My big concern with AirBnB, and I have used them in foreign countries with bad hotel options, is that they invariably take housing stock off the market driving up prices for locals. And then those locals say they need to AirBnB their places in order to afford their rent, so it is a vicious cycle driving up housing costs. And of course young people then protest for more government housing, or rent-controlled housing, which do not allow you to AirBnB and will take more housing off the market.
I understand the many legitimate issues with AirBnB/Vrbo and I'm fine if they get regulated out of existence in places where they're straining the housing stock. But, I'll admit that I like them a lot. I travel to archives a lot and when you have to stay in a place for longer than a week or two, it's so much more comfortable than a hotel room. I can cook my own food and get to know a neighborhood outside of the central area with hotels. We've also had some great family vacations in the Catskills, Vermont, and Maine (we're based in NYC). True, we could have stayed in a hotel or regular BnB but again, the access to a kitchen, a yard, a fireplace or firepit, makes it so much more delightful a stay for all of us, especially our kid, who get more space to play during downtime. Plus it's easy to book a pet friendly place and then travel with the dog. I can accept that they have too many downsides and if they cease to exist, obviously I'll find other acceptable options. But I'll miss them! They do provide something desirable and I don't think it's such a mystery why they're popular.
When you have four families all with young children travelling together, there is nothing quite like a big house. Hotels might offer adjacent rooms, but not for a party of sixteen. You can't sit downstairs while the kids are upstairs at a hotel, nobody wants to get Madeline mcCanned, but you can in a house in the country. Hotels don't come with a garden where you can have a kick about without bothering any of the other guests. It's a different vibe.
We'd have them for sleepovers at our house, or we'd be limited to holiday cottages and Landmark trust properties. Which is no great hardship, but it's nice to have more options.
My big concern with AirBnB, and I have used them in foreign countries with bad hotel options, is that they invariably take housing stock off the market driving up prices for locals. And then those locals say they need to AirBnB their places in order to afford their rent, so it is a vicious cycle driving up housing costs. And of course young people then protest for more government housing, or rent-controlled housing, which do not allow you to AirBnB and will take more housing off the market.
Nice to see your theory that Airbnb changed people's behaviour proved in the comments.
I understand the many legitimate issues with AirBnB/Vrbo and I'm fine if they get regulated out of existence in places where they're straining the housing stock. But, I'll admit that I like them a lot. I travel to archives a lot and when you have to stay in a place for longer than a week or two, it's so much more comfortable than a hotel room. I can cook my own food and get to know a neighborhood outside of the central area with hotels. We've also had some great family vacations in the Catskills, Vermont, and Maine (we're based in NYC). True, we could have stayed in a hotel or regular BnB but again, the access to a kitchen, a yard, a fireplace or firepit, makes it so much more delightful a stay for all of us, especially our kid, who get more space to play during downtime. Plus it's easy to book a pet friendly place and then travel with the dog. I can accept that they have too many downsides and if they cease to exist, obviously I'll find other acceptable options. But I'll miss them! They do provide something desirable and I don't think it's such a mystery why they're popular.
When you have four families all with young children travelling together, there is nothing quite like a big house. Hotels might offer adjacent rooms, but not for a party of sixteen. You can't sit downstairs while the kids are upstairs at a hotel, nobody wants to get Madeline mcCanned, but you can in a house in the country. Hotels don't come with a garden where you can have a kick about without bothering any of the other guests. It's a different vibe.
That’s really my question though; without Airbnb would you just not vacation together?
We'd have them for sleepovers at our house, or we'd be limited to holiday cottages and Landmark trust properties. Which is no great hardship, but it's nice to have more options.
Plus most hotels (and guests) don’t want kids around.