Why I prefer Airbnbs over staying in a hotel

Choosing to stay in an Airbnb comes with plenty of pros and some cons. So is it better than staying at a hotel?

I’m becoming an Airbnb convert, preferring to check in to my own cosy apartment ahead of a busy hotel.

It lets me immerse myself in the local community, live like a local and not have the hassle of having to abide by hotel rules.

But, like anything, there are pros and cons, so let’s take a look at whether Airbnbs are good or bad.

 THE PROS 

1. Being able to converse directly with the owner is great. At my recent Airbnb in Cottesloe, Perth, I was able to drop off my luggage at 9am on the day of check-in, instead of having to wait to the official 2pm check-in time. Hotels sometimes provide early check-ins but I find most Airbnb hosts are flexible.

2. It’s cheaper. I can get a whole place to myself, including a kitchen and laundry, as opposed to just a hotel room — often for the same price. I can cook and do my washing, which is great.

3. Condiments. I save a packet by cooking my own breakfasts at an Airbnb by doing a supermarket shop first. Usually the Airbnb host provides all the items you won’t buy when travelling, like butter, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. This is a great way to save yourself serious cash.

Being able to make your own breakfast at an Airbnb can save you money.

4. More space. Airbnbs usually give you more bang for your buck. The last place I stayed at had a spacious balcony overlooking the ocean. Hotels usually charge more for water views and a balcony.

5. It feels like home and the hotel feeling isn’t there. It’s like I’m staying in my own

place and that is a big drawcard for me.

6. The accommodation is paid for in advance. I like arriving at my destination knowing I don’t have to pay a cent more.

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  THE CONS 

1. Fees can quickly add a fair whack on to your accommodation cost, including cleaning and service charges.

2. Check-in times can be quite late in the day. I’ve had check-ins at 3pm, which can be frustrating if the host isn’t flexible.

3. You have to be on your best behaviour. Make sure you leave everything sparkling clean and in better condition than you would probably leave your own home. Otherwise you risk getting a bad review on your profile.

4. The hosts can cancel on you. I had one booking that was cancelled only a few months prior to the stay and it was a rare property — we needed a six-bedroom house. The money was fully refunded and luckily we were able to find another place for our stay.

5. Some people may not like the thought of staying in someone else’s property. Each to their own.

6. There are no loyalty programs with Airbnb as a guest. Some travellers love these, because you get points when you stay at a particular hotel, which can lead to room upgrades or free stays.

@sophieelsworth