There are many different reasons to choose a hostel over a home stay like Airbnb, my book goes into full detail. Although I love hostels or actual home stays in a host’s home, I’m staying in more Airbnb self-contained units on this trip. It’s simply because I’m traveling with two other women and condo style places were our best option.
For $65 to $80 Canadian per night we have been staying in units with two bedrooms where one bedroom has twin beds so we each have our own bed. Along with a living room, dinning area and kitchen with cooking utensils we can cook lots of our own meals. Splitting the cost 3 ways makes this type of accommodation almost as cheap as a hostel bed in a dorm room.
So far we’ve been very happy with the places. They have all been clean with good beds and bedding. However, when traveling in other countries you need to always remember that the quality of places may not meet the same standards you are use to at home. Some places may have pretty worn furniture and kitchen utensils. Others may surpass your expectations. We’ve had one newer unit that even had two bathrooms. Two places had amazing views and all have been within walking distance to grocery stores and the centre of town.
The biggest drawback can be communicating with the host about arrival time and key pickup, especially when you don’t speak the local language and you are only using wifi. Always communicate with Airbnb hosts at least a day or more ahead of time, confirm address, get directions to the place and set a meeting time.
Then enjoy living like a local!
