When planning an upcoming business trip, travelers are often left with too few or too many options. There are benefits to booking accommodation at either a hotel or an Airbnb. Finding the best solution for you, or your group, can be tricky. Let’s break down a few pros and cons when it comes to making this choice for your next tradeshow or conference.
Perception vs Reality
- Hotel photos and descriptions are not perfect, but are held to advertising regulations and business bureau reporting.
- Airbnb photos and descriptions are up to the individual owners and can be misleading or inaccurate.
Changes or Cancellations
- onPeak hotel choices have the flexibility for a guest to make changes to their reservation, including dedicated customer service from either the onPeak team or the hotel team.
- Airbnb policies should be reviewed, as they can vary with each reservation. Airbnb guests have reported hosts canceling their reservation without notice or on the day of check-in.
Impacts on the Wallet
- onPeak Hotel choices have no hidden fees. Your booking experience will clearly outline taxes and resort fees, which leads to no surprises hitting your wallet.
- Airbnb can initially appear as a less expensive option compared to staying at a hotel, however, before confirming your booking, look for their additional fees, also known as “drip pricing”. These fees can really add up on your final bill!
Customer Service
- Lodging through onPeak provides you with dedicated customer service support, while managing your reservation in addition to onsite customer service from your chosen hotel. This can include housekeeping, concierge services, and 24-hr check-in/check-out services.
- Airbnb customer service can be difficult to contact and is often left to the Airbnb host to manage. Check-in for your lodging can be difficult to navigate with lock boxes, keycodes, or off-premises key access. Airbnb lodgings often do not include dedicated customer services unless booked through the Airbnb Luxe program.
Proximity to Venue
- For metropolitan venues, such as the Las Vegas Convention Center, housing proximity should be factored in. Hotels are typically located within a radius that allows for an event-sponsored shuttle route, walking distance to the convention center, or a short and inexpensive ride-share option.
- With Airbnb, locations tend to be further away from the city center, main attractions, or the convention center. This often leads to additional costs for ride share, car rentals, and parking at the convention center.
Group Lodging
- The onPeak reservation system makes booking multiple rooms easy. Our system allows for group booking so you’ll be all set to manage rooms for your whole team with more flexibility. Booking with hotels, allows your team members privacy and personal space.
- Airbnb can offer a better budget when traveling with a large group, however, this option does not cater to privacy for your group members. Additionally, keep an eye out for fees associated with additional guests! You may find that a hotel will offer more privacy at a better rate.
Domestic Responsibilities
- Hotels will clean your room daily and hotel housekeeping will ensure you have access to fresh towels, linens, and a freshly made bed each day. Many hotels also offer a “green” option in which guests may opt-in for fewer linen and towel routines to help reduce water utilization.
- Airbnb offerings do not include regular cleaning services which lead to some light housework required during your stay. Additionally, you may find yourself with a hefty cleaning bill if your lodging isn’t left the way you found it.
Length of Stay
- If your stay is only a few days, there could be financial benefits to staying at a hotel, especially when laundry service is not required for your duration.
- If your stay is longer than a few days, Airbnb has pros when booking a full home or condo. These amenities can include an onsite washer/dryer and a full kitchen. Cutting down additional costs associated with laundry service or having to eat out for each meal.
