With Airbnb’s growing popularity, it’s natural for hotel managers and owners to feel a bit anxious about the competition. You might worry that you’ll start losing business to the holiday rental market. However, rest assured: plenty of travelers still prefer the hotel experience. Here’s why guests continue to book with hotels and guest houses and why they’ll likely keep doing so.
One of the biggest draws of a hotel stay is the consistency. Guests know what to expect each time, whether they’re frequent travellers or first-time guests. With hotels, guests can choose accommodations based on reviews and specific filters, ensuring a high-quality experience tailored to their needs. Unlike Airbnb, where individual hosts have varied standards and styles, hotels offer a predictable level of service that many travellers rely on. For those who value consistency, hotels remain a clear choice.
For spontaneous travellers, hotels are often the easiest choice for last-minute bookings. Airbnb options can be limited or fully booked in advance, making it difficult for guests to find something suitable on short notice. Hotels, however, usually have rooms available and often offer last-minute deals, making them a convenient option for a sudden getaway. This quick accessibility is a big reason why many travellers turn to hotels when plans change or the travel bug strikes.
When booking a hotel, guests typically receive immediate confirmation, offering peace of mind from the moment they secure their stay. In contrast, Airbnb bookings often require guests to "request" their stay, waiting for the host's approval. This approval process can take days, and in some cases, the request may be denied, leaving travellers disappointed or stressed about finding alternative arrangements. Hotels eliminate this uncertainty with instant confirmation, which is reassuring for guests who value a reliable reservation.
Many guests appreciate hotel loyalty schemes and discounts. These programmes reward frequent visitors, allowing them to redeem points for perks such as room upgrades, free nights, or special discounts. This makes hotels more attractive to those seeking value for money, whether they’re solo travelers or families. Unlike Airbnb, where properties are individually managed and lack standardised rewards, hotels offer these additional incentives to keep guests coming back.
With Airbnb, there’s a risk factor that doesn’t typically come with hotel stays. In some regions, Airbnb properties may not comply with local regulations, which could lead to last-minute cancellations or even eviction. Additionally, there are instances where guests face unexpected costs—some hosts mistakenly advertise lower prices, later claiming an error and asking for additional payment. These situations can leave travellers feeling frustrated or let down. Hotels offer more transparent pricing and legal assurance, which means guests are less likely to encounter unpleasant surprises.
While Airbnb continues to expand, hotels and guest houses remain the preferred option for many travellers. From reliable quality and immediate bookings to rewarding loyalty programmes and transparent pricing, hotels provide an experience that guests can trust.
For more on how Clear Business can support your hospitality business, visit our pages on hotel insurance and guest house insurance.
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