It was, when it was just people looking to get a tiny bit of income from renting a room in their house. Then people tried to make it their sole income, and then companies got into the game. Part of it is that the service became popular, so any cheaper rooms are snatched up instantly, and the user now gets to choose between a hotel-looking hotel, or a house-looking hotel, with nasty fees to get more money from you.

[–] mbirth@lemmy.mbirth.uk 3 points 1 year ago

AirBnB isn't even remotely a "hotel". Hotels have to obey various hospitality laws and can't just cancel a confirmed booking 2 hours before your arrival, or kick you out because you didn't empty the bin before 9pm.

[–] Voroxpete@sh.itjust.works 30 points 1 year ago

In theory. If you actually take the time to check hotel prices, you'll often find plenty of options in the same price range as ABNB.

It really depends what you're looking for. ABNB is good if you're heading out into the sticks and looking to rent a whole house. If you're in a city for a few days and need a room to stay in, hotels are often the better option.

[–] HiT3k@beehaw.org 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For me the advantage of an AirBnB is the ability to stay in a remote cabin in the middle of the mountains with a bonfire and a fenced yard for my dog.

I'm not sure why anyone stays in an AirBnB in the middle of a city (although I've found them to be cheaper and with better walkability in parts of Europe)

[–] kaizervonmaanen@reddthat.com 0 points 1 year ago

Maybe people like to do laundry and follow all sorts of rules they wouldn't have to otherwise. People have weird tastes

[–] jeff@federated.fun 1 points 1 year ago

@AlexisFR @snixyz it is cheaper just not for the ones who are paying