Airbnb’s Unique Appeal: Why It’s Outshining Hotels In 2024

Airbnb is an online marketplace that offers various types of accommodation for people who want to rent or rent private rooms, apartments, villas, or entire houses. This service allows the property to be rented daily, with prices determined directly by the property owner.

For property owners, Airbnb offers the opportunity to earn additional income by renting out their property. Meanwhile, from the user’s perspective, Airbnb can be a cheaper lodging option than hotels by providing unique experiences and various lodging options that cannot be found in existing hotels.

Airbnb’s ‘home sharing’ service gives people the opportunity to rent out additional rooms to tourists for an additional fee and provides cheaper accommodation options for tourists. Airbnb plans an initial public offering (IPO) next year.

1. Flexibility

One of the main differences between Airbnb and hotels is the level of flexibility they offer. Airbnb tends to be more flexible when it comes to accommodation options and accommodation rules. Users can find various types of accommodation on Airbnb, from private rooms, apartments, and villas, to entire houses. This flexibility allows you to choose accommodations that suit your specific needs, including options not available in traditional hotels.

For example, some Airbnb properties allow guests to bring pets. This is a huge advantage for travelers who don’t want to leave their pets at home. Meanwhile, most hotels have strict pet policies and do not allow pets in their rooms. Airbnb also often offers flexible rules regarding check-in and check-out, while hotels have stricter operating hours.

2. Prices are more reasonable

Cheap prices are another reason why Airbnb is a popular lodging alternative. Staying in an Airbnb is often cheaper than a hotel, especially if you’re traveling with a large group or family. Hotels usually have policies that limit the number of guests in each room, so you may need to book multiple rooms to accommodate everyone.

On Airbnb, users can find accommodation that can accommodate more guests at a lower cost. For example, a three-bedroom house on Airbnb may be cheaper than booking three rooms in a hotel. Many Airbnb listings also offer extras like a full kitchen, so you can cook your meals and save money on food.

3. Ownership

Another important difference is property ownership. Unlike hotels which are usually managed professionally, properties listed on Airbnb are usually privately owned. This means you’ll stay in a privately owned house or apartment, providing a more personal and unique experience.

This private ownership means each Airbnb listing has its unique character and style. Users will find accommodation with the owner’s personal touch, such as unique decoration, unique furniture, and non-standard additional facilities. In contrast, hotels generally have a uniform standard design with slight differences from room to room.

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4. Accommodation experience

Airbnb offers a different lodging experience compared to hotels. Because Airbnb properties are privately owned, users can experience life like a local in this tourist destination. Living in someone’s house or apartment allows you to experience the local atmosphere and interact with local neighbors.

Many Airbnb properties also offer amenities that hotels don’t always offer. For example, there is a kitchen for cooking, a washing machine for washing clothes, and a comfortable living room. This facility is very useful if you plan to stay for a long period, for example, 2 weeks to 1 month. You can enjoy the comfort of your home while experiencing adventure in a new place.

5. Security and Risk

In terms of security and potential risks, hotels are generally superior. In addition to strict security measures, the hotel has professional security and protection staff ready to serve guests. This security includes 24-hour surveillance, secure room keys, and access to emergency facilities.

Airbnb, on the other hand, has potential risks that need to be considered. For example, the accommodation you book may not match the description or photos on the app. This risk of fraud can be avoided by conducting in-depth research before booking, reading previous guest reviews, and communicating directly with the property owner.

Airbnb also has a review and rating system that helps increase trust between owners and guests. Reading reviews from previous guests can help you get a clearer picture of your property and their experience staying there.

A brief history of Airbnb

Airbnb was born from a simple idea in 2007 when two hosts offered their accommodation to guests who wanted to stay there for a fee. The idea arose from a need for unique and affordable accommodations in San Francisco. As time went by, this concept developed rapidly and attracted the attention of many people around the world.

In 2008, Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joe Gebbia founded Airbnb, which is officially short for AirBedandBreakfast.com. The name reflects the service’s initial concept of providing unique and comfortable bed and breakfasts for tourists. Airbnb has grown into a global platform with more than 4 million hosts worldwide offering various types of accommodation.

How does Airbnb work?

The Airbnb website works in a relatively simple way and is similar to other accommodation bookings, but has some unique features. Here are general steps for using Airbnb:

1. Find a house

Users specify their location and travel dates. You can then search for available properties in your desired area. Airbnb offers a variety of filters to help you refine your search results, including property type, price, amenities, and pet policy.

2. Select ownership

After finding several interesting options, users can view detailed information about each accommodation, including photos, descriptions, previous guest reviews, and information about the host. This allows users to make more informed decisions about where they want to live.

3. Communicate with the host

If users have questions or want to negotiate the price, they can message the host. The host will then reply to your message with additional information or check availability. This is an important step to ensure your facility meets your expectations and needs.

4. Order instantly

For users who don’t want to wait for confirmation from the host, Airbnb offers an ‘Instant Booking’ option. This feature allows you to directly book a property without waiting for host approval, as long as the property supports this feature.

5. Send application

Once all the details are agreed upon, users can book through the Airbnb platform. Payment is made online, and Airbnb holds your funds after check-in to secure the transaction.

6. Stay and comment

After their stay, users can leave reviews about their experience. These reviews increase trust between hosts and guests and help other users make future decisions.

All about Airbnb

payment method

For those looking to book accommodation through Airbnb, the platform offers a variety of flexible and secure payment options. Users can use various payment methods, such as credit cards, prepaid credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, JCB), or PayPal.

Payments will not go directly to the property owner. In contrast, Airbnb holds your funds until you check in and check out. Payment is then transferred to the property owner, reducing the risk of fraud and providing additional security to guests.

Unfortunately, booking accommodation through Airbnb requires full payment at the time of booking. There is no option to pay a deposit (DP) like you see in other hotels or hostels.

For users outside the United States, such as in Indonesia, payments via Airbnb can only be made by credit card. There is an option to use Google Wallet, but it is only available to Android users in the United States.

Can you trust Airbnb?

Trust is very important when using Airbnb. While the platform does its best to maintain security, it cannot be guaranteed to be 100% fraud-free. There have been reports of cases of fraud, so it is important to always be careful and do your research before ordering. Here are some tips to avoid fraud.

There are many tips to help users avoid fraud.

Look at property reviews: Properties with more positive reviews tend to be more trustworthy. Check reviews: The number and quality of reviews can give you an idea of ​​a business’s reputation. Don’t be fooled by the price. A low price does not always mean low quality and a high price does not always guarantee high quality. Consider all aspects before making a decision.
• Look at property reviews: Properties with more positive reviews tend to be more trustworthy.
• Check reviews: The number and quality of reviews can give you an idea of ​​a business’s reputation.
• Don’t be fooled by the price. A low price does not always mean low quality and a high price does not always guarantee high quality. Consider all aspects before making a decision.

Does the user live with the owner?

It depends. Some properties rent out rooms in owner-occupied homes, while others rent out entire houses or empty apartments. You can check the accommodation description for more details before booking.

curfew and breakfast

Rules regarding curfews and other regulations vary depending on the property owner. They are free to set house rules such as no smoking, pet policies, and curfews. These rules are listed on every Airbnb profile.

Breakfast availability depends on the property owner. Some hosts provide breakfast as part of their amenities, while others do not. This information is usually listed on your listing’s Airbnb profile.

Limit the number of visitors

Property owners determine the minimum and maximum number of guests allowed to stay. These terms are included in the property description so you can be sure the property meets your needs.

Airbnb rental prices

Prices for Airbnb accommodation vary greatly depending on location, facilities, and type of accommodation. For example, a tree house in Bali can be rented for around IDR 300,000 per night with standard facilities such as a bedroom, a public toilet, and a beautiful garden.

Berikut beberapa contoh kamar Airbnb yang unik:

1. Treehouse Retreat: Kamar yang terletak di atas pohon, dikelilingi oleh alam, memberikan pengalaman menginap yang menenangkan dan berbeda.
   
2. Converted Shipping Container: Kamar yang dibangun dari kontainer pengiriman, menawarkan desain modern dan fungsionalitas yang unik.
   
3. Caves and Cliffside Lodges: Kamar yang terletak di dalam gua atau di tebing, memberikan pemandangan spektakuler dan pengalaman menginap yang luar biasa.
   
   
4. Tiny House: Kamar dalam bentuk rumah kecil yang efisien, dilengkapi dengan semua fasilitas yang dibutuhkan untuk pengalaman menginap yang nyaman.
   
   
5. Historical Castle or Villa: Kamar di dalam kastil atau villa bersejarah, memungkinkan tamu merasakan kehidupan bangsawan dengan arsitektur dan dekorasi klasik.
   
   
6. Underwater Hotel Room: Kamar yang terletak di bawah air, memungkinkan tamu menikmati pemandangan kehidupan laut dari kenyamanan tempat tidur mereka.
   
   
7. Yurt or Glamping Tents: Kamar yang terbuat dari yurt atau tenda glamping yang menawarkan pengalaman berkemah dengan kenyamanan modern.
8. Retro Airstream Trailer: Kamar di dalam trailer Airstream vintage yang direnovasi, memberikan nuansa nostalgia dan keunikan.
9. Farm Stay in a Barn: Kamar yang terletak di dalam gudang di sebuah peternakan, memberi pengalaman rural yang autentik.
10. Floating Houseboat: Kamar di atas perahu rumah yang mengapung di danau atau sungai, memberikan pengalaman menginap yang tenang di atas air.