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The hospitality industry has changed a lot since the pandemic. Not only the business model, but also the traveler experiences. For years, Airbnb has been a disruptive company offering great and cheaper solutions to travelers, but that has changed and customers no longer feel as safe and welcome as they once did.
Renting a vacation stay on Airbnb was a great alternative to hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid large crowds and to work experiences. But prices have risen dramatically—a 37% increase in 2022 compared to the same quarter in 2019—and travelers seriously consider hotels as better and even cheaper alternatives.
In a recent viral tweet, writer Jeremy Gordon said he stayed at a Holiday Inn instead of an Airbnb, and considered it a glamorous experience.. The funny tweet received hundreds of comments and complaints from users. Discontent is not new. Many travelers have long disapproved of Airbnb’s services.
Decided to stay at a Holiday Inn instead of an Airbnb for an overnight trip and felt strongly, an hour after check-in, that there has never been a more luxurious experience in the entire human history
— Jeremy Gordon (@jeremypgordon) January 7, 2023
Why do travelers show a preference for hotels? Here are some of the main reasons why travelers no longer consider Airbnb the best accommodation option in 2023:
Hosts Cleaning requests
Just a few months ago, users raged on the internet complaining about demanding hosts forcing guests to clean before departure while paying expensive cleaning fees. One guest, Necole Kane, said while on vacation in Arizona, the host asked her to complete a long list of chores after she had already paid a $375 cleaning fee. By the time she finished all the tasks, Necole was late for a visit she had booked. After all that headache, is it really more of a holiday?
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Last year, the average cleaning fee on Airbnb in the United States was $143, and many hosts ask guests not only to wash dishes, but also to clean, sweep, and take care of laundry. Customers are unhappy and tired of working while on vacation.
Missing items and unexpected situations
Will you find enough toilet paper or towels? This is never a question when staying at a hotel, but a common question when staying at an Airbnb. Each host has their own rules when it comes to hospitality, so travelers should generally be prepared to run for groceries upon arrival when the reality doesn’t meet their basic requirements.
Check-in and check-out is also usually a mystery and can be stressful. Will your host be there when you arrive? Will you have to meet them and chat after a long flight? Should we wait for them to open the door? Will you find the hidden key? A Tiktok user recently went viral after describing the recording experience as being on a show called “home invaders”.
@mattbooshell hotels vs airbnbs
Privacy and hidden camera issues
Security has been a top concern for Airbnb users. A few months ago, a survey revealed that 58% of customers were concerned about hidden cameras in their Airbnbs, and many travelers have found them in their temporary accommodations.
Airbnb policy states that security cameras are permitted as long as they are disclosed on the listing and cannot be placed in private spaces like the bedroom or bathroom. But how can travelers know if they are checked in? How much intimacy do they really have? What about remote workers who need to protect their company information? There are many gray areas and the subject has sparked debate.
Hotels and Airbnb
Airbnb has made changes to optimize its services, such as updating its platform to show cleaning and others costs in the final price, as many travelers complained that the final price was higher than what was listed on the feed. However, the prices are sometimes still high and comparable to hotel prices.
Hotels aren’t having guests clean up before departure, and some travelers are reconnecting with hotel services and describing them as “luxurious” and more relaxing than Airbnb. Today, large hotel chains like Marriott are launching new products and services to compete with Airbnb and offer customers the best of both worlds.
There are still great Airbnb listings and plenty of options on the platform, and the company is working hard to become the preferred option for digital nomads, but travelers should consider all the pros and cons before booking their stay in 2023.
Traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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