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by jairuhme 683 days ago
I'll rehash some of the complaints others have mentioned. Unless its a larger group, it really doesn't make sense to use vs. a hotel. Even if price is constant, there's just a bit more friction with AirBnB. Sometimes its easy, but other times you're trying to find the code that you have to enter for the key. Then I have to find the rules for the property to make sure I cleaned it according to their standards (while paying a cleaning fee?). At a hotel, I go up to the front desk, they give me a key, and then I return it at the end.

One thing that is not ever mentioned is that there is no reward (that I am aware of) for being a frequent user of AirBnB's. If I go to Marriott/Hilton/Hyatt hotels regularly, I can earn benefits and travers up their tier list for benefits. Not sure I have seen anything like that with AirBnB.
1 comments
paxys 683 days ago
The big difference for me is that Airbnbs have kitchens. Any trip more than 1-2 days in length is greatly improved when I can buy basic groceries and cook rather than have to eat every single meal at a restaurant. Because of that the overall cost works out to be cheaper as well.
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aaronharnly 683 days ago
Traveling with small kids, having a kitchen makes the difference between being able to actually feed the family vs scraping together insane combinations of whatever sliver of restaurant meals the kids can eat and packaged food.
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jairuhme 683 days ago
That's a fair point. But for me, thats more friction. Now when I get to my destination, I also have to go grocery shopping and then spend even more time cooking and cleaning the dishes after. Personally, if I am going somewhere new, I'd prefer to spend a bit more money to not do all of the the tiring things I have to do at home so I can spend that time actually exploring. I will add, I don't have kids and can see how my viewpoint may change when they do come into the picture
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dvzk 683 days ago
There are extended stay hotels with stovetops and ovens (and outdoor grills) with low-grade used (ugh!) cookware included. It's usually not much more expensive than regular midtier hotels: possibly cheaper, if you can negotiate a longer term stay.
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