Airbnb or hotel stay? Tourism expert shares what to consider before you book

As spring break approaches and the travel season begins to heat up, many travelers are asking the same question while comparing prices and scrolling through photos: Should I book a hotel, or an Airbnb?

According to Dr. Sandy Chen, a professor of hospitality and tourism in OHIO’s Patton College of Education, over the past decade, travelers have grown increasingly enamored with “live like a local” experiences, increasing the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. At the same time, traditional hotels have continued to elevate themselves, with many brands adding apartment-style rooms, extended-stay concepts and lifestyle-focused properties designed to compete for travelers seeking more space and personality.

“Rather than one replacing the other, the market has segmented,” Dr. Chen said. “Today, travelers are less likely to default automatically to a hotel. Instead, they choose based on the purpose of the trip.”

The balance between hotels and short-term rentals has evolved through distinct cycles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term rentals experienced a major boost.

“Growth has gone through cycles,” Dr. Chen said. “Short-term rentals saw a major surge during the pandemic, especially for longer stays and rural destinations. More recently, traditional hotels have seen strong recovery in urban centers and business travel. Regulation in some cities, along with rising fees in short-term rentals, has slowed Airbnb growth in certain markets, while hotels benefit from brand trust and loyalty programs.”

For many travelers, price is the main factor when deciding where to stay, but Dr. Dr, cautions against assuming short-term rentals always cost less.

“It depends on the trip,” she explained. “For short stays, especially one or two nights, Airbnbs are often no longer cheaper once cleaning fees and service charges are added. For longer stays or larger groups splitting the cost, they can still offer savings. But it’s important to keep in mind that hotels also include amenities like housekeeping, front desk and concierge services, and sometimes in-house dining options, including the all-important room service, which can narrow or eliminate the price gap.”

She added that the type of trip often determines the better value.

“Hotels often provide better value for short stays, business travel or trips where location and convenience are key,” Dr. Chen added. “They offer predictable service and on-site amenities for which travelers are prepared to pay a premium. Airbnbs tend to provide better value for families, groups or longer stays where having a kitchen, multiple bedrooms and extra space reduces food and lodging costs.”

Beyond price, travelers should think about the kind of experience they want as well when deciding where to stay.

“Hotels offer standardized service and staff support, setting consistent expectations across properties. Guests know what they’re getting,” Dr. Chen said.

Airbnbs, she noted, offer a different dynamic.

“Airbnbs vary more widely. The experience can feel more personal and residential, but it depends heavily on the individual host. Hotels operate 24/7, offering greater flexibility in check-in, cancellation policies and service consistency.”

For certain travelers, that reliability is crucial to their experience.

“Business travelers usually find that hotels make more sense due to reliability, workspaces, loyalty programs and flexible cancellations,” Dr. Chen said. “This is also the case for solo travelers; hotels typically offer better security and social spaces, though budget-conscious solo travelers may find affordable private rooms in short-term rentals.”

Families and groups, however, may benefit from the space and functionality of a rental property.

“For families or groups, Airbnbs can be more practical because of multiple bedrooms and kitchens,” she said. “Likewise, for long-term visitors, Airbnbs or extended-stay hotels typically offer better value and comfort.”

Dr. Chen also emphasized the importance of understanding regulation and consumer protections before booking.

“Hotels are heavily regulated, subject to safety inspections, and have to pass consistent fire and accessibility standards,” she explained. “There’s also clear consumer recourse through the brand or corporate chain.”

Short-term rentals, by contrast, can vary significantly depending on location.

“Short-term rentals are regulated differently depending on the market. Some markets have strict rules, others have minimal oversight,” Dr. Chen said. “Travelers should check cancellation policies, host ratings and local regulations, and understand that protections can vary.”

In many cities, the rapid expansion of short-term rentals has ignited political and community debate, particularly in residential neighborhoods where the effects are most visible. Unlike hotels, which are typically concentrated in commercial corridors, short-term rentals disperse visitors directly into housing stock that would otherwise serve long-term residents.

“Hotels tend to cluster in commercial areas, creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and contributing predictable tax revenue,” she added. “Because they’re part of the traditional tourism economy, their impacts on residential neighborhoods are usually well-studied and planned for.”

Short-term rentals, by contrast, often operate in residential zones, blending tourism with everyday neighborhood life. While that can generate spillover benefits for nearby cafés, restaurants and small shops, critics argue the tradeoffs can be significant.

“In some cities the rapid growth of short-term rentals has led to pushback from residents who feel their neighborhoods are changing in unwanted ways. Critics argue that an oversupply of short-term rentals reduces long-term housing availability, pushes up the price of renting for locals, and disrupts the character of residential streets,” she explained. “These concerns have fueled ‘anti-Airbnb’ sentiment and policy efforts in top tourist destinations around the world, such as Barcelona and Amsterdam.”

For travelers still on the fence, Dr. Chen suggests asking yourself the following questions:

1. How long will I be staying, and how much space do I actually need?
2. Do I prioritize convenience and service, or privacy and a home-like environment?
3. What is the total cost after all fees, and which amenities are included?
4. How safe and secure is the property?

These questions should help travelers identify what they’re looking to get out of their stay and help booking be simple. Overall, she advises travelers to match the accommodation with the mission of their trip.