Hotel Vs. Airbnb: Which should you choose?

Choosing between a hotel and Airbnb for your next trip may seem daunting. Both options offer unique experiences that may differ depending on location and service.

While there are certain advantages to booking an Airbnb, hotels offer a more reliable hospitality experience. Let’s dive in!

Airbnb Advantages:

  • For some, privacy and convenience are important when planning their next getaway. By booking an Airbnb, you receive both of these benefits.

  • Airbnbs are often located in residential areas, providing a sense of home away from home. With services such as checkout services and keyless entry, you can come and go as you please without disruption.

  • You also often receive amenities such as a kitchen and living area to utilize during your stay.

Hotel Advantages:

When it comes to a reliable hospitality experience, hotels may be the way to go.

  • Hotels are well-equipped for travelers and often feature amenities such as on-site restaurants, bars, or fitness centers. Many hotels offer exclusive offers to their guests that can save you money during your stay. Most hotels also have experienced staff members who can provide assistance with any issues that may arise during your stay.

  • Safety is also an important factor to consider while traveling. Hotels offer more security than Airbnbs with room locks and access being regulated by hotel staff. Hotels also have surveillance cameras in common areas allowing them to keep a watchful eye on the premises. Most notable hotels are also certified with top hospitality organizations ensuring a safe and healthy stay.

  • Finally, hotels provide more convenience when it comes to check-in and check-out times. Although Airbnbs typically feature late check-in options, it is often difficult to coordinate times between the host and yourself if you are arriving late in the evening or early in the morning. On the other hand, most hotels have a 24-hour reception desk making check-in and checkout times flexible and convenient.

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between a hotel and Airbnb for your next trip, it is important to consider all factors to ensure you make the best decision for your needs.

Hotels provide a more reliable hospitality experience with features such as experienced staff members, security cameras keeping watch over public areas, and check-in/check-out times that are more convenient for travelers. Therefore, hotels may be the better choice for those seeking a reliable, safe, and comfortable stay during their vacation.

Here are some reasons why selecting a hotel over an Airbnb is a better option for many travelers:

  • First, hotel stays are more dependable than Airbnb rentals. Hotels are consistently maintained and operated in the same way from city to city and from hotel to hotel. Guests know what to expect when they book a hotel, as each establishment has established policies, procedures, and amenities that are typically in place. Airbnb, however, is reliant on the quality of the property owner and their ability to provide a safe, comfortable stay.

  • Second, there is access to more amenities when staying at a hotel than when renting an Airbnb. Hotels usually provide features such as on-site restaurants, gyms, spas, pools, and amenities like welcome cocktails, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Many hotels also provide extra services such as tours and car rentals, so visitors can have access to activities that are convenient and organized by the hotel staff. In comparison, many Airbnb properties have limited amenities, with some providing the bare minimum.

  • Third, hotels usually offer more security than an Airbnb rental. All hotel personnel are fully trained in hospitality standards and understand the need for security in their guests’ stay. Hotels create a secure environment for their guests by having well-lit lobbies, multiple cameras for surveillance, and clearly designated areas for warning signs or safety. Additionally, most hotels offer a 24-hour front desk service for convenience and support with any issues that arise during their stay. Airbnb does not offer this level of security as the rental property may be in a remote location and not easy to access in the event of an emergency.

Finally, hotels are an excellent choice for larger groups or those traveling during special events such as holidays or festivals. It can be challenging to find a suitable Airbnb property with enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably while also providing all the necessary amenities. Hotels offer spacious rooms, often with multiple double beds so that guests can share a larger space if needed.

In conclusion, if travelers are looking for the best lodging option that gives them reliable accommodations, access to amenities, security features, and comfortable space for group trips then they should choose a hotel over an Airbnb rental. Hotels understand the needs of their guests and strive to provide an excellent experience every time you stay with them.

Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

THE ULTIMATE BAREFOOT LUXURY EXPERIENCE

Beautifully remote, yet accessible by plane and boat from Malé (MLE) International Airport, Six Senses Laamu is set in a palm-fringed lagoon to fill you with wonder and fuel your wanderlust. Villas with all the creature comforts are set either on stilts over the water or on the beachfront and are an easy wander from the resort's restaurants, lounges, and amazing Maldives attractions and destinations.

