Airbnb vs Hostel vs Hotel – Which is Right for You

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When traveling abroad, one of the key considerations is where you're going to stay. After a full day of exploring a new city or country, you want to come back to somewhere that's comfortable, clean, and most importantly, safe. There are a ton of factors to consider when choosing travel accommodations, and options like Airbnbs, hostels, and hotels all have their pros and cons. Today, we're going to figure out which type of lodging is right for you.

Airbnb

Since its launch in 2008, Airbnb has transformed the way people travel and book vacation rentals. It’s had its ups and downs—some travelers aren’t thrilled about the cleaning fees, while others love having an entire home to themselves—but ultimately, the demand for Airbnb accommodations and short-term rentals remains strong.

Pros:

• Ability to book full homes, providing an adequate amount of space for families

• Kitchen access, helping you save money on take-out or restaurants

• Great for long stays or group travel

• Often provides a local, more authentic feel

• Usually more space than a hotel

Cons:

• You may have to share with other families

• Cleaning and service fees add to the cost

• No room service

• Varies in quality

• No free breakfast or on-site restaurant

• Limited availability

Basically, if you're traveling with a large group and want a private space of your own, an Airbnb is a phenomenal choice. Sometimes, staying at an Airbnb is cheaper—when I was in Paris, Airbnbs were significantly more affordable than hotels. However, if you're not a fan of cleaning fee or the lack of consistent quality control, it may not be the best fit for you.

Hostel

If you're traveling by yourself or with a partner, hostels are an affordable choice for budget travel. However, some people don't appreciate the lack of privacy that comes with shared accommodations, especially in dorm-style rooms. If you're a budget backpacker, it may be the best choice for you, but if you're traveling with a family, you might want to reconsider.

Pros:

• Probably the most affordable way to see the world

• You'll be able to meet other travelers and share stories

• Often in a great location

Cons:

• Lack of privacy

• Sometimes noisy

• Mixed quality

Hostels definitely have their place in the world. They exist to provide accommodation to the fiercest of travelers—the true go-getters who want to see everything no matter what it takes. I couldn't do it myself, but kudos to you, my friend.

Hotel

Hotels are the tried-and-true accommodation option, and you can find hotels pretty much anywhere around the world. That being said, luxury hotels can be expensive, while budget hotels may sometimes be unclean. If you swap Airbnb’s lack of maid service for its privacy, a hotel is what comes out the other end.

Pros:

• Room service and housekeeping

• Consistent quality

• Loyalty programs

• Great for short stays

• Sometimes, you'll enjoy free breakfast or an on-site restaurant

• Abundant in location

Cons:

• Can be pricey

• Less privacy than a full-house Airbnb

• Usually smaller than an Airbnb

• May be unclean

• High noise levels

If you don't mind sharing a wall with a couple neighbors, hotels are fantastic. You have room service, daily housekeeping, and sometimes, a free breakfast. If you're a couple, hotels are probably the best option, but if you have a family, you may prefer something larger like an Airbnb.

Time to Choose

To choose which accommodation is right for you, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

1. How many people am I traveling with?

2. How long will I be in the room?

3. What are the most important aspects to me?

If you're traveling with 1 or 2 people, you aren't planning on spending a lot of time in the room, and you don't care about privacy, choose a hostel for the budget.

If you plan to take the entire family and spend a significant amount of time in the room, choose an Airbnb for more space and privacy.

If you're a couple or a small family looking for somewhere to simply sleep with a great location, choose a hotel.

In general, traveling isn’t just about where you stay. It’s about what you make of your trip. The memories you bring back from vacation and the experiences you enjoy are far more important than any accommodation. However, you don’t want to be miserable, and a bad hotel, Airbnb, or hostel stay can quickly turn your vacation from a 10 to a 6. I hope this travel guide helps you make the best accommodation choice for you and your family.