The initial impression is what can separate your choice of a hotel or an Airbnb straight away. You arrive at your accommodation after a long day of travel. At a hotel, there’s a smiling concierge, a well-lit lobby and someone handing you a key card. At an Airbnb, you can be standing in a dark car park squinting at a lockbox code on your phone while trying to remember which entrance the host said to use.
Both are valid choices. Both have their moments.
We’ve used Airbnb sparingly over the last ten years of travel — our first time was in Rome back in 2015. But with hotel prices in Melbourne and most other cities going through the roof, we recently stayed in both within two weeks of each other. The Pullman Melbourne City Centre for two nights one weekend, and an Airbnb for three nights two weeks later. Same city, same trip purpose, very different experiences.
Hotel or Airbnb — which is better for couples?
Honestly there’s no clean winner. It depends on what you need from the stay. Here’s how the two compare based on our experience.
Pros of Airbnb
The cost is often cheaper than a comparable hotel, especially for longer stays. Most Airbnbs have cooking facilities so you can bring your own food and save on meals. Laundry is usually included — something hotels charge a fortune for. The space is generally bigger, with a proper lounge area where you can actually relax without sitting on the end of a bed. And if you search with the right filters, free parking is often included. We got a million-dollar view of the Melbourne skyline for a fraction of what a hotel with that view would have cost.
Cons of Airbnb
There’s no one on site if something goes wrong. Check-in instructions can be complicated — that lockbox in the dark scenario is real. Departure instructions can be excessive too. The Airbnb we stayed at in Melbourne required us to drop the key back to a small shop at the front of the building. The shop wasn’t open when we left, so we had to use the key to get the car out of secure parking and then one of us had to go back up to the apartment to leave the key behind. Not ideal when you’re trying to get on the road.
Pros of a hotel
24-hour reception means someone is always there. Check-in and check-out is straightforward. Food and drinks are available on site. If something’s wrong with your room you get an answer immediately. Rooms get made up daily. Most decent hotels have a bar, pool or gym. And if you use loyalty programs or cashback services it can work out cheaper than you’d expect.
The Pullman Melbourne City Centre was on Swanston Street in the heart of the food and shopping district with its own rooftop bar doing cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. The only downside was parking — we had to park a block away and walk back without luggage, which is a small thing but still annoying.
Cons of a hotel
Hotels are generally more expensive. Parking is almost never free. Some rooms are genuinely small for the money you’re paying.
So which do we prefer?
Location helps us make the decision more than anything else. Don’t stay somewhere cheap and inconvenient just to save a few dollars — you’ll spend that money and more getting back to where you actually want to be.
The longer the stay, the more an Airbnb makes sense. The homely feel, the kitchen, the laundry, the space — it all adds up over a week or two. For a night or two in a city where you’re out most of the time anyway, a hotel is easier and more convenient.
We’ll definitely be giving Airbnb more consideration going forward instead of defaulting to Booking.com for everything — we recently stayed in another in Melaka when we were in Malaysia. No accommodation is perfect. They all have pluses and negatives no matter where you are or what you pay.
We’ve been giving straight-up travel advice for midlife couples for over 26 years. Take a look at the story behind Street Eats & Window Seats.
Is Airbnb cheaper than a hotel?
Often yes — especially for longer stays or if you’re travelling as a couple or group. Airbnb pricing can be cheaper per night than a comparable hotel, and you’ll save on meals if you cook your own food. That said, cleaning fees and service charges can add up, so always check the total price before booking.
Is Airbnb or a hotel better for couples?
It depends on the length of stay and what you need. For a short city break where you’re out exploring most of the time, a hotel is more convenient — easy check-in, daily room service and food on site. For longer stays, an Airbnb wins on space, kitchen facilities, laundry and overall comfort.
What are the downsides of staying in an Airbnb?
The main downsides are the lack of on-site support if something goes wrong, complicated check-in instructions, and sometimes excessive departure requirements. You may also need to clean the apartment yourself if staying more than a few days. Always read the house rules carefully before booking.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb overseas?
Generally yes — Airbnb has a review system that makes it relatively easy to assess a property and host before booking. Stick to properties with a high number of reviews and a Superhost badge where possible. Read the reviews carefully and check the cancellation policy before you commit.
What should you look for when booking a hotel for couples?
Location is the most important factor — being central saves you time and money getting around. After that, look at room size, what’s included in the rate, parking availability and guest reviews. Loyalty programs can make hotels considerably cheaper if you travel regularly with the same brand.
