Hotel vs. Airbnb: Before You Rent an Apartment Abroad…
Many Airbnbs don’t have enough seating for all guests and/or have very uncomfortable seating.
Some of my clients recently stayed in a Paris apartment and realized something important: they’re hotel people. If you’re not sure where you land, here are a few things to consider before you move forward with an apartment rental abroad.
Hotel vs Airbnb
First time renting abroad?
International travel is not the time to test out DIY lodging. Especially if you don’t speak the language.
Hotel breakfast or foraging?
Unless your host delivers croissants, you’re on your own.
No help with luggage.
Most Airbnbs won’t store bags before or after check-in.
Safety matters.
Hotels have front desks, cameras and security. Airbnb guests often check in solo, with no support if something feels off.
Airbnb hurts the cities you love.
Short-term rentals displace locals and hollow out neighborhoods. Hotels support jobs and keep the local vibe alive.
No housekeeping.
You’ll be making your own bed and reusing your towels.
No dryers.
Hang-drying towels on vacation? Hard pass. (In most parts of the world, tumble dryers are rare.)
No fresh sheets.
Hotels change sheets. Airbnb doesn’t.
Unfriendly neighbors.
Locals in anti-Airbnb cities (London, Paris, Venice, etc.) don’t want short-term guests in their buildings — and it shows. Would you want a revolving door of strangers coming in and out of your apartment building at all hours of the day and night?
A/C is rare.
Most hotels have air conditioning. Most Airbnbs in Europe don’t.
Seating is an afterthought.
Many listings don’t have enough chairs — or use sad futons instead of sofas. (Is there enough sofa seating to match the number of guests?)
BYO toilet paper.
Don’t expect refills. You’re restocking everything.
BYO toiletries.
Even basics like soap can be locked away — or nonexistent.
One weak hairdryer — if any.
They’re often stolen, so many hosts stop providing them.
Trash is complicated.
In Europe, disposal can mean deciphering strict schedules, locked bins, and no clear instructions.
Appliances can be cryptic.
Washing machines, ovens, dishwashers — with unfamiliar symbols and no manuals.
Cleaning fees are extra.
You’ll likely pay one to leave and another for a mid-stay clean.
Security deposits can be a fight.
Document everything — or risk losing your deposit.
No concierge.
Need restaurant recs, directions, or help in an emergency? You're on your own.
No on-site help.
Hotel: maintenance shows up in minutes. Airbnb: maybe someone comes tomorrow. Maybe not.
No service extras.
No one to help with bags, grab a cab, or suggest a great wine bar.
Fire safety? Maybe.
Hotels follow building codes. Airbnbs? Don’t count on smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
Who has keys?
Hosts don’t always change codes or control who’s copied the key.
What you see isn’t always what you get.
Photos can be misleading. Hotels are consistent. Airbnbs are aspirational.
The charm is gone.
Most listings now are run by companies, not locals. You’re not getting “authentic” — just unregulated.
Check-in can be a scavenger hunt.
Sometimes the key is in a lockbox across town. If it’s there at all.
No loyalty perks.
No free upgrades, no early check-in, no rewards. Hotels win here, every time.
No flexibility.
Plans changed? Good luck getting a refund from Airbnb.
Legal risk.
Short-term rentals are illegal in many cities. You may not know until it’s too late.
Accessibility is hit or miss.
Need an elevator or ADA-compliant bathroom? Stick to hotels.
Noise complaints go both ways.
You might be the one kept up all night — with no front desk to call.
Customer service is slow.
If something goes wrong, Airbnb might take hours (or days) to respond. A hotel handles it now.
It’s not always cheaper.
Once you add cleaning fees, supplies, breakfast, and luggage storage — savings often disappear.
Bottom line:
If you want a comfortable, safe, reliable place to stay — with support if something goes wrong — stay in a hotel. I’ll help you find a great one. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.
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