You might have heard about peer-to-peer accommodations… actually let’s get serious, if you call yourself a traveler, you definitely know what peer-to-peer accommodations are, just in a simpler term – – – AIR BNB, HouseTrip, Couch Surfing, etc.
Though there has already been a lot of debate and discussion over these types of accommodations, they are still seeming to pose a serious threat for larger hotel chains and the bigger players who charge more for their services.
Don’t take my word for this, but I have also heard that accommodations like this may be soon changed due to legal restrictions. Depending on where, I have no idea, but generating an income and not filing it through taxes is still considered ‘black money’ and could be banned within the next couple years.
PS. While I mention this, anyone reading this post, do you have any further updates? I’d love to know what is going to happen.
However, in the mean time I must admit, I am enjoying my Air BnB accommodations and saving quite a few bucks while I am at it. Though you are always often in for a surprise at what to be expecting, it is usually always worth the small buck that you paid for it. I have been overwhelmed and underwhelmed but I still go back when looking for places to stay.
So why are they a threat to hotels?
A. They are Often Cheaper
The entire point of offering accommodations out of someones house is because you aren’t paying the huge premium for a sauna, steam room, gym equipment, front desk operators, etc.
B. They Support Giving Back to Community
This is quite an arguable point however, I look at it in terms of offering the community members more unique job opportunities to make a little extra cash. Rather than the money going into a large global industry, it is going straight to the person hosting you.
C. It is a Unique Experience
No experience is like another. You’re always in for a surprise (good or bad) when you book rooms via peer-to-peer accommodation sites. You could visit a chain hotel and get the same room from one country to another, but a persons home is individual to them and a very unique way to experience your stay.
D. It is Often a More ‘Homely’ Option
You’re staying in a house, not a hotel. More often than not you will feel right a home.
E. It is a More Interactive Experience
Rather than booking through the ‘front desk’ or registration department, you’re interacting with a person, a family member who is offering up space in their house for you. This can act as a more personal experience for many people.
F. Honest Opinions and Reviews are Provided
I’m not saying larger hotel chains have fake reviews, but there is a lot more room for this to happen. When you’re reviewing someones room via Air BnB or other similar accommodation sites, you only review after your stay and it allows for a full and honest response.
G. You Get a More Local Perspective on Travel in the Area
Depending on the hotel or hostel you are visiting, they may or may not have access to tourist information and/or a travel desk. When staying with a family in the local city, I’ve had so many plans made for me from a locals perspective. In the end, this always allows me a very unique experience.
So what do you prefer better? I’m going to go ahead and be honest, I do prefer hotels and hostels over Air BnB, but I can never argue the price I pay for the rooms. Though I would love to stay in a hotel every night, the travellers budget I am on doesn’t quite cut it.
What do you think? Thoughts? Comments? Questions?
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Want to know more about Hotels vs. Peer to Peer Accommodations? Check out my blog post: From Shag to Chic | Air BnB vs. Hotels
I’m not sure I agree that AirBnB is cheaper. When I looked for an internship in Chicago, the prices were outrageous to me. $2000-$3000 a month is not cheap! I also looked at hotels and extended stays, which were about the same cost. I haven’t deleted my account just because I’d like to give it a shot and see what it’s like to rent a room from someone and get to experience the city like a local.
In general I enjoy hostels and hotels. Hostels because there are events to help people get to know the area and I always feel at home. Hotels I also enjoy, but can’t always afford. Interesting to read your thoughts on this!
It’s funny, at the time of writing this post I was so thrilled that I was able to spend time in an AirBnB in London rather than a hotel because it was saving me a ton of money. I often find myself jumping back on the hotel booking bandwagon because some of the AirBnB prices now are outrageous!
I was just looking into prices of hotels in the south of Ireland and managed to find AirBnB’s which were much more affordable than even hostels. I really think it depends on the location!