Traveling the world brings joy, discovery, and sometimes challenges. For many travelers, Airbnb once stood as the promising choice to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of a home away from home. After three and a half years of visiting over 100 countries, we found that this was not always the case. Our journey with Airbnb holds valuable lessons about what to expect and how to navigate common pitfalls.
Early Days of Trusting Airbnb
When we began full-time travel in 2021, Airbnb seemed like the obvious answer. We heard countless stories from peers about their successful long-term stays. The idea of reserving a cozy apartment for months appealed to us more than the impersonal feel of hotels or hostels. We believed Airbnb would offer authenticity and a local touch that hotels might lack.
During our first eighteen months, we stayed in more than 40 different Airbnb units. About half of these stays were positive — clean spaces, welcoming hosts, and convenient locations. However, the other half came with issues. At first, we overlooked minor problems, thinking that travel rarely goes perfectly and that hosts likely did their best. When serious issues arose, such as unusable properties, the hosts allowed us to change accommodations without penalty. This willingness to accommodate re-assured us.
A Turning Point in Budapest
Our experience took a negative turn during a week-long stay in Budapest. The unit cost $176 per night, a higher price than average for the city. Before arrival, communication through Airbnb’s app went smoothly, followed by Whatsapp chats with the property manager. However, difficulties appeared immediately upon entry.
The manager wasn’t local and not promptly available. Linens were left damp in the washing machine, forcing us to hang them up before fully settling in. This was inconvenient but not a deal-breaker. A more critical issue was the weak Wi-Fi signal. Since we run an online channel, reliable internet access is essential. The router was tucked away in a small office near the bedroom, leaving the living room, where we wanted to work, with spotty coverage.
We moved a chaise lounge closer to the router, which improved the connection. Throughout the week, we kept notifying the owner about city official notices and the Wi-Fi problem. In return, he helped manage the situation. Despite our polite communication and flexibility, we later received a surprising negative review. The owner claimed we had moved furniture without permission and had poor communication. We reread our messages and saw no misunderstandings. We were always courteous and refrained from complaining about minor annoyances.
This review felt unjust. We had been respectful guests and tried to work cooperatively. After reflecting on the many times we tolerated infestations or lack of hot water in previous rentals, the unfair comment was the last straw. We realized the review system might help filter bad hosts, but it can also unfairly penalize good guests. Feeling mistreated, we resolved to stop using Airbnb.
Weighing the Costs and Hassles of Airbnb
Our decision to abandon Airbnb saddened us because some hosts truly offered memorable experiences. However, the platform increasingly felt dominated by corporate owners and investors treating rentals as business ventures rather than personal hospitality. This shift meant more hoops to jump through, such as waiting for hosts to open doors, lengthy check-in processes, and steep cleaning fees layered onto rental prices.
We noticed Airbnb prices often included those additional fees, eroding the cost advantage we once perceived over hotels. Cleaning fees could sometimes be as much as the rental itself, making the total cost comparable to or more than a hotel stay.
The Switch to Hotels and Its Benefits
After Budapest, our first hotel stay felt like a breath of fresh air. We simply walked to the front desk, received a key, and entered a clean, well-kept room. The hotel offered robust Wi-Fi, clean linens, and even an included buffet breakfast. The predictability lifted much of the stress associated with Airbnb stays.
Since then, we have spent more than 400 nights in hotels worldwide. Only once did a hotel experience disappoint significantly—an establishment in Ireland where the facilities fell short. Even then, we walked away without lingering frustrations.
We often hear questions about affordability. Some assume Airbnb remains the cheaper option, but in our experience, hotels often cost about the same once fees and service charges are factored in. Our usual budget hovers around $100 a night, though we occasionally pay more. Using travel rewards, we secure stays at higher-end hotels with added amenities, tipping the value further in favor of hotels.
What We Miss from Airbnb
There is one aspect of Airbnb we miss: convenient access to in-unit laundry facilities. Hotels rarely provide washers and dryers within rooms or building common areas. We have adapted by researching nearby laundromats or laundry services and noting them before arrival.
Given the pace of our travels, moving roughly once per week, cooking in Airbnb kitchens felt like a burden. After raising five children, we prefer to minimize this task. Staying in hotels with breakfast included and dining out once a day suits our lifestyle better. We appreciate the chance to try local cuisine without worrying about cooking essentials like pans or foil, which we often had to repurchase while staying at Airbnb rentals.
Practical Advice for Frequent Travelers
If you travel frequently or change locations weekly, Airbnb might complicate your plans. The extra cleaning fees and administrative requirements reduce value for short stays. Hotels offer straightforward booking, consistent quality, and fewer hassles.
We rely mainly on two booking platforms: Hyatt’s rewards system for nicer hotels and Booking.com for other accommodations. Booking.com features a clear rating system, allowing us to assess quality quickly without reading hours of reviews, which we often needed to do on Airbnb to avoid surprises.
Communication on Airbnb can be unpredictable. Hosts vary widely in reliability and response times. Hotels eliminate this issue by providing professional customer service.
Final Thoughts on Airbnb Pitfalls
Our experiences show that Airbnb works well when hosts engage personally and maintain their properties. However, the platform increasingly reflects corporate interests and investor ownership, which can dilute the traveler’s experience.
Frequent travelers should carefully consider whether Airbnb fits their style and needs. For shorter stays, especially under a week, hotels offer many advantages, including reliable internet, easy check-in, and included services. Laundry access and kitchen use might require some planning but do not outweigh the convenience gained.
We learned that flexibility often means rethinking initial assumptions. Though Airbnb seemed ideal early on, our journey steered us toward hotels for greater peace of mind and predictability.
Travel involves adapting, learning, and making choices aligned with one’s lifestyle. When weighing accommodation options, prioritize what reduces stress and helps you enjoy your trip to its fullest. Our story offers insights for others who seek to navigate the evolving landscape of places to stay while discovering the world.
