I typically will look at Airbnb as part of my planning process. The problem right now is the nightly rates might be low, but when you go to secure dates and check out, sometimes the price increases by as much as 20-30% due to all the taxes and fees.
Owners have A LOT of discretion when it comes to what sorts of fees they tack on to the bill. Between the fees and taxes, I've seen $2000 rental quotes increase to $3000.
Also, Airbnb tends to have a much more strict cancellation policy. Many are non-refundable or only 50% refundable after 48 hours of booking.
Hotels have gone this route, too, when it comes to their cheapest rates, but you can usually still get a refundable room at a higher price. Some hotels have also gotten on the fee bandwagon (in addition to the "resort" fees that most of them were already charging before covid).
I will qualify this by saying, I don't ever look at shared stays on Airbnb. I exclusively rent condos/houses where I have the place to myself.
The number of scams associated with these bookings is also increasing. I posted on the travel board about rental car companies being sleazy. The two most prevalent complaints on the travel consumer advocate blog that I follow are for rental car companies and Airbnb/VRBO.
Owners have A LOT of discretion when it comes to what sorts of fees they tack on to the bill. Between the fees and taxes, I've seen $2000 rental quotes increase to $3000.
Also, Airbnb tends to have a much more strict cancellation policy. Many are non-refundable or only 50% refundable after 48 hours of booking.
Hotels have gone this route, too, when it comes to their cheapest rates, but you can usually still get a refundable room at a higher price. Some hotels have also gotten on the fee bandwagon (in addition to the "resort" fees that most of them were already charging before covid).
I will qualify this by saying, I don't ever look at shared stays on Airbnb. I exclusively rent condos/houses where I have the place to myself.
The number of scams associated with these bookings is also increasing. I posted on the travel board about rental car companies being sleazy. The two most prevalent complaints on the travel consumer advocate blog that I follow are for rental car companies and Airbnb/VRBO.