Is booking an Airbnb rather than hotels cheaper for you always?
Mint’s research shows that staying in an Airbnb in most of the popular travel destinations in India and abroad can save you about 10-30% of the costs compared to booking a 3-star hotel offering similar amenities (see graphic). However, this doesn’t mean it will always be the cheaper lodging option .
When is Airbnb cheaper? Airbnbs come in a broad price range according to the size of the space, minimum number of guests allowed, amenities, location, furnishings and other factors. For instance, a single room in an apartment that is shared by the host and other guests can be 20-50% cheaper compared to a property in the same locality that is let out exclusively to travellers and the host lives elsewhere.
Similarly, a place with premium furnishings or a scenic view will be priced higher compared to other properties that offer the same amenities but lack any of these two features. In tourist destinations, one can even find stays that are priced similar to 5-star hotels offering unique experiences, such as a glass house, luxury farm cabin, vintage villa or premium houseboat.
In metro cities, price variations are limited as the size and location are the only two major factors that influence the prices. Shivya Nath, a travel blogger and author of The Shooting Star, says Airbnbs are, strictly from a price point, more affordable not just in India but around the world.
“In European countries, when you want to stay in a neighbourhood which is more accessible from the city centre, an Airbnb is more economical compared to hotels which are excessively priced in prime locations," she said. People looking for longer stays extending beyond a week can reduce their lodging costs by staying in an Airbnb as the platform offers tiered pricing
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