A lot of people mistake “B&B” with “Airbnb.”
Despite the fact that “Airbnb” stands for “air bed and breakfast,” there are a lot of differences between these two forms of lodging, particularly for tourists who are used to staying in traditional hotels.
Read More: b&b Parijs
We’ll contrast bed & breakfasts with Airbnb in this guide.
After describing each, I’ll compare the atmosphere, cost, privacy, safety, and facilities of B&Bs and Airbnb, and then I’ll provide my thoughts on which kind of traveler would like each type of accommodation. Click here to view our comprehensive B&Bs vs. Hotels comparison guide.
What a Bed & Breakfast Is
A bed and breakfast, sometimes known as a “B&B,” is a kind of lodging where the nightly fee includes a prepared breakfast. Usually owned by families, bed and breakfasts have fewer rooms than hotels. A cozy environment is produced by B&B hosts who frequently reside on or close to the same property as their visitors. Click here to find out more about how B&Bs operate.
What An Airbnb Is
On Airbnb.com, hosts post their properties for rent, and visitors may make online reservations. The fact that hosts on Airbnb may offer almost any kind of place, from a bed to a private home or island, sets it apart from other large booking websites. Airbnb allows for the listing of bed and breakfasts. Compared to other major booking sites, Airbnb likely offers the largest selection of hotel alternatives. However, if someone claims to be “renting an Airbnb,” they are often referring to a private, shared, or whole property that is being rented by an individual rather than a company.
The Impact of Airbnb on Bed & Breakfasts
What impact has Airbnb had on bed & breakfasts, then?
Undoubtedly displacing some bed and breakfast patrons, Airbnb is a disruptive force in the travel sector. But Airbnb also helps passengers feel more at ease about the prospect of traveling and staying in someone’s house, which encourages many of them to consider booking a B&B for a subsequent trip.
Nonetheless, a lot of tourists reserve B&Bs because of the host’s attentive service and delicious breakfast. Since Airbnb focuses on providing a range of accommodation alternatives rather than host service or breakfast, it is unlikely that it will be accepting many of these “would-be guests” from B&Bs. In contrast to B&B hosts, Airbnb hosts are often far more hands-off.
Although the term “Airbnb” refers to “air bed and breakfast” and the company’s founders first used their own air mattresses to welcome visitors, the modern Airbnb provides a lot more. These days, just a small portion of Airbnb’s hotel alternatives are B&Bs. Travelers who are expressly looking for B&B stays are increasingly using websites like Vrbo.com and Agoda.com.
Comparison of Atmospheres
B&Bs: More intimate and customized stays
Airbnb: Provides a more “residential” and private experience.
Most B&Bs are run and owned by families. The host and their guests frequently reside on the same property or close by. B&Bs provide some of the friendliest and most “personal” hospitality of all the hotel alternatives. Throughout their visit, guests converse with their host and maybe other visitors. One of the main attractions and reasons guests pick this kind of accommodation is the cozy atmosphere.
Instead of setting a time for their visitors to have breakfast, a host at a bed and breakfast might ask them when they would want it served. A big table for everyone to have breakfast at or smaller tables for smaller groups to dine at are common settings for homemade breakfasts. Some hosts provide a “treats table” where visitors can help themselves to food, beverages, and other items.
The opportunity to engage with a local host and get deep knowledge of their culture is one of the main benefits of staying at a bed and breakfast. You will, however, have greater privacy if you reserve a “entire place” on Airbnb (you may not even see your host).
Airbnb hosts frequently arrange their properties to limit communication with visitors. This has become quite typical, in my experience using Airbnb for many years, as more and more individuals look to Airbnb hosting as a means of generating additional revenue.
When an Airbnb booking is made for self check-in, visitors usually don’t see their host at all. Visitors can come and go from the rental at any time of day using room keys or codes. However, a lot of B&B owners lock the front entrance at night, and some even enforce a nighttime curfew (12 to 6 am, for example).
Small families, professionals, retirees, and couples are typically drawn to bed & breakfasts. Visitors usually reserve shorter stays (two to three nights), while the length of Airbnb stays varies greatly. Travelers on a tight budget may frequently discover more variety and better value on Airbnb.
Generally speaking, an Airbnb rental is an apartment or house that has a “residential feel.” These might be even more suitable for extended stays (28+ days) and vacationers looking for stays of a week or longer. Click here to learn more about long-term vs. short-term Airbnb stays, including how to obtain percentage savings.
Although they often don’t have communal places where visitors may readily gather and converse, Airbnb apartments are nonetheless quite private. However, compared to most mid-sized hotels, bed and breakfasts usually feature a lobby and/or common room that is smaller and more condensed.
Comparing Prices
B&Bs: Usually, breakfast is included in the price.
Airbnb: The nightly prices are usually less
The nightly costs for Airbnb properties vary more than those of B&Bs in most places. For instance, bed and breakfast accommodations may start at $30 per night but probably won’t go beyond $300 per night in the same place, even if you may find Airbnb listings for under $10 per night to $500+ per night in one area.
The “average” B&B room usually costs more than the “average” private Airbnb rental, in my experience. The participation of a B&B host, possible employees, and the fact that breakfast is included in the nightly cost are some of the reasons for this. Additionally, B&B hosts may be required by some local authorities to cover regulatory costs and liability insurance. Nonetheless, laws and regulations governing Airbnb hosts are not enforced in many regions of the world (though this is rapidly shifting over time).
Aside from seasonality, other factors that might influence the nightly pricing of Airbnb rentals and B&Bs are the kinds of properties in the neighborhood. Up to 50% in weekly or monthly savings are available from Airbnb hosts. Go here to find out all there is to know about the advantages and downsides of both short- and long-term Airbnb stays.
While Airbnb rentals usually do not include breakfast, B&B overnight rates usually do. In other words, if you wind up paying an additional $40 for breakfast out, $120 for a bed and breakfast that includes two would end up costing less overall than a $100 Airbnb property for two. This is something to keep in mind if pricing is a major consideration for you.
Comparison of Safety
Safety for each varies depending on the specific rental.
In both kinds of housing, you may run into nice and terrible hosts or places. The lack of security cameras and/or nightly staff on the property is the main source of concern for B&B visitors’ safety. Since you’re probably not acquainted with the region you’re visiting, the biggest worry for Airbnb visitors is that you could reserve a home in a dangerous zone.
For the reasons listed above, make sure you only stay at establishments with a good guest rating. Use reputable websites to book B&Bs, such as Agoda.com and Vrbo.com. Use our B&B Booking Guide to select a B&B that suits your preferences and price range. Use our Airbnb Booking Guide to learn exactly where to go for reliable hosts and high-quality listings on Airbnb. Click here to find out more about B&B safety. Click here to find out more about Airbnb safety.