If you are traveling to India, you may be wondering about the type of accommodation you want. With the rise of Airbnbs in India, the hotel industry has got some tough competition. Even so, more people tend to choose hotels over Airbnb for a number of reasons. “Airbnb Vs Hotels in India for Foreigners: which one to choose?” is a guide to help you choose the best option based on your vacation preferences.
What is the difference between a hotel and an Airbnb in India?
In India, hotels have been around for a long time, while Airbnb is a relatively new concept. Hotels are a traditional concept, offering clean rooms and suites, 24/7 facilities, room service, breakfast, and more.
On the other hand, Airbnbs are more residential, often featuring apartments with living rooms, kitchens, and in some locations, a parking space.
Whether you choose a hotel or Airbnb for your stay depends on a few factors. Both have pros and cons, and it is all about the kind of vacation you are looking for.
Pricing
One of the main factors people look at while booking an accommodation is the cost of the property.
Airbnbs are cheaper than hotels. If you are on a budget and want to save money on accommodation, Airbnb is undoubtedly the best option for you. You get more space for less, although it means having to do everything yourself.
Plus, if you are traveling as a group, it is more economical to book one Airbnb and divide the cost among everyone, rather than booking 2-3 hotel rooms.
However, Airbnb will take additional fees for extra service charges, and sometimes, it can get just as expensive as a hotel accommodation.
So if you are traveling solo during the off season for a short while, hotels would be the more economical choice. On the other hand, if you are traveling with a group on a budget, Airbnb is good.
Amenities and services
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation where you don’t want to lift a finger, hotels are the obvious choice. Hotels provide you with a range of amenities, such as room service, breakfast buffets, laundry service, and more. Hotels give their money’s worth by pampering their guests with all the amenities and services that are a part of their cost.
Airbnbs do not offer all that much in terms of services. In fact, an Airbnb is like a home. Most Airbnbs give free parking, WiFi, air-conditioning, and kitchens. Some Airbnbs also allow pets. This is great for travelers who want to cook their own meals or want more space for themselves.
See more: Best luxury hotels in India
Location
Most hotels are located around popular tourist places or near some major means of transport. This is so that tourists can easily visit the major attractions without too much hassle, and can travel from one place to another freely.
On the other hand, Airbnbs are known for their offbeat locations – you can find them anywhere, right in the middle of the city or some remote corner of the region. If you want to experience the local culture of a place, an Airbnb like this may be a great choice to immerse yourself in the region.
Privacy
While hotel rooms are extremely private, you will find too many people in the common spaces such as the gym, pool, and lobby. Hotels also need to be checked-in personally at the reception, where you have to interact with others.
If you are traveling as a group, you can book an Airbnb apartment that allows more privacy than booking different rooms in a hotel. A lot of Airbnbs have self check-ins, which means you do not need to have any face time with hosts.
If you want some space for yourself with minimal interaction with other people, Airbnb is the best choice for you.
Duration
If you are looking for a stay for a day or two, hotels are perfect. But for a longer stay, Airbnbs are the better choice. It is more convenient to book a home for long-term stays. Plus, Airbnb offers discounts for the same.
Hotels do not usually offer extended stays for travelers, and even if they do, there are rarely any discounts and it can end up being expensive.
Accommodation type
Hotels mostly only provide private rooms, whether they are small rooms or large suites. Some luxury hotels do offer large penthouses with a kitchen and living room, although that is very rare in India.
Meanwhile Airbnbs have different types of accommodations, such as shared rooms, private rooms, and entire houses. In India, you will mostly find private rooms, shared houses and entire houses. If you book a private room, you will get your own room but may have to share a bathroom with other people. Shared houses mean that you have your own room and bathroom, but the house is shared by someone else or sometimes even the owner of the property. If you book an entire apartment, you get full control and privacy of the space without having to share it with anyone.
Safety
When you think about safety, most people prefer hotels over Airbnb, and with good reason. Hotels have many resources to keep guests safe, such as CCTV cameras, key card access, security personnel, safety boxes, and fire extinguishers.
On the other hand, Airbnbs may or may not have such safety features in place. While a caretaker may not be available at the property 24/7, there is a 24/7 safety line you can call. An Airbnb host also goes through a background check before the property is listed on the website. Many Airbnbs also have a fire extinguisher in their property.
Irrespective of safety measures, data breaches can happen in both hotels and Airbnbs. However, hotels are any day safer than Airbnbs.
When to choose hotels?
Hotels are the ideal choice if you are traveling for a short period and just want to experience the region without spending any time on cooking and cleaning. Hotels are convenient and you get many amenities that ensure that you don’t need to lift a finger.
If you are a luxury traveler and have the budget to splurge on accommodation, definitely choose a nice hotel where all your needs will be taken care of.
If you are here for a business trip, there is a good chance you will need WiFi, concierge services, easy check-in and check-out any time of the day, and even conference rooms. In such a situation, a hotel is your best bet.
When to choose Airbnb?
If you are traveling for a longer period of time, an Airbnb is the better option. It is more economical. You get to experience personalized accommodations and local culture, and even get local tips that a hotel may not share with you.
If you are traveling with a group and need a homely environment, home-cooked meals, or just some extra space and privacy, Airbnb is the best choice.
So, would you be choosing a hotel or an Airbnb on your next trip to India? Let us know! We can help you choose the best according to your preferences. At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and dislikes. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The choice between an Airbnb and a hotel depends on many factors, such as your budget, style of travel, type of vacation, and more.
Airbnb takes extra cleaning fees, service charges, and taxes that can increase the total cost of your stay. Plus, you have to cook your own meals or order from outside, which is extra cost and effort. Also, not every Airbnb is a positive experience, as things can be different from what is shown in the pictures. Safety and security is also not as high as in a hotel.
Airbnb is an abbreviation of the name “Air Bed and Breakfast”, an American company that started the online marketplace for homestays.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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