Resort vs. Hotel vs. Airbnb: Who Wins?

Source: Instagram, posted on January 30th, 2022, Westgate Resorts’ official profile

Choosing the best accommodation is one of the biggest challenges people face when planning a vacation. You might debate whether to check in to a large, expansive resort, a more intimate hotel, or a private Airbnb.

As the option you pick will determine your comfort, convenience, and memories, you must select wisely to avoid a big mistake. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on underwhelming accommodation and make a more informed decision.

Continue reading to learn how resorts, hotels, and Airbnbs stack up to each other, which could help select the best option for an upcoming getaway.

Resorts

Make many memories with your family and friends with a stay at a stunning resort, which will almost guarantee fun, convenience, and luxury.

A resort is similar in style to a hotel, as it welcomes temporary guests for a relaxing stay. Unlike hotels, resorts include additional accommodations, amenities, and activities to elevate a stay. Orlando resorts are a prime example, as most offer exceptional amenities, such as a fun water park, restorative spa, multiple restaurants, a fitness center, and many pools.

Also, resorts often provide various onsite activities to suit all ages and personalities, such as mini-golf, boat rentals, tennis or basketball courts, games room, fishing experiences, and a playground. It’s bigger, better, and more fun than other accommodation options.

The Best Guests: Due to the sheer size and scale of a resort, it’s best suited to families or groups of friends. The spacious accommodations, extensive facilities, and fun activities will ensure no one feels bored on vacation.

Why Choose a Resort? In addition to providing many things to see and do, resorts are often close to various nearby attractions and landmarks. For example, you can check in to Orlando resorts near some of the best theme parks in Florida, such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

What to Expect: Resort guests can expect spacious rooms or suites, many onsite activities, various restaurants, and proximity to nearby attractions, such as local theme parks, theaters, or entertainment venues.

If you choose an all-inclusive resort, most meals, drinks, activities, and services are included in the accommodation package.

How to Pick the Best Resort:It is crucial to thoroughly research a resort’s location to ensure it’s a stone’s throw from local attractions and landmarks. Also, read various online reviews to make a more informed choice before placing a booking.

Hotels

Check in to a luxury hotel for a comfortable, convenient base for exploring a town or city with ease.

Most hotels are designed to provide travelers with a comfortable place to sleep for one night or more. Some may also include a restaurant, spa, and gym. Unlike resorts, which aim to provide guests with an unforgettable stay, there are various hotel types to choose from, such as budget hotels and motels, mid-range hotels, and more luxurious experiences.

Also, some hotels often cater solely to a specific type of guest, such as business travelers, and may include conference rooms or event rooms. Plus, the smaller square footage often means that hotels are often less private than resorts.

As hotels are often based in urban areas, they are often a smart accommodation pick for a city break, such as exploring the likes of London, New York City, or Chicago.

The Best Guests: While most travelers can stay in a hotel, they are often a good choice for day-trippers, business travelers, and solo guests. Hotels are a perfect pick for those planning an overnight stay or short break at a destination, such as a town or a city.

Why Choose a Hotel? A hotel is a great pick if you need a comfortable place to rest your head for one or more nights. If you don’t want or need additional extras, such as onsite restaurants, a water park, or activities, check in to a budget, mid-range, or luxurious hotel for one or more nights. It could provide a perfect base for exploring a city, visiting a loved one, or attending a business meeting or event.

What to Expect: Hotel guests can expect various basics, such as a quick check-in process, a common lobby area, clean bedding, and standard checkout hours.

How to Pick the Best Hotel: A star-rated system from one to five can help you find the perfect hotel for your travel needs and budget. For example, if you have money to spare, you could treat yourself to a stay at a five-star hotel. It may provide more luxurious extras, such as a turning down service, concierge, bellhop, wake-up call, etc.

Airbnb

Book an Airbnb for a unique stay at an affordable price, as you could book an open-air pod, an elevated modern Kubo, a lakefront house, or an average home.

If you have never stayed at an Airbnb before, you might be unsure about what it is or how it works. Basically, it is the first and most popular home-sharing accommodation site, and travelers can book a stay in a host’s first or additional homes, such as a standard house, 300-year-old property, a charming cabin, or a cozy trailer.

The biggest advantage of Airbnb is its level of privacy. As you’ll stay in another person’s home, you will experience more privacy than in hotels and resorts. However, a lack of staff will equal a poor guest experience, as you will not have access to a front desk team, immediate housekeeping, or concierge services. If you have a concern, an Airbnb host might not respond to an issue until your stay is over.

Airbnb guests will only have access to the amenities inside a property. As a result, they’ll need to venture out of the vacation rental for dinner at a restaurant, entertainment, and spa treatments. However, Airbnbs often have a more reasonable price point in comparison to hotels, which could help you find comfortable accommodation on a tight budget.

Yet, you must consider the safety element of checking in to an Airbnb. Unlike hotels and resorts that have taken various steps to strengthen guest safety and security, you will experience a lower level of safety when lodging in a person’s home for the night. For this reason, you must book a rental home from an established Airbnb host with Superhost status. The award is for hosts who maintain Airbnb’s high standards, have accumulated many positive reviews, and have a high response rate.

The Best Guests: Airbnb is best suited to budget travelers looking for a more affordable alternative to expensive hotels in a town or city. Also, it is a better option for those who prefer to explore nearby restaurants, bars, and attractions over remaining in a hotel or resort.

Why Choose an Airbnb? Airbnbs provide a unique stay at a reasonable price. It’s an ideal option for those who want to enjoy more privacy, various home comforts, and a more residential feel during a temporary stay.

What to Expect: Airbnb guests can expect various basics during their stays, such as a hygienic property, clean sheets, easy check-in, tourism suggestions, available parking, and a TV.

How to Pick the Best Airbnb:Always read the description carefully to avoid unwanted surprises. For example, a host might state if certain facilities are shared, if a road is noisy, or the available parking options.

Also, read impartial reviews from past guests to develop an idea about the property and learn about its pros and cons. Only choose the accommodation that has a Superhost status to prevent scams and enjoy a safe, pleasant stay.

The Winner: Resorts

As you may have gathered, each accommodation option has pros and cons. If you’re looking for a homely, cheap stay at a destination, an Airbnb is a great way to lower your travel overheads while enjoying all the comforts of home. Yet, it might result in you sharing facilities with its host, a poorer guest experience, and less security compared to resorts and hotels.

However, if you are happy to pay a little extra for a better guest experience, a cozy bed, and onsite facilities, a hotel might tick every box on your travel list. Yet, you will need to research each option, as hotel standards, amenities, and guest experiences will vary.

While hotels and Airbnbs provide many positives, they cannot compare to a luxurious resort at a beautiful destination. Guests cannot only come and go as they please, but they will often stay in a large, beautiful suite, dine at various onsite restaurants, and enjoy many activities at the resort, from water sports and water parks to mini-golf and bicycle rentals.

Whichever option you choose, perform in-depth research to find the best resort, hotel, or Airbnb at your desired destination. Always read the accommodation descriptions to gain a firm understanding of its amenities, services, and activities. Also, browse travel articles and impartial reviews to learn about the atmosphere, guest experience, and mod cons.

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