An Airbnb Is Cleaner Than a Luxury Hotel, Study Says (2024)

FAQs

Is staying at an Airbnb better than a hotel? ›

If you're looking for a more unique or extended stay with more facilities, Airbnb will give you plenty more attractive options than most hotel chains. However, hotels are a safer bet when it comes to quality and the ability to save money in the long run. The final call is up to you and what you want out of your stay.

In a study by HVS Consulting & Valuation commissioned by the Hotel Association, the financial impact of Airbnb on the hotel industry, specifically in New York City, was analyzed. The report highlights that approximately $450 million annually is lost in hotel direct revenue.

Treat your Host's home like your own

Cleaning fees set by Hosts are only meant to cover the cost of standard cleaning between reservations (laundry, vacuuming, etc.). Litter: Guests should put their trash in designated trash receptacles and be mindful of excessive amounts of trash.

Authentic Local Experience: One of the primary reasons travelers are choosing Airbnb rentals is the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Unlike hotels, which often offer a standardized experience, Airbnb properties are unique and reflective of the local environment.

Added Fees: Like hotels, Airbnb imposes a number of additional fees. For each booking, both guests and hosts pay a service fee to Airbnb, which can be steep. Banks or credit card issuers may also add fees, if applicable. Taxes: Hosts and guests in some countries may be subject to a value-added tax (VAT).

Travel patterns and preferences have shifted significantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with travelers prioritizing safety, flexibility, and unique experiences. Additionally, competition within the short-term rental (STR) market continues to intensify and alternative STR platforms are vying for market share.

Short-term bookings, often defined as stays shorter than a month, reduce the supply of long-term rentals in local markets and are frequently blamed for exacerbating housing shortages, inflating rents and threatening hospitality jobs.

Vrbo is commonly considered the biggest Airbnb competitor. It has over 2 million listings and vacation rentals in 190 countries. And because Vrbo is part of the parent brand Expedia Group, listing on Vrbo enables you to tap into this brand's 112+ million monthly unique visitors.

Hosts are paid out based on guest stays. Guests often find Airbnb is cheaper, has more character, and is homier than hotels. Risks of hosting include renting your place to rude guests, theft or damaged property, complaints from neighbors, and potential regulatory violations depending on your location.

What are the frauds of Airbnb? ›

The host or guest messages you with a suspicious link

Whether you're inside the Airbnb system, on your personal email, or using your work computer, never click an unknown link. This kind of scam, called phishing, lets cybercriminals illegally obtain your personal information, including credit card numbers and logins.

How cleanliness issues are fixed. Your Host may be able to quickly fix the issue, or they may be willing to give you a partial refund to make up for the inconvenience. If your Host can't resolve the cleanliness issue, let Airbnb know within 72 hours of discovering the issue.

After all, no one wants to stay in a dirty or unkempt space, especially when they are paying for it. But who is responsible for cleaning an Airbnb property? The answer is simple: the host. It is the responsibility of the host to ensure that the property is clean and tidy for each guest that stays there.

Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you've dirtied. It's also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.

Airbnb is a valuable resource for many types of travelers, but it can be especially valuable for those looking for long-term stays. Booking a monthly rental on Airbnb can save significant amounts of money over shorter-term bookings, but it may still cost more than using a local resource.

Although Airbnb and VRBO win on convenience and variety, hotels are far ahead in terms of safety offered to guests. The gap will only widen as more Airbnb and VRBO listings are provided by absentee hosts whose only concern is to make a profit and turn over their rooms quickly.

Airbnbs are usually cheaper than hotels for longer stays and large groups, but they don't offer the same services. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Is it safe to rent a room on Airbnb? Yes. Most airbnb's are operated by normal people trying to make extra money off a spare room in their home.