Hotel vs Airbnb with a Baby: 6 Useful Things to Consider

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Planning to travel with a baby and not sure whether to book a hotel or an Airbnb? We’re here to help! Continue reading this article to discover the most important things to consider when it comes to hotel vs. Airbnb with a baby.

Are you planning a family trip and are wondering where to stay with a baby? Are hotels or Airbnbs a better option for families traveling with a baby in tow? When you are looking at hotel vs Airbnb with a baby, they both have pros and cons. In the end, it will greatly depend on your personal preference and your family needs. It also depends on the type and the duration of your trip. To help you decide what is the best option for your family travel plans, we share 6 useful things to consider when it comes to hotel vs Airbnb with a baby.

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Hotel vs Airbnb with a Baby: General Pros and Cons

Hotel with a baby

Airbnb with a baby

Hotel vs Airbnb with a baby: 6 useful things to consider for choosing the best accommodation

Rooms/Space

Unless you splurge on a big family suite, in a hotel, you will only have access to a room and a bathroom. This means that your baby will always be in the same room as you. It may be harder to put them to sleep or, more importantly, to keep them asleep. It is mostly true if you have a light sleeper: parents talking/chilling or noises during the night may wake your baby up (if someone goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night…. or dad’s loud snores!!).

In most family-friendly destinations, it is easy to find Airbnbs with more than one bedroom and with a living area. This way, parents have more space to hang out when the baby is sleeping. The extra space is also beneficial to the baby: the living room is a good place where the baby can play and stretch.

However, more space means a bigger place to explore for your little one. If you choose to stay in an Airbnb with your baby, make sure that the apartment/house is safe. We suggest bringing some baby safety equipment from home to make sure no bad accidents happen during your stay.

In many cases, both Airbnb and hotels have baby beds/cots available upon request. We highly recommend looking carefully at the hotel room or Airbnb description or reaching out to the customer service/host BEFORE booking.

In terms of rooms/space, Airbnb tends to be a better option when comparing hotel vs Airbnb with a baby. More space to play and more quiet zones for sleep time.

Food

In my humble opinion, one of the best part of traveling is not having to cook for the whole family three times a day! Access to room service can be interesting for that reason. If you choose to stay in a hotel with your baby, keep in mind that it adds a layer of complexity when it is time to eat. Hotel rooms usually don’t have table and chairs, so you end up eating on the bed or even on the floor trying really hard to avoid any mess (which may not be easy with a baby!). Some rooms do have a mini fridge – it is useful to keep some milk, snacks or baby food in your room. However, it may be harder to heat them in the room. Sometimes, you can access micro-waves in hotel lobbies. We highly recommend bringing your own bottle warmer when travelling and staying in a hotel with a baby. Our bottle warmer was often a life-saver when we were on a trip with our babies.

On the other hand, Airbnb is a great option for families who want to cook and save on restaurants. Most Airbnbs give you access to a full kitchen. It is easier to prepare the food your baby and you like. The fully equipped kitchen helps to warm food and milk and sterilize bottles easily. You can all sit comfortably at the kitchen table to enjoy your meal more quietly. Some Airbnbs even have boosters or high chairs for babies. Make sure to ask your host prior to your arrival.

So, for food, when it comes to hotel vs Airbnb with a baby, I feel like the most convenient option is the Airbnb. However, again, it all depends on the nature and duration of your trip. If it’s only for a few days and you want to eat out all the time, then the hotel can be an amazing option for your family.

Entertainment facilities

In most cases, hotel guests can enjoy free access to many facilities on site, such as a pool, a spa, a gym or a playground. If you choose a family hotel (targeted at people with kids), you may have access to even cooler facilities and services that will please the whole family: kids club, babysitting services, toddler’s pool, aquapark, etc. It definitely is a great stress-free and logistic-free option to entertain the whole family.

If you end up choosing to stay in an Airbnb, you probably won’t access to a lot of free nor paid entertainment amenities. However, depending on the nature of your trip, you may not need access to such facilities. And you can always choose an Airbnb that is ideally located (close to the sites you want to visit or to a playground).

Cleaning

Hotels do have high cleaning standards. Plus, hotels offer a daily cleaning service and will provide fresh sheets and towels on a daily basis. On the other hand, this service is unlikely to be available in an Airbnb.

Airbnbs are managed by individuals that are sometimes not on site. In this case, they usually hire someone or a company to clean the apartment/house before guests’ arrival. Sometimes, cleaning standards are not as high as in hotels. We had a few “bad surprises” with home rentals. However, in most cases, the rental location will be spick and span.

Access to a washing machine is also a big bonus when traveling with a baby. It is one of the big benefit of Airbnb, as they often have laundry equipment on site. Again, make sure to look at the Airbnb description or contact the host to confirm before booking.

Finally, you will also have to clean your baby during your stay. For many of us, it is generally easier to use a bath rather than a shower. When it comes to hotel vs Airbnb with a baby, both generally can offer a shower or a bath. If it is something that is important for your family, pay attention to the hotel room or Airbnb description before booking.

Customer Service

When you compare hotel vs Airbnb, they both have a good customer service.

Hotels usually have a 24/7 customer service to help their guests. You’ll usually be able to find a concierge at the hotel’s entrance and staff at the front desk to assist with any queries or issues during your stay. If there’s anything missing in your room or if you need fresh sheets after a little accident – you just have to call the front desk and they’ll help you with that.

With Airbnb, your host is your main point of contact if you have questions or issues during your trip. They always tend to be available and you can usually reach out to them by phone, text or email.

Check-ins and check-outs are really easy and simple in hotels. Same can be said from Airbnbs that provide guests with virtual check-in instructions (keys can be in a lock you can access from outside or the host can give you a code to enter). However, in some cases, your host may want to meet you in person to give you the keys and some instructions. In this specific case, it is a bit more complicated to do the check-in as you must agree on a specific time to meet – it’s can be tricky to plan with flight delays, boarder control waits and road traffic.

➡️ Read Next: Top 10 Benefits of Travelling with a Baby

Budget

When it comes to hotel vs Airbnb with a baby, it is usually cheaper to stay in an Airbnb than in a hotel. In some destinations, prices may be similar – however, for the same price, you will get way more space and equipment (kitchen, laundry, etc.) in an Airbnb.

I also think that for the overall experience, an Airbnb is cheaper than a hotel: you don’t have to eat out as much and can cook a few meals in your rental location. You then have more money to spend on activities and attractions.

Refund and cancellation policies are another thing to consider when comparing hotel vs Airbnb. Hotels tend to have more flexible policies than Airbnb. Some hotels let you book now and pay later (at check-in). It is not the case with Airbnb – they usually ask for the full or half of the amount to be paid as you book. If you think your travel plans with your baby may change, make sure to consider the cancellation/refund policies before booking.

Conclusion: Hotel vs. Airbnb with a Baby

Deciding between a hotel and an Airbnb for your trip with a baby ultimately depends on your family’s unique needs and travel style. Hotels offer convenience, with amenities like housekeeping, room service, and sometimes even cribs, while Airbnbs provide more space, privacy, and the ability to create a home-like environment, often with a kitchen for preparing baby meals. Both options have their pros and cons, but with careful consideration of factors like location, baby-friendly amenities, and your budget, you’ll find the perfect fit for your family. Whether you prefer the ease of hotel service or the flexibility of an Airbnb, what matters most is that your baby is comfortable, and your trip is stress-free. Happy travels!