Airbnb takes aim at the corporate travel industry
The benefits of Airbnb for business travelers
Hotels retain a slight upper hand
Airbnb vs hotels – how do they stack up?
Airbnb
Hotel
Cost
Up to 40% cheaper than hotels
Struggling to compete with Airbnb on price
Location
Offer more exciting and edgy locations – perfect for business retreats, team building days and millennials love them!
Conveniently located in business parks and city centers for an easy commute
Check-in
Flexible check-in times can be arranged at the discretion of the host. Some install a lock-box with keys to access the home so the traveler can self check-in at a time that suits them
Check-in times are set, and there's usually pressure to check out at a time that's convenient for the hotel. Check-in is always done with someone at reception which makes any small issues easier to resolve
Wi-fi & entertainment
The guidelines for homes suitable for business travel define a lodging must have Wi-Fi and a TV
Wi-fi and TVs are in rooms, but sometimes wi-fi comes at an extra cost
Amenities (laundry, safe, toiletries)
Homes aren’t expected to have a washing machine or safe, but toiletries and other home essentials are a requirement
Toiletries in the bathroom are common, with a safe and laundry service also available
Meeting rooms & facilities
Homes can be found with private rooms that can be used as workspaces and for collaborations. Large conference facilities aren’t guaranteed, but more creative options are available
Meeting rooms or large conference spaces can be booked at an additional cost to the rooms. These often come with points uplifts and benefits for loyalty club members
Experiences
Local experiences with Airbnb can be booked directly on the platform and range from wine tasting, cooking classes, and outdoor activities
Have agreements with local experience providers but these are sometimes limited to traditional activities (like tours or theatre shows)
Laptop friendly work spaces
Guidelines for homes suitable for business travel define this as a requirement
Hotel rooms usually have a desk, but this isn't guaranteed. Increasingly boutique hotels are offering co-working styled spaces for business travelers to use during their stay
Safety
Conducts regulatory and terrorist sanction checks worldwide and background checks on US hosts and guests. Often travel insurance won’t cover guests staying in accommodation that isn’t a hotel.
Often have staff available 24/7 to assist guests and CCTV to monitor the property. In-room safes offer an added level of protection for valuables and gadgets.
Loyalty benefits
Currently unavailable but a few credit cards partner with Airbnb.
Various hotel and credit card programs are available for different chains offering tiered benefits, including complimentary nights for frequent guests
Should I book my next business trip on Airbnb?
- Airbnb rentals are typically more suitable for trips that are over a week in length
- Hosts offer discounts on weekly and monthly bookings
- Ideal for relocators or longer itineraries where travelers would appreciate facilities like washing machines and kitchens
- Better for groups of business travelers
- Safety concerns and more remote locations could make Airbnb rentals unsuitable for solo travelers
- Airbnb rentals are great bases for new starters who have relocated
- Can serve as inspiring backdrops for corporate getaways, allowing teams to reconnect and have creative brainstorming sessions in a new location
- It is less suitable for short trips as their location tends to be away from business districts
- Business travelers might prefer to stay in a hotel where they can benefit from housekeeping, gym facilities, and room service