AirBnB, Bed and Breakfast, Vacation rental, Hotel: What’s the Difference?
Friends often introduce me saying, “She owns an AirBnB.” I’ve tried to fight the misuse of the term to no avail.
Stating a vacation rental, or bed and breakfast is an AirBnB is like stating a photocopy is a Xerox. AirBnB and Xerox are corporations. AirBnB is a platform that promotes short-term rental properties (a bedroom, cabin, house, yurt) and earns a commission for its services.
With AirBnB both the guest and the property owner pay a commission to AirBnB. Actually, the guest pays a significantly higher commission than the property owner, whereas with most other online travel platforms, known as OTR’s only the property owner pays the commission.
A bed and breakfast is typically a private residence or small hotel with onsite owners, or innkeepers who offer lodging and provide breakfast in a casual, intimate setting. It is a more personal relationship oriented type of stay where guests often interact with others. Some guests feel their stay is like visiting friends. The cost of staying in a bed and breakfast is often more expensive than a hotel due to its higher level of personal service. A bed and breakfast, such as BellaVida Bed and Breakfast may offer complimentary beverages and snacks while a hotel charges via an additional room service charge or gift shop purchases.
A boutique hotel typically has more rooms than a bed and breakfast. Their bedrooms are typically stylish and reflect the geographical area of their location with rates to match. Similar to a bed and breakfast, boutique hotels have an element of personal care and connection with the staff and other guests.
A vacation rental is a home or cabin, available for rent on a short-term basis for a couple of nights or a 1-2 week vacation period. However, more recently, as the option to work from home has increased, vacation rentals have gained popularity and with longer rentals of 1-3 months, since people can work from virtually anywhere. Vacation rentals are promoted via owner websites, and platforms such as VRBO (vacation rental by owner), AirBnB, and other online travel agencies (OTA’s) such as, Booking dot com, Expedia and its partners. Note: When you see advertisements such as Travel Velocity stating they “search the market for the lowest price for its travelers”, know that they are searching within their own network of commission earning partners.
Searching for lodging on the internet can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it’s not something you often do. Determining the right keywords to find exactly what you are looking for is important. The top search listings are those that paid for strategic placements and may or may not be the best deal. Many travel sites have filters to assist in your search. These filters are your main keywords. Such as, property type (hotel, bed and breakfast, cabin, etc.), ratings, pets allowed, and breakfast included.
How does one make comparisons or know who offers the best price since most OTA’s claim they are offering the lowest rate? One way is to take the next step and go directly to the website of the accommodation. Often times they have a lower rate. If an OTA offers a lower rate, likely the OTA is not making any less money on the rental it is the accommodation offering a discount for a higher ranking on the OTA’s website. The accommodation’s direct website provides additional information about the property, a better idea of what to expect, its atmosphere and the neighborhood. Booking direct with a bed and breakfast or boutique hotel supports a small business.
Another way to get an idea for comparisons is to read traveler comments on travel sites such as, Trip Advisor. Note what is mentioned most often. Is it the food? Location? Atmosphere? Amenities? And determine what is most important to you.
If you have plans to visit the Texas Hill Country and the Wimberley Valley area, I hope you will consider a stay at BellaVida Bed and Breakfast located on eight plus country acres between Wimberley and Blanco or at our vacation rental, BellaVida Haus in New Braunfels. Our websites offer information on Area Attractions and a Calendar of Events for information on upcoming festivals, live music, and things to do in the area.
