This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Airbnb vs hotel for families: Compare space, amenities, convenience & cost to find what’s best for your next family trip.
When you’re traveling full-time with kids, every little detail matters. We’ve tried it all—charming Airbnbs in quiet neighborhoods and bustling hotels in the heart of the city. Over time, we’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on the type of trip, the length of stay, and what your family needs most.
But, one thing we learned is the accommodation you choose can make or break your trip and can even influence how you feel about a particular destination.
Here’s your ultimate family-friendly guide to Airbnb vs Hotel—plus other accommodation options worth considering.
When to Choose Airbnb for Family Travel
Airbnb has become our go-to for longer stays—especially when we’re settling into a destination for a week or more. Here’s why:
1. More Space = Sanity Saver
Unlike a cramped hotel room, an Airbnb often gives you multiple bedrooms, a living room, and maybe even a balcony or backyard. Everyone can spread out, take quiet time, or nap without tiptoeing around the room.
2. Kitchen Access
Being able to make your own meals is a game-changer. Whether it’s a picky toddler or food allergies, having a full kitchen makes daily life easier—and saves a ton on eating out.
3. Laundry On-Site
No more overpacking! Most Airbnbs include a washer and if you are lucky a dryer. That means fewer clothes, more room in the suitcase for souvenirs… just kidding, our extra room is for homeschooling books.
4. Feels Like Home
When you’re worldschooling or slow traveling, that homey feeling really matters. Airbnb homes sometimes come with bookshelves, toys, board games, and comfy sofas that make you feel like you belong.
5. Long-Term Savings
If you’re staying for a month or more, many Airbnbs offer deep discounts (40-50% off). It’s often cheaper than a hotel, especially when you factor in the cost of meals and laundry services.
6. Airbnb Support
We haven’t had many bad properties, but we have had a couple that we simply couldn’t stay in. In those moments, it’s a huge relief knowing Airbnb has a support team that can step in. We’ve had full refunds issued quickly, and it’s reassuring to know that backup is available if something goes wrong.
Additionally, while Airbnb is our preferred platform, there are other booking options available—like Booking.com, Agoda, Klook, and Flatio—that also offer apartments and family-friendly stays. However, we’ve found that Airbnb generally has more options, more accurate filters, and a smoother user experience when it comes to communication and support.
Pro Tip: often times you can get free or very affordable weekly cleanings from Airbnb hosts at no cost to you if staying for a month. Make sure to ask!
When to Choose a Hotel for Family Travel
For short stays, stopovers, or city breaks, hotels are still our top choice. Here’s why they work better in certain scenarios:
1. No Cleaning Stress
At the end of a short stay, it’s nice not to worry about taking out trash, doing laundry, or scrubbing dishes. Just pack and go.
2. Front Desk Support
Need more towels? Got locked out? Need to book a taxi? The front desk is just a call away, and that convenience can be gold when traveling with kids.
3. Great Locations
Hotels tend to be located in central, walkable areas—close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transport. That’s huge when you’ve got strollers or tired little feet.
4. Breakfast Included
Free breakfast = less stress in the morning. It’s one less meal to plan and can be a real cost saver for families.
5. Amenities & Perks
Swimming pools, gyms, luggage storage, early check-in or late checkout, daily housekeeping—hotels win big in the service department.
Other Accommodation Options for Traveling Families
1. Rental Contracts (3–6 Months)
Especially common in Southeast Asia, these medium-term rentals can be found through local Facebook groups, real estate agents, or simply by asking around. All you typically need is a passport and a deposit. These places offer local living at half the cost of Airbnb, making them a favorite among slow travelers and digital nomad families.
The downside? You often don’t know exactly what you’re getting until you arrive, so it’s wise not to sign a contract until you’ve seen the place in person. Also, many landlords prefer 12-month contracts, so negotiating a shorter term rental may take extra effort, specially during high season. Some properties may be older with fewer amenities, so it can be harder to find good rentals. That said, it really depends on the location. For example, in Malaysia, you can find brand new, fully furnished apartments for a fraction of the cost of an Airbnb.
2. House Sitting
We haven’t tried this ourselves, but we know plenty of families who have. With sites like Trusted Housesitters, families can stay in homes for free in exchange for taking care of the house and sometimes pets. Major perk? You’ll save thousands in accommodation costs while experiencing life as a local. This is particularly great for high cost of living countries like New Zealand for example.
Downsides include needing to build a strong reputation, managing someone else’s clutter, maintaining the house while there, and being tied to a schedule when caring for pets—which can limit sightseeing flexibility.
3. Small Resorts with Kitchens
We once stayed in a small family-run resort in Phu Quoc where we had two rooms for under U$600/month. It included a kitchen and basic amenities, and while it was our cheapest month-long stay ever, it’s not something we’d do long-term. That said, we know families for whom it works beautifully. It’s a great budget-friendly option—especially if your family doesn’t spend much time indoors.
Airbnb vs Hotel: What to Consider for Family Travel
| Feature | Airbnb | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Long stays, slow travel | Short stays, city breaks |
| Space | Multi-room homes | Typically one room |
| Kitchen | Usually included | Rarely available |
| Laundry | Often available | Not standard (extra cost) |
| Cost (per night) | Lower for longer stays | Can be cheaper for 1-2 nights |
| Cleaning | You may need to clean before checkout | Included daily |
| Support | Limited (depends on host) | 24/7 front desk |
| Extras | Local living experience | Pools, concierge, room service |
Final Thoughts: What We Personally Do
In our full-time family travels, we’ve found a balance:
- Airbnb for when we need to settle in: more than 7 nights, cooking, working, or schooling from “home.”
- Hotel for short hops or luxury breaks: when we need easy in, easy out, or plan to spend all day at the resort.
- Local rentals if we’re staying 1–3 months in one place and want better rates.
- Small family-run resorts if we’re joining a hub or traveling with friends and can manage without much space or separation.
There’s no wrong choice—just different needs for different trips.
Travel Tip: Book early for Airbnbs with great reviews. For hotels, booking last minute usually gets us deep discounts- except for popular destinations and holidays. Look for family packages or breakfast-included deals. Check cancellation policies for both.
Still unsure which one fits your next destination? Drop your questions in the comments—we’ve probably been there!
Related Posts:
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply