How to choose an Airbnb versus a hotel in Europe
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
There was a time when I traveled to European countries with zero preplanning or pre-booking. I would simply arrive in whatever city I’d chosen and walk around until I found a hotel or hostel. This strategy sufficed for a college backpacker, but things have changed. With the explosion of European travel in the last six years, it’s necessary to reserve accommodations for a trip to Europe. Yet this can be one of the most overwhelming tasks in planning. You zoom in, zoom out, filter, scroll, and suddenly you have 437 options and a small crisis. (Chandler Bing voice: Have y’all even seen a search results map?)
One big question: Should you choose an Airbnb or a hotel for Europe? Budget often drives the decision, but there are many other important factors that are often overlooked. Here are ten things I always consider choosing an Airbnb versus a hotel in Europe.
Are you traveling with a group (like a family) or solo?
If you need more than one or two beds, a rental almost always wins. Rentals give you something hotels rarely can: both privacy and shared space. With young children, you can put them to bed and then hang out with a glass of wine in another room instead of whispering in the dark. If you’re with older teens, they also appreciate having their own space. However, if you’re a solo traveler, I recommend a hotel as a stand-in buddy system. Even in very safe cities, it’s wise (and comforting) to have someone aware of your coming and going.
Are you a breakfast person?
Many European hotels include breakfast. Full disclosure: even when breakfast is labeled “free,” you can assume it’s built into the room rate, but the convenience can be worthwhile. If you wake up hungry, having breakfast downstairs eliminates the daily search for coffee and croissants. If you’re not a breakfast person, a rental with a kitchen might make more sense. In a rental, you can buy a few groceries and nibble as needed to save significant money.
How long are you staying?
Rentals often require a minimum stay to book, but hotels don’t. If your trip involves multiple destinations, mix rentals and hotels. Use a rental for the locations where you’ll be for several days; use a hotel for locations where you’ll be for a night or two.
Are you in a major city or small village?
Hotels are significantly more expensive in premium areas, so rentals often offer better prices in prime locations. But in small villages, upscale hotels can be surprisingly affordable, so it can be a good opportunity to enjoy the amenities.
Do you need to do laundry?
Bag fees are a sneaky budget buster. If doing laundry enables you to pack a carry-on instead of checking bags, you can potentially save hundreds per passenger. Rentals often include free laundry machines, which are a game-changer for longer stays. Hotels usually offer laundry service, but typically at premium prices.
How important are vacation vibes?
If you want to totally avoid any hint of housework, choose a hotel. Someone else will make the bed, take out the trash, and replace the towels. Rentals will likely require some minimal tasks like stripping linens.
Or do you want to feel like “I live here”?
Rentals shine when you want immersion. Staying in a true neighborhood means discovering local gems like a corner bakery, tiny grocery, or quiet church that tourists never see.
Do you need to store bags?
Hotels almost always offer luggage storage before check-in or after checkout. This is huge on travel days. With rentals, you’re often stuck dragging a suitcase through cobblestone streets until 15:00 (er, 3:00 p.m.).
How much service do you need or want?
Hotels offer significant help: concierges, front desks, luggage assistance, and access to amenities like private beaches or pools. Rentals are typically more “diy.”
Can you walk up narrow, steep stairs?
In historic European cities, many rentals are carved from ancient buildings into wacky shapes and dimensions. They often require walking up many flights of narrow, steep stairs with no elevator. The historic charm wears thin when you’re struggling up five flights multiple times a day.
One lagniappe pro tip (learned the hard way):
Most flights from the United States to Europe arrive early in the morning before standard check-in times. Whether you choose an Airbnb or a hotel, consider booking the night before so you can access your room right away.
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