More and more often, when looking for accommodation in a city, I compare the different choices available:
After several experiences booking with Airbnb, here are the pros and cons of Airbnb compared to a hotel. And a few tricks along the way.
Airbnb has several significant advantages:
No matter the city, there will be a considerable number of accommodations available, on every street, in every neighbourhood on Airbnb. Hotels are often grouped in certain areas.
Are you travalling solo and just looking for a room in a private home? Or are you a group of friends looking for a multi-room apartment?
Airbnb is sure to have something for you, thanks to the diverse range of accommodation you can find through the options provided by the site.
Airbnb works with a system of reviews left by Internet users like you, and often makes it possible to obtain very attractive prices on many accommodations.
The host can decide whether or not to advertise their apartment at a discount. Usually because they’re just starting out on the platform and want to collect reviews, which they hope will be positive.
Once these ratings are obtained, the host can gradually increase the price of their accommodation in order to find the right rate that meets the demand.
However, if you decide to go for a “good deal”, don’t be afraid of getting a “lemon”! Personally, I prefer to book an apartment with at least 5 positive reviews.
This is undoubtedly a strength of Airbnb, when the hosts are present. Generally, these locals will be able to help you discover the city. They’ll be able to point out the best bars, restaurants and places to experience the city like a local.
However, with the marketing of some apartments, you may never meet the host. For instance, if they have provided you with an access code. This is what happened to me in Seoul, for example, while leaving many travel guides available in the apartment.
Just because you’re renting an apartment doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the loyalty program world!
In fact, many credit cards allow you to apply points to travel expenses like Airbnb!
This is particularly true of the Scene+ with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card.
Or the American Express Membership Rewards program with a card like the American Express Cobalt® Card.
Here, to offset the $454.41 I spent on Airbnb, I would have to use 45,441 American Express Membership Rewards points offered by the American Express Cobalt® Card.
Find out on this page why the American Express Cobalt Card is the points chaser’s favourite credit card!
Airbnb offers gift cards. They are on sale mainly in grocery stores like Metro and Super C, as well as at Walmart.
However, booking with Airbnb can be more complicated than with a hotel.
If you are forced to cancel your stay, the reservation fee is non-refundable. Sometimes, strict cancellation conditions are imposed by the host, and you can lose up to the full price of your stay.
You’ll rarely find such conditions if you book with a hotel (except for non-refundable rates). Generally speaking, you often have more room to maneuver with a hotel… especially a hotel chain like Marriott Bonvoy.
For example, when you use Marriott Bonvoy points, you benefit from the same fare rules as the most flexible fare. You can cancel your room up to 48 hours before arrival.
To learn more about Airbnb‘s cancellation policy, check the Airbnb Help Center page.
Is your plane late? Would you like arrive to your apartment later or in the night? Or would you prefer an earlier check-in? Good luck! Unless you have access to the apartment at all hours thanks to an access code or a very helpful host, you’ll find it hard to have arrival times as flexible as a hotel.
In fact, you can usually arrive at any time of the day or night in a hotel with a 24-hour reception. Additionally, you may even be able to take advantage of an early arrival or late departure (especially if you have a membership status like the American Express Platinum Card, for example).
When you book on Airbnb, you pay for your rental immediately. In a hotel, on the other hand, payment is deferred until a few days before your arrival, or even until you leave your room.
It can be inconvenient to have to advance money for a trip that’s still several months away.
Unlike your hotel room, which will be tidy and clean every evening when you return, your Airbnb apartment will be in the state you left it in the morning when you left. It’s safe to say that it doesn’t exactly feel like a vacation when you have to clean the place, especially since you already do it every day at home. Well, that’s just my opinion!
As a points and miles enthusiast, this is a big disadvantage for me. All the hotels I stay at, like Marriott Bonvoy, reward me for my “loyalty” by giving me points that I can use for future stays.
In Canada, there is only one loyalty program offering credit cards: Marriott Bonvoy with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card or its small business version the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card.
In fact, you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book apartments, houses or villas from their Airbnb-equivalent platform, Homes & Villas.
That said, it’s also possible to have an excellent experience staying in independent hotels. Although they don’t generally offer a points program comparable to those of the big chains, these establishments often focus on more personalized service, unique character and local ambiance.
In short, if rewards programs are important to you, large chains like Marriott Bonvoy are a logical choice. But for those looking for originality, local charm or bespoke service, independent hotels are definitely worth a look.
As you can see, not everything about Airbnb is perfect. You need to compare with a hotel room according to your needs, whether it’s a large chain hotel or an independent hotel. However, it’s an excellent way to save money in certain cities… although it does have certain drawbacks that will be restrictive for some travellers.
Savings are here (if you don’t see the sign-up form, please click here):
