Seriously, I wish DH and I knew how to use AirBnB/VRBO as we have never once, not.one.single.time, been able to find one less expensive than a nearby Hilton property. I think it’s because we’re only looking for the two of us. I guess I understand how they might make sense if you have a large party splitting the cost, but I’ve never seen one that I’d stay in that was less than a hotel. (We don’t care about kitchens/laundry as we don’t cook/launder when we travel.)
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Thought this should be a separate post. Re loyalty points accumulations, check on the policy when the member dies. Memberships may not allow more than one member. And the survivor may need a separate account already in existence to get the points transferred. Just something of which to be cognizant because it’s a shame to lose the points. Likely the levels and perks don’t transfer, just the points themselves.
About the only time I/we use a hotel is if I’m traveling for a work conference. And the conference usually dictates the hotel.
We love AIRBNB and in fact I was telling my daughter the other day that they should somehow promote all the great AIRBNB’s they have stayed in.
I will maybe start a new thread on AIRBNB tips - and the how’s/why’s of when/if AIRBNB is a better choice for your situation than a hotel.
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We have used lots of AirBNB’s and VRBO’s. Many properties are listed on both but the fees/cancellation policies etc may differ (VRBO is now owned by Expedia). I have frequently found, especially in tourist/vacation areas, that you can find the same properties managed by local/regional lodging companies, and typically will get better prices and better service.
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We have done a lot of AirBnb’ing and have had mostly great experiences, and none that were outright bad. Usually just some quirks or minor annoyance that would move my rating from 5 star to 4. We haven’t traveled out of the country since Covid, so the only times we have stayed in a hotel in the past 5 years were A) single nights for an out of town wedding, B) single night for breaking up a 2-day drive, or C) when we visit our D in DC for just a night or 2. So less than 10 room nights per year. No particular brand preference, although we are loyal to the hotel near our D’s apt (Hyatt Place.)
We have stayed in Airbnb, recently we stayed in a Sonder which is similar apartment style but set up more like a hotel as far as booking goes. They have one in my daughter’s neighborhood.
Most of the time, our stays are a random one night on our way to somewhere. Or a hotel next to the airport before a trip.
I’ve been very reluctant to book Airbnb in Europe because I’ve heard of a lot of horror stories. Cities are cracking down on rental houses. For personal reasons, I’d like for houses to be sold to people who want to live there permanently instead of being short term rentals. Which is a very NIMBY thing for me.
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We’ve done some family vacations at airbnb/vrbo’s. But, the few times I’ve poked around for a quick weekend when I’m by myself or maybe with just one of the kids, seems like the fees, especially cleaning fees, end up bringing the price high. So, whether they’re worthwhile just depends on how much space I’m looking for and the length of time. Small number of us and/or short duration may not be worth the cost.
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There is now an AIRBNB/VRBO thread. 
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We are split between IHG and Hilton. The former has very nice perks and nicer “high end” properties. Using the sign-on bonus for their card and a couple of paid stays, we’ve gotten free vacations at rather exquisite hotels.
With that said, if I’m on a road trip or just needing a place to crash for a night (vs a stay that’s an experience or has ambience), it’s Hampton Inn every time. Consistently comfortable, clean, and friendly staff and always a good value.
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In our family we are usually between Choice Hotels and Airbnb.
With family of 5, if we travel all together, we need space. AirBnb becomes the only option. Paying for 2 rooms or crawling over each other is not fun.
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I do a lot of road trips and I have all the loyalty memberships. In general, Hyatt Place hotels are my choice. I like a place to walk (safely) and those hotels seem always to be built on the edge of an outdoor mall. Also, the breakfasts are better with better fruit.
I also like Hilton Gardens because you can get a cooked breakfast. I get really tired of the usual breakfast buffet. Here’s a story. I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. There were no scrambled eggs. The manager said that the oven was broken. I said ‘but scrambled eggs are made in a skillet on a stove!’. There’s no stove so the eggs are some sort of stuff that likely comes in from IHG central and is heated up. Not appetizing.
Some Best Western Plus hotels are nice. But they can vary.
We have tickets in Denver on Sat night, looking at hotels to make it a mini-trip. We may go to Curtis (now a Hilton), nice place we’ve stayed before. Or we may try Hilton Tru, including breakfast. (I happen to have a Hilton membership, and these places are close to the jazz club.)
It does seem like Tru has small rooms, no closets etc. That was a factor for our 10 night stay in London… but it will be fine for 1 night. In downtown hotels, parking is over $50…. but I’m finding room fees this weekend under. $150 (sometimes under $100)….must be a low season.
If we are adding airline loyalty…DH was a USAir/Star Alliance Platinum member. But when USAir sort of became American, they managed to completely lose his FF account and points. And just before that, they neglected to post my miles on a round trip triangle trip (involving Europe and Africa) to my account. They just never did it…despite up providing receipts, etc.
Oh well…
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I have never had an issue or doubt or problem at a Hampton. Hubby goes for Marriott.
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LOL I have this discussion/disagreement with my “only Marriott to maximize points” son on a regular basis. I have points with multiple brands because I like to make the best choice - location, price - for each trip.
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For several years one of our kids worked in hospitality. During those years we were loyal as we often used Friends and family discount s. I usually base my decision on reviews and prices. We don’t travel for business so don’t have a lot of stays.
One of my kids is doing a lot of travel for work. He has just reached 1K on United. He hasn’t figured out earning hotel points as those are usually booked for him.
I’m putting this here as @abasket requested that the other thread not turn into a why I don’t use a vacation rental thread.
I follow several tour guides in several European countries and they have requested that travelers book hotels over ArBNb. The cities are becoming increasingly filled with apartments of tourists and locals can’t afford to live.
I also live in a tourist location and the city and county are trying hard to enforce bans on short term rentals in residential neighborhoods. An owner can make much for $$$ with short term rentals and it prices locals out of housing. Some locations have done a good job of allowing rentals but limiting the numbers in each neighborhood.
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As you likely know, this is a huge issue in the San Diego area.
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My rule of thumb; for stays shorter than 3-4 nights, I pick a hotel. For longer stays, usually in Hawaii, a condo (usually book directly with the local property management co).
Best hotