Is Airbnb Really Worth It? Pros & Cons You Should Think About Before You Book

Vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO have totally transformed the way we travel. They offer more space, local charm, and often a more budget-friendly way to stay—but they’re not always the right choice for every trip.

As a travel consultant and mom, I’ve stayed in everything from boutique hotels to creaky fifth-floor walkups. And now that we’re traveling with our daughter Kiah, I think about lodging a little differently—because comfort, layout, and flexibility matter more than ever.

Here’s my honest take on when Airbnb is totally worth it—and when I’d rather check into a hotel with breakfast and a bellhop.

Let’s Start With the Pros:

1. More Space, Especially for Families or Groups

If you’re traveling with kids or staying more than a couple of nights, a vacation rental often gives you way more breathing room than a standard hotel. We love having space to spread out once Kiah is asleep and not feel like we’re tiptoeing in a dark room.

And if you’re traveling with a group—anything over 2 adults—it’s almost always worth considering an Airbnb.Booking one shared apartment or house is often significantly more affordable (and more fun!) than booking multiple hotel rooms.

2. Budget-Friendly (Especially Last-Minute)

We once booked an Airbnb in West New York (just across from Manhattan) as a last-minute backup when hotel prices were sky-high—and honestly, it turned out great.

The building might’ve been leaning a little (lol), and the apartment was older, but it was significantly cheaper than anything else available. More importantly, it gave us a local experience we wouldn’t have had otherwise. We took the ferry into the city, found a great neighborhood bakery, and genuinely felt like part of the community for a few days.

3. Kitchens = Big Savings + Flexibility

Having a kitchen or even a mini-fridge makes a big difference when traveling with a toddler. Whether it’s storing milk and snacks, cooking a quick breakfast, or saving leftovers, it helps us eat well and stay on budget. However, I will be quite honest, when I am on vacation, I LOVE to eat out, and specifically, I love finding the local bakery in the neighborhood I am staying and becoming a mini regular during a visit. Therefore, I rarely cook in when traveling so this isn’t personally a huge selling point to me!

4. A Local Feel

Staying in a residential neighborhood gives you a glimpse of what life is really like in a city—not just the tourist version. You’ll likely stumble on neighborhood cafés, parks, and bakeries that don’t show up on the “Top 10 Things to Do” list. I love skimming the reviews on any accommodation I am considering to see what others thought of the location. Is it close to transit? Quiet? Good food nearby?

5. Unique & Memorable Stays

Airbnbs tend to have more personality than hotels—from Parisian lofts with balconies to countryside cottages with views. The space itself can become part of the travel story.

But There Are Some Cons to Consider:

1. Cleaning Fees Can Kill the Deal

A $125 cleaning fee on a $90/night stay? Suddenly that “great deal” isn’t so great. Always check the full cost before booking, especially for shorter stays.

2. You’re Sometimes the Housekeeper

More and more hosts now ask you to strip the beds, take out the trash, and load the dishwasher—even when you’ve paid a cleaning fee. It’s not a huge deal, but it can feel a little off when you’re technically the guest.

3. No Front Desk = Less Flexibility

Need to drop bags early or figure out a late check-out? Hotels make that easier. Airbnb hosts can vary in how responsive and accommodating they are—and there’s no 24/7 support or extra room they can move you to.

4. Accessibility & Comfort Vary

Especially abroad, it's common to find charming apartments in older buildings with no elevator, no air conditioning, and plenty of stairs—none of which is ideal when you're wrangling a toddler or carrying a stroller.

5. Luggage Storage Can Be Tricky

Most Airbnbs have strict check-out times, and few offer bag storage after check-out. That’s a tough one when your flight isn’t until 9 PM and you’re still hoping to explore the city.

So… Is Airbnb Worth It?

For us? Yes—with the right trip, budget, and expectations.

We’re planning to stay in Airbnbs in Paris and Lisbon this fall because we’ll have Kiah with us, and we’re staying 4–5 nights in each city. For that length of stay, having a little more space, a kitchen, and a local neighborhood vibe just makes sense. We know we may have to do a bit of tidying at check-out, and we’re okay with that.

But if we’re just in a city for 2–3 nights, I’ll almost always book a hotel. Having daily cleaning, luggage storage, and breakfast ready in the morning is worth every penny when we’re on the move and don’t want to manage logistics.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

If you’re still unsure, here’s a quick review to help guide your decision:

👉 Go with an Airbnb if you’re staying 3+ nights, traveling as a family or group, want access to a kitchen, prefer a local neighborhood vibe, and don’t mind doing a little light cleaning at check-out.

👉 Choose a hotel if you’re staying less than 3 nights, traveling solo or city-hopping quickly, want the ease of daily cleaning, breakfast, and luggage storage, or prefer having everything handled for you. Hotels also tend to be more centrally located—though many Airbnbs offer great locations too!

Need Help Choosing the Right Stay?

At The Cultured Compass, I help travelers like you find the right accommodations for your trip—not just the prettiest photos or cheapest price. Whether you want a cozy flat in Lisbon or a boutique hotel in Florence, I’ll help you weigh your options, consider what matters most, and book with confidence.

Let’s plan a stay that supports the kind of trip you want to have. Work with me →