Aribnb's VS Hotel's

What I’ve Learned After 40+ Trips a Year

When you travel over 40 times a year, you quickly learn that where you stay can make or break the trip. Some people swear by hotels. Others are die-hard Airbnb fans. Me? I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, and the downright hilarious from both sides.

After years of work travel, I’ve seen enough strange hotel rooms and unique Airbnbs to have a clear perspective. So if you’re torn between booking an Airbnb or a hotel, here’s my take from the road.

Hotels: Consistency Meets Surprises

The first thing hotels give you is predictability. A front desk, a bed, fresh towels—simple and reliable. That’s a comfort when you’ve had a long travel day. But that doesn’t mean every hotel experience is perfect.

I’ve walked into rooms with handwritten numbers taped to the door (yes, really), and even discovered… unexpected items under the bed in Cleveland that had me asking for a new room instantly. Hotels can swing between professional and questionable, but the consistency of daily cleaning, amenities, and rewards programs is hard to beat.

Pros of Hotels:

• Easy check-in and support staff on site

• Daily cleaning and amenities

• Reward points for frequent travelers

• Usually central locations

Cons of Hotels:

• Less space, especially for longer stays

• Can feel impersonal

• Pricey once you add taxes and fees

• Weird surprises (see above 😅)

Airbnbs: Space and Personality

Airbnb brings a completely different energy. You’re often stepping into someone’s curated space, which can feel more personal and comfortable than a cookie-cutter hotel room. I’ve stayed in massive homes with seven bedrooms, cozy domes in the woods, and stylish apartments that felt like mini getaways.

But Airbnbs come with their own set of challenges. Sometimes the photos don’t quite match reality, Wi-Fi can be hit or miss, and not every host nails the hospitality side. Still, if you’re staying longer than a couple of nights, the extra space and ability to cook your own meals are game-changers.

Pros of Airbnbs:

• More space and unique stays

• Kitchen access (saves money + healthier options)

• Often feels more like home

• Great for groups or longer stays

Cons of Airbnbs:

• Inconsistent quality

• Check-in can be awkward without clear instructions

• Cleaning/service fees add up

• No front desk for quick help

So… Which One Wins?

For me, it depends on the trip:

• Work trips (short stays): I lean toward hotels for the convenience, central locations, and easy check-in/check-out.

• Personal trips or longer stays: Airbnb wins for the space, character, and ability to feel more at home.

Both have given me unforgettable stories—some great, some chaotic—but that’s part of the adventure. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about what you need for that particular trip.

Final Reflection

Travel has taught me this: no matter where you stay, flexibility is key. Hotels and Airbnbs both come with surprises—some frustrating, some funny, and some that turn into stories you’ll laugh about later.

At the end of the day, where you sleep is just one part of the journey. The real value is in the experiences you collect outside those four walls.

✨ What about you—do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs when you travel?