Yes, it does take longer to get to Six Senses Laamu. Instead of a quick seaplane from Male airport to your resort, you will take another commercial flight to another airport in the south of the country. And only then you will be picked up by the hotel boat. But is it worth the hassle? Absolutely! So don't get discouraged because you will be rewarded for your patience.

The upside? You will be in a remote location which means no neighbors in sight. The truth is the Maldives are becoming a bit crowded near its capital Male. Due to a boom in interest in the past few years there are a lot of properties being built and even artificial islands being created. Which means that, now from your resort, it’s not uncommon to see a neighboring resort or even several of them depending on where you are. If you ask me, it does take you away from the paradise, remote island experience. So going a bit farther from the capital in this case, is a great idea.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Six Senses Laamu has 97 spacious water and beachfront villas in the Maldives, carefully designed to harmonize with the outstanding natural beauty of the island. They offer privacy, coziness, and comfort. True to the Six Senses philosophy of being in harmony with the environment, all of Six Senses Laamu’s villas are crafted from local and sustainable materials.

Although every Villa is stunning, I always recommend a Water Villa because being on water is the quintessential Maldives experience. Sunset Villas are always the best choice so you get the clear water in the morning (no bright sunshine in your face) and the view of the sunset in the late afternoon.

If you are traveling with small kids, a beach Villa might be in order for safety reasons. They are spacious and only steps away from the same pristine water that surrounds the Water Villas.

WHAT TO DO

Explore uninhabited islands, go island hopping, meet the locals and relax on secluded sandbanks. Snorkel in the coral-rich house reef rubbing fins with colorful fish. Dive the deep blue as early birds or night owls. Surf the Yin Yang. Or just hang.

There is so much to do I won’t list all of the activities, what I’ll say is that there’s something for everyone. Couples who want to relax can have a private meal on the sandbank surrounded by clear water, enjoy the Six Senses Spa. Active families and friends can jetski and wakeboard.

As for me, I’m happy playing in the warm water most of the day, kayaking, stand up paddling, getting a massage, and at night I recommend watching a movie on the beach - Cinema Under the Stars is an unforgettable experience..

  • Bicycle in the resort

  • Sandbank BBQ Dinner Experience

  • Cinema Under the Stars

  • Surfing

  • Wakeboarding/Water Skiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Catamaran Sailing

  • Local Island Excursion & Maldivian Family Experience

WHERE TO EAT

Leaf

At Leaf, enjoy Mediterranean gourmet cuisine with a farm to fork twist using ingredients from their own organic gardens and neighboring islands.

Zen

Zen offers modern Japanese Omakase cuisine. Dine in a relaxed and casual atmosphere on the upper deck, while listening to the ocean waves lapping in the background.

Chill Bar

Situated just meters away from the house reef, Chill bar is where stories are written on morning snorkels and recounted over afternoon drinks. Signature cocktails washed ashore and never left at this magical over water setting built over several levels.

Longitude

The open-air restaurant begins each day with a bountiful breakfast of buffet and A La Carte options, as well as a daily changing live cooking station and fruit cut to order. Dinners are themed nights from around the world with a focus on South Asia. There are also live cooking nights where chef’s prepare fresh dishes on the spot from a variety of international cuisines.

Ice & Chocolate Studio

A complimentary al fresco ice cream and sorbet parlor with 48 unique flavors. All homemade with natural ingredients made to tempt your taste buds. And yes, you can try them all during your stay!

Sip Sip

Sip Sip with its dramatic sunken bar and adjacent poolside seating, emerges from the swimming pool and offers homemade pizzas, jungle-wood grills, juicy burgers, comfort pasta and locally-inspired desserts. Try a freshly squeezed juices and cocktails.

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting here is part of the fun. From Male International Airport (MLE) you’ll be escorted to the domestic terminal lounge ready for the 35-minute flight to Laamu’s Kadhdhoo Airport and a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Maldives Archipelago. Your GEM (Guest Experience Maker) arranges your 15-minute speedboat trip to the resort.

