The stratospheric rise of Airbnb for work
Airbnb for work vs business hotels
Cost & Functionality
Amenities
Locations
Flexibility
Reliability
Group Travel
Safety and Security
Pros and Cons for Business Travelers and Business Managers
Airbnb
Hotel
Pros for Business Travelers
A wide range of options, from vibrant, unconventional accommodation (particularly appealing to millennials) to standard business-ready rentals
- Great for group travelers, giving them a better chance to bond as a team
- Flexible check in/out times
- A much more personal, immersive experience
Locations tend to be close to business parks, conference centers etc., making commuting easier
- Easier to guarantee quality business trip accommodation and more reliable than Airbnb
- Easier to have complaints and issue resolved
- More hi-tech features available
Cons for Business Travelers
Lack of safety and security leave business travelers vulnerable
- If any issues arise they are unlikely to be resolved promptly
- As locations are less likely to be in business districts, commuting can be more difficult
Less personable than staying in an Airbnb
- Lack of kitchen and living room makes for a less comfortable environment
- Group travel less of a bonding experience
- Potentially, a less interesting experience, particularly for millennial business travelers
Pros for Business Travel Managers
Much more cost effective
- Airbnb for Work dashboard makes it easy to track employees
The chance to negotiate corporate rates while staying on-policy
- Risk management and employee welfare easily navigated, unlike Airbnb
- Far easier to guarantee a quality booking
- Existing relationships with hotels
Cons for Business Travel Managers
Safety and security issues mean risk management and duty of care more complex
- Difficult to keep in line with company travel policy
More expensive than Airbnb