[reverend_gonzo]

> What's the point and why is airbnb still alive?

Because sometimes people have an extended trip that they plan out ahead of time. So, communicating with a host and meeting the host is not a huge deal since they'll be staying there for a few days or more. On the other hand, getting input from the host about local favorites would be desirable.

If I'm going somewhere for one or two days, I would definitely book a hotel. If I'm going somewhere for a week or so, especially if its somewhere remote, I'd try for an AirBNB. Costs are cheaper, hotels are usually substandard, and host's insights are valued.

[collyw]

Have you never tried asking a hotel reception for local recommendations? It works the same as asking a host and they are usually around 24 / 7.

[Mediterraneo10]

> Have you never tried asking a hotel reception for local recommendations?

Hotel receptions are generally trained to only present you the major tourist attractions. An AirBnB host, or a host from a hospitality-exchange community, that you have chosen due to common interests or lifestyles is more likely to be able to recommend niche-interest things like live music, art galleries, or second-hand bookshops. In one Middle Eastern country I got to attend a local wedding celebration over two days because my AirBnB host was one of the relatives and it would be fine for him to bring a couple of foreign guests, but the same opportunity probably wouldn’t have come if I had stayed in a hotel.