As fall approaches, with its pumpkin spice lattes and scarf-wearing, it’s a great time for a getaway. While Airbnb and hotels both offer flexibility and affordability, deciding between the two depends on what you value most from your travel experience.
Generally, hotels are found in more central locations and have more amenities than motels. They are often located near airports, downtown areas, and tourist destinations, while motels are more likely to be situated along freeways or highways and are primarily car-centric.
While leisure travelers may value destination dining and luxurious rooms, business travelers typically appreciate things like a robust Wi-Fi system, grab-and-go food options, meeting spaces and a polished service experience. Many hotel chains offer both luxury brands and budget options to satisfy both types of travelers.
When it comes to booking a room, experts recommend calling the hotel directly rather than using an online reservation tool. That’s because rates at hotels can fluctuate rapidly, and the front desk may be able to provide package discounts, member rates or pre-purchased inventory blocks that you might not find on a reservation website.
Lastly, be sure to take advantage of any coupons or offers you have, whether they’re from a booking website, credit card program or loyalty rewards app. Many of these discounts can be stacked to create significant savings. For instance, Chase Offers and Amex Offers can save you up to 30% off a stay at select Marriott properties. In addition, hotel loyalty programs offer a discount to members when they book directly with the property, which can save you even more money.