Much like UBER changed the landscape for taxi users, different models of hotels and accommodation have changed things radically for travellers. Air BnB is growing in popularity, although there is a backlash even here in Calgary from “proper” hotels who pay taxes and must abide by very tight guidelines. VRBO has been around for years and is still popular and now hotel chains are reinventing themselves to provide varying levels and types of accommodation.
On top of that there are YOTELS you can choose – how does a YOTEL differ from the regular hotels you may be used to? Well first of all their rooms are called “cabins” – conjures up images of a weekend in the woods.
with strange neighbours
So Hoteliers are notching up their game and coming up with different ideas in accommodation and locations to entice you away from Air BnB and their friends. But are they going too far?
Would you stay in a silo in New Zealand? Definitely different but not really my cup of tea. I wonder how our Alberta farmers would feel about spending their holiday in a silo?
Or you can stay in Magic Mountain in Chile – described as a water spewing volcano hotel.
This one however is my absolute favourite and I would stay there in a heartbeat – the only hotel project undertaken by Frank Gehry and located in the wine regions of Spain. It’s absolutely beautiful
There’s so much to consider when booking a hotel – location, facilities, wifi (there’s another debate …. many today feel free wifi is a basic human right) and naturally of course – price.
This is where VRBO and Air BnB have got the edge.
Or have they?
I came across this handy website where Air BnB and hotel rates are confirmed – and wow – the results are surprising. Seems like Air BnB did not come out cheaper at all in certain cities. https://www.busbud.com/blog/airbnb-vs-hotel-rates/
There has also been a lot of controversy about AirBnB when certain would be guests are refused based on their ethnicity. Those using AirBnB were recommended not to have a profile picture on their facebook account as property owners regularly do online checks of people wanting to rent. (report in The Guardian on 27 April 2017).
Me – I like having a proper hotel with a check in desk, security, facilities like a coffee shop and a concierge – but then maybe I am just old fashioned.
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