Tasha Why Hotels Still Have the Edge Over Airbnb If They Build The Right Experience
In the mind of every traveler, Airbnb is the budget-friendly option that lets you live like a local. In reality, it may not always be the case, and more and more Airbnb rentals have gone up in price. Yet travelers still choose them for the sense of independence.
For hotels, the competition isn’t on price anymore. It is about creating an experience that guests won’t forget.
Make Comfort Non-Negotiable
If there’s one thing hotels should never compromise on, it’s sleep.
After a long day of travel, meetings, or sightseeing, guests want to collapse into a bed that invites them to sleep soundly through the night.
A comfortable mattress, supportive pillows, and premium hotel quality bedding instantly elevate the experience. That’s why it’s crucial for hotels to learn to stage their rooms in a way that the bed receives all the attention. It needs to inspire confidence and relaxation.
Design Rooms with Personality
One common criticism of hotels is that rooms can feel generic. Beige walls. Predictable mass-produced art. Altogether, it’s a safe but uninspired and boring decor.
Today’s traveler wants character.
That’s why injecting personality into a room can make a great deal of difference. As a rule of thumb, unique-looking Airbnb rentals tend to perform better. So, it’s time to apply the same logic to hotel bedrooms.
In fact, some hotels collaborate with local artists to display rotating pieces, giving rooms a sense of place and authenticity.
When guests snap photos for social media, you know you are doing something right and driving attention to your hotel bedrooms.
Rethink the Breakfast Experience
Airbnb guests have a choice of options. They often cook their own meals, which can feel practical but rarely indulgent. When they want something lazy and indulgent, they pick up breakfast in one of the local cafes. Hotels have an opportunity to turn breakfast into a highlight too, with a little bit of creative effort.
A memorable breakfast goes beyond a basic buffet and lukewarm coffee.
Think fresh, locally sourced ingredients, warm options made to order, seasonal fruit, and thoughtful presentation. Even a small property can create excitement with signature dishes or regional specialties.
Create a Relaxation Space
Hotels can offer a dedicated space to unwind that is not the bedroom.
A cozy coffee room or lounge invites guests to slow down after a busy day. You want to look into comfortable seating, soft lighting, and curated music to create the perfect atmosphere. This is your sign, as a boutique hotel, to offer tea, coffee, and local pastries to transform the hotel from “a place to sleep” into a place to linger.
This break-and-relaxation space shows that the property cares about the entire guest journey, not just the overnight stay.
Deliver Real Concierge Support
One of the biggest advantages hotels have over Airbnb is service.
A concierge team can arrange dinner reservations, recommend hidden local gems, organize transportation, or even coordinate airport transfers. For travelers unfamiliar with a destination, this support is invaluable.
Airbnb hosts may offer tips, but they rarely provide consistent, on-demand assistance. Hotels can turn this into a defining strength.
In the end, competing with Airbnb isn’t about slashing prices. It’s about elevating experience. Will this win every traveler? No, but this will win the ones who are willing to pay extra for the experience, and these are the clients every hotel wants.
