Space or service, neighborhood pace or zero hassle, city break or island, work trip or holiday? Here’s a practical guide to choosing well

I’ve had a rough ride with both options, which is why I no longer buy into the “Airbnb vs hotel” debate. I’m more interested in one question: what kind of trip are you taking?

Once in Lisbon, I booked a short-let apartment that looked flawless in the photos: great light, a kitchen, a “local” neighborhood. In real life, check-in turned into a mini odyssey, the balcony was nowhere to be found, and the little details, from the towels to the noise, made it clear you’re always gambling a bit on the unexpected. Another time, in a city hotel in Thessaloniki with a tight schedule, I checked in within five minutes, dropped my bag, took a shower that saved the day, and breakfast delivered exactly what I needed: ready, on time, and effortless.

The truth is simple: there’s no universally “better” choice. The right pick depends on your trip length, who you’re travelling with, the destination, and how much you want to deal with logistics.

When an Airbnb (or a home rental) makes more sense

Its biggest advantage is space and the feeling of having a proper base. If you’re travelling with family or friends, multiple bedrooms and shared living areas can change everything, and the cost is often better per person. If you’re staying longer (a week or more), the long-stay rhythm plus a kitchen and washer/dryer can transform the experience, especially with kids, dietary needs, or beach holidays with constant in-and-out.

On an island or in a coastal destination, a home with a yard, BBQ, parking, and room for gear (snorkels, boards, kids’ stuff) often wins by a mile. And yes, there’s the classic “live like a local” factor: neighborhood life, small routines, a quieter pace.

Pros

• Space & privacy (living room / kitchen / terrace)
• Great for groups (cost shared)
• A “home rhythm” that suits slow travel

Watch-outs

• Fees (cleaning/service charges) that can make short stays poor value
• Quality varies widely (every home, every host is different)
• Fewer services than a hotel (daily housekeeping, front desk support)
• Logistics (keys, check-in windows, instructions, cancellations)
• In hotspots, regulations and housing pressure can affect pricing and availability

When a hotel is the smarter choice

A hotel is the low-friction option. For 1–3 nights, city breaks, or trips with a schedule, it’s hard to beat: front desk, housekeeping, 24/7 support, a strategic location, late checkout, luggage storage. For business travel, predictability and standards are usually non-negotiable  and loyalty perks matter if you travel often.

At the beach or in a resort setting, hotels shine when you want full “resort mode”: breakfast, pool, beach setup, room service, concierge, so you can actually switch off without managing the details yourself.

Pros

• Predictability, standards, and clear procedures
• Services that make life easier (breakfast, concierge, room service)
• Ideal for short trips and city stays

Cons

• Less space for the money (especially for 3–4 people)
• In coastal areas you may pay a premium per square metre
• A more standardized experience (though not always)

Work trip vs holiday

For work, hotels usually win because they keep you functional: location, reliable Wi-Fi, support, receipts/invoicing, predictability. If it’s a longer project, a serviced apartment (or a carefully chosen rental) can be better: more space, a kitchen, a setup that actually works, but it demands stricter vetting.

For holidays, rentals often take the lead when you want a base, a group setup, a kitchen, and your own rhythm. Hotels take the lead when you want rest with zero mental load.

Quick decision checklist

Choose an Airbnb/home rental if 3+ apply:

• you’re 3+ people
• you’re staying 5+ nights
• you want a kitchen and/or laundry
• you want a beach/island base
• you can tolerate a bit of variability (home/host quality)

Choose a hotel if 3+ apply:

• you’re staying 1–3 nights
• you’re travelling for work or on a tight schedule
• you want a central location / easy transit
• you want services (breakfast, concierge, housekeeping)
• loyalty points/perks matter to you

If I had to sum it up in one line: a home for space and rhythm, a hotel for ease and predictability. And the best part? You can mix and match, depending on the trip, not out of loyalty to one way of travelling.