbnb.
4. Features and Amenities
Amenities abound at a luxury hotel. Features like swimming pools, state of the art fitness centers, on-site or on-call spa services, and restaurants are the norm at a high-quality hotel. These free features aren’t found in an everyday Airbnb rental. If you happen to be lucky enough to find a rental with a similar list of amenities, chances are you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for the upgrade.
Another, often overlooked, feature available at many hotels: transportation. A complimentary shuttle service can make the travel experience so much more enjoyable. Free transportation to local attractions saves on the cost of taxis or rideshares, fuel, and parking. On top of that, when you take advantage of a hotel shuttle, you won’t have to worry about finding your way around an unfamiliar town. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
5. Conveniently Located
Chances are your hotel will be more conveniently located than any Airbnb you might come across. This is because hotel locations are strategically chosen. Vacation rentals are located…well, wherever they’re located. Whether you’re looking for fun activities or require easy access to a specific attraction or venue, a hotel is probably the more convenient option.
Case in point – The Hotel at Arundel Preserve is close to many local attractions such as the Live! Casino, Arundel Mills Mall, restaurants for every occasion, and of course Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. Everything you need while you’re away from home is just a quick walk or a free shuttle ride away.
Book Your Stay at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
Wondering, “Should I stay in an Airbnb or hotel?” We’ve got your answer.
Not only does The Hotel at Arundel Preserve deliver the peace of mind and convenience you require, we prioritize guest experience above all else. That’s not a promise you’ll find at an Airbnb rental. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll feel relaxed and well taken care of. Our team provides top notch customer service, well-appointed guest rooms leave little to be desired, and the on-site restaurants are always a hit.
Check into the hotel at Arundel Preserve today. We are confident your stay will be everything you’re expecting, and more.
