If you know anything about me, you (should) know that I love to travel! Whether it’s for a month in Mexico to a week in Savannah, Georgia, I’m always going somewhere. Part of this lifestyle is driven by my passion for creativity. There is no better way to shake up the normal routine and taking in new sights, smells, and sounds, than traveling to a new spot. What you may not know is how I figure out where I’m going to stay.
Deciding Factors
This is a debate almost as old as time. It’s no surprise that my decision to stay in either or both types of establishments depends on the situation: Am I traveling with other adults and kids? How long am I staying? Am I traveling for work or pleasure? Will I have access to a car?
I’ll readily admit that whatever I end up choosing, I’ll still critique it like it’s my job (Oh wait, it kind of is). That’s not to say that all the assessments are negative. I always pick up on good vibes and what works well in terms of layout, decor, furnishings, and lighting. By doing this, it allows me to empathize better with the guests that are staying in the hotels I am designing. If I’m asked for a review, I’ll readily supply one, while being transparent that I work in the hospitality industry as a designer.
The AirBnB Experience
When I was in Portugal this summer, I was able to do both so the comparison was pretty simple. Because I was traveling with other adults for a period of time, I chose an AirBnB. That way, we’d have space for ourselves, space to socialize and some really valuable amenities like a fridge, laundry machine and maybe even a pool or fitness center (my personal favorite amenity).
While the AirBnB’s provided the spaciousness and major amenities we needed, one of them forgot about the details; like not including hooks in the bathroom to hang towels or a shower basket or shelf for toiletries. And did I mention they didn’t include any laundry detergent or extra hand soap?
The Hotel Experience
My experience in boutique hotels made up for everything that the AirBnB’s didn’t have. They were cozy, had really great mattresses and pillows and it was a delight to be able to have a delicious breakfast on-site and get tips from the concierge. And the bathrooms had great water pressure and showerheads. The hotel experience was more relaxing and luxurious overall, compared to the AirBnB, especially as it had an elevator.
What was missing from the hotel experience was the local flair factor. Hotels are typically in well populated areas that often appeal to tourists. Instead of having coffee at the local corner coffee shop and experiencing the local coffee customs, I was treated to my usual drip coffee special in the ambience of other travelers who knew little about the culture.
What Matters in the End
No matter where I choose to stay, it’s ultimately about the sum of the experience rather than each small part. There is a lot to be said about having a responsive host or concierge, who can give you inside tips, recommendations, and make your life easier. You can find that at a hotel or an AirBnB.
I’m also all about staying in walkable locations. This means I don’t need a car and can get around by foot, just likeNYC. Do I need a TV in both the living room and sitting area? Nope. Do I need a rooftop bar? Nope. In the end, what matters is that I can get a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, take a shower and not feel like I’m back in a college dorm, and get a workout in to help me unwind or help me start my day.