Type of Lodging:
Listings on Airbnb can range from a cement pad to park your camper (or tent) to whole home (mansion) rentals.
A Bed and Breakfast is typically a Historic home with history about the property on site.
Hosts:
Airbnb hosts can live on site or own multiple properties and manage them remotely.
Bed and Breakfast hosts (or innkeepers) generally live on site and act as concierge service giving local recommendations.
Licensing:
Some cities require Airbnb properties to get a short term rental license.
Bed and breakfasts are required to have licensing equal to a hotel including kitchen standards.
Food:
Some Airbnb hosts go above and beyond and offer some snacks to enjoy while staying.
Bed and breakfasts offer a full breakfast made each morning of your stay.
Fees:
Airbnb takes a fee from the guest and the host. Many times hosts also charge cleaning fees.
Bed and breakfast, if booked directly, has no additional fees. If you book a B&B through Airbnb or another OTA (such as Expedia, Booking) either you or the B&B are paying those fees.
Requirements:
Many Airbnb rentals require guests to take out trash, wash laundry, and do other itemized cleaning before you check out.
At a B&B you just need to collect your things when you head out, and the innkeepers might even help with your luggage.
Local economy:
Airbnb collects sales tax in some communities.
B&Bs collect hotel/motel tax which goes toward tourism in the local community. In our city alone, over $1 million was collected and helped fund events.
Overall, if you are looking for a unique stay with your extended family, an Airbnb listing might suit your needs. Some traditional B&B’s offer rental of their entire property as well. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience where you can meet other travelers over breakfast and get input from the hosts, a traditional B&B might be more your style.
Don’t go to an Airbnb expecting breakfast, unless it is explicitly stated in their listing. Oh, and by the way, read the listings on all types of short term rental. It’ll help you know what to expect. If unsure, call the property ahead of time or send a message.
I am a bit partial, as a traditional B&B owner/operator. 🙂Safe travels!