Casa Olava, Trancoso, Brazil

Trancoso, a small seaside village in the state of Bahia, (in Brazil) is one of the most enchanting places in the world. This wonderful property is located at the famous “Quadrado”. It has a large deck with an outdoor shower and a daybed. This house can be rented along with Casa João Alves and the decks to both houses can be connected.

Six Senses Samui, Thailand

V I S U A L  D I A R Y 

TRANQUILITY AND SOPHISTICATION ON SAMUI ISLAND

As someone who enjoys and appreciates tranquility and peaceful settings, I could not say enough praises about our stay at Six Senses Samui. From the moment we arrived we knew we were somewhere very special and were in for an experience that would relax the mind and body and yet awaken the senses.

Six Senses Samui nestles on a gently sloping headland on the northern tip of Samui Island, just a 45 minutes flight south of Bangkok. Set among 20 acres (eight hectares) of natural vegetation, it offers stunning panoramic views out to the Gulf of Thailand and outlying islands.

The resort comprises 67 spacious villas – many with private pools, four restaurants and bars, including the multi award-winning Dining on the Rocks and an acclaimed Six Senses Spa with outdoor treatment salas and indoor rooms.

The main infinity pool offers stunning panoramic views while one can enjoy soaking up the sun and a quick swim at Drift at the Beach and headlines a raft of on-site activities together with many water and land excursion options.

Accommodation

Spacious villas offer a choice of one-bedroom villas with private pools, oceanfront pool villa suites and the signature two-bedroom Retreat; all with glorious ocean or tropic landscape views.

Six Senses Samui is inspired by a Thai fishing village. The Koh Samui villas, most with private pools, are surrounded by natural vegetation and offer panoramic views out to the Gulf of Thailand. You'll have your very own GEM (Guest Experience Maker) for the ultimate personal service and to organize everything from jungle drives to boat trips.

Experiences

Morning Wellness Activities

Start the day with one of the holistic sessions at Six Senses Spa from 8:30 am daily. Lessons include Yoga, Tai Chi, Thai Pran, just to name a few.

Thai Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare and cook authentic Thai dishes from our talented Thai chefs at Dining on the Hill everyday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Advanced reservations required.

Cinema Paradiso

Watch your favorite films on the big screen under the stars every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Cool by the Pool from 8:30 pm onwards.

Weekly Sunset Cocktail Party

Enjoy free-flow of signature cocktails and Six Senses canapés, mingle with other in-house travelers while watching the beautiful sunset at Chill on the Hill every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Food and Beverage

Dining on the Hill

Located on the sunset side of the resort, Dining on the Hill is open for breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is a vast selection, including freshly prepared and cooked-to-order hot specialties, freshly made juices, waffles, pancakes and Asian delicacies. Dinner is focused on the balanced cuisine approach with an emphasis on taste and nutrition. Theme nights are also often on offer during the week to give diners more variety.

Dining on the Rocks

Multi-award-winning signature restaurant presents innovative food concepts, great service and breathtaking views and ambiance. The architecture consists of ten terraced decks of weathered teak and bamboo which enhances an experience to remember.

Drinks on the Hill

Adjoining the main restaurant, Drinks on the Hill is perfect for a refreshing rendezvous throughout the day and

Drift at the Beach

Home to the beach bar and pool side lounge – serving up wholesome flavors from our wood-fired oven and grill, complimented by our mixologist's tantalizing tipples. Drift at the Beach is a "come as you are" venue to enjoy soaking up the sun or lounging under the moonlight.

In-Villa Dining

Private in-villa dining is available around the clock for intimate meals and light snacks. A selection of home- cooked style dishes are available for your choosing, or better yet, enjoy a private barbecue on the terrace of your own villa.

How to Get there

Although Six Senses Samui feels wonderfully off the beaten track, Samui International Airport (USM) has frequent 45-minute flights from Bangkok and from regional countries. The resort is just a 15-minute drive from the airport and is so scenic it feels like an adventure in itself.