Airbnb or hotel: which is better for your trip?

It’s no secret that Airbnb’s big trap is the price you see upfront when searching. It looks cheap, even cheaper than a budget hotel. But when it’s time to pay, you discover the fine print: cleaning fees, service fees, sometimes even a security deposit. All of that can turn what looked like a bargain into a bill very similar to a hotel’s… or even higher.

At a hotel or hostel you know what you’re paying from the start. No surprises with “mandatory extras” or the feeling that the final price is different. Cleaning is included, towels and sheets too, and if you need something you solve it at reception.

Another point: with Airbnb you pay for the entire space. If you travel alone, as a couple, or in a small group, you may end up paying more than expected. Meanwhile, budget hotels and hostels adjust prices better according to the number of people: single, double, family, or shared rooms. You only pay for what you need.

And be careful with cancellations: in a hotel, especially if you book directly, you usually get more flexibility. With Airbnb, depending on the host, you may lose a large part of your money if you change plans. In the end, what’s truly cheap is not just what you pay: it’s what you don’t lose in hassles, surprises, and hidden costs.

Once we’re clear on the general rule —that cheap doesn’t always mean cheap when it comes to Airbnb—, we need to look at the two most common cases: traveling with family or with a group of friends.

Here Airbnb often seems like the natural option: lots of space, a kitchen to prepare meals, and the feeling of having your own home. But the reality is that this “home” also means work: someone has to cook, someone has to clean, and someone has to deal with keys, host rules, or neighbors complaining about noise.

In a hostel or a hotel designed for groups, all of that disappears. No one argues about who’s buying groceries, the beds are ready, cleaning is daily, and if you need a towel, it’s delivered in minutes. Plus, many hotels offer family rooms or group discounts. And it’s not just about money: it’s about peace of mind. When you travel with kids or friends, having someone else handle logistics is worth more than a microwave in the kitchen.

The other big scenario is traveling as a couple. Here priorities change: intimacy, comfort, and zero complications. Airbnb sells very well the romantic idea of living like a local: having breakfast on a private terrace, feeling “at home” in a new city. But that illusion breaks quickly if the apartment has a ruined mattress, noisy neighbors, or a bathroom that doesn’t work properly.

A budget hotel doesn’t promise luxury, but it does promise certainty: a comfortable bed, guaranteed privacy, and a service team ready to respond. No surprises with keys, no strange rules like “no showers after ten at night.” And although the space may be smaller than an Airbnb, what matters on a couple’s trip is not the size of the living room: it’s being able to enjoy the destination without worries.