A comparison of hotels and Airbnb’s?
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantTraditionally, hotels would’ve been the first thing that
came to mind when it came to organising accommodation for your trip away. But
with the advancements in modern technology revolutionising the way we approach
staying abroad, the hotel industry has suffered a small wound as a result of
the rising competition.
The value in hospitality
Although choosing whether to opt for a hotel or a homestay
is entirely down to the preferences of the individual, let’s firstly go through
some of the advantages hotels bring us that an Airbnb can’t. With hotels you
can be safe in the knowledge that anything you need is a phone call away, and
while most amenities aren’t in your room upon arrival, the hotel is sure to
have designated areas where guests can do things such as ironing, laundry or
using computers. Hotels also have things that a lot of Airbnb’s don’t provide, such
as the basics of towels and toiletries, which take up room in your suitcase.
Hotels are naturally more beneficial for families as the
hotel entertainment areas are a great way for kids to keep themselves busy while
the parents can relax and enjoy some time alone. The free breakfasts and meals
that come with the hotel often have a plethora of choice as well, lowering the
risk of unsatisfied kids as a result of picky food tastes. They usually have
lovely outdoor areas to eat as well even if the weather isn’t great you can
just remember to pack your children’s
raincoats.
The customer service aspect of the hotel industry can be the
winner of Airbnb’s. If customers feel as though they got more than their
money’s worth as a result of above-and-beyond customer service, then they’ll
not budge when it comes to booking again.
DIY vacations
Although the idea of being catered for is appealing to some,
many like the solitude that comes with having your own place abroad, without
the interruptions of neighboring guests in nearby areas. With Airbnb’s you can
really scope in on what you want with your accommodation, such as choosing
exactly what amenities you want when you arrive; hot tubs, close to the city centre etc.,
similar to that of hotels but more refined.
The authenticity of the holiday also is altered, especially
abroad, as staying in a locals home will give you a more realistic experience
of that surrounding city. Chances are the host will probably meet you upon
arrival and tell you all the hidden clues that hotels might not have at hand,
so exchanging conversations is already a nice way of integrating with the
people of the city.
Competition for guests
It’s
heating up more and more, as the dynamic of accommodation continues to take on
new forms. From done up shabbu chic garden sheds
to boat homes with antique silver furnishings, Airbnb offer a large variety of
different accommodation types. When it comes to large events such as weddings
or conference events, the number of guests needing accommodation will increase
tenfold and so the large capacity of hotels will be a massive advantage over
Airbnb’s, despite eight-10 bedroom sized housing being available, splitting the
overall price.
Hotel
owners are naturally casting a wary eye over the rapid expansion of this new
arrival in the lodging market, and with Airbnb now starting to target business
travellers, as well as the target market of young travellers on a budget.
Joe Cobb, Executive
Commercial Manager for Lake District Country Hotels, a popular wedding
venue in Cumbria, said: “Here at Lake District Country Hotels, we have learned of the new route
to market for some accommodation types, with one being Airbnb. This is
something that we will continue to monitor as it is no doubt a concept that has
been received well, although the nature of our hotels, being country manors,
have positioned us in a snug position between the two, as we continue to
recognise guests want a more authentic experience that is reflective of their
surroundings and culture.”
Hotels are responding though, with some brands dabbling with the idea
of buying out a cluster of guest rooms surrounding a communal living area,
mimicking that of renting a house on Airbnb. So, while Airbnb may have changed
the way people stay in accommodation abroad, the hotelier has responded by
following suit as an addition to their traditional hoteling experience,
ensuring that the market share they thought they would lose is getting split.
The broadened market is a reflection of customer tastes changing, demanding
more from the hospitality industry as they try to craft an entirely personal
experience.
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Created on Sep 25th 2019 05:34. Viewed 618 times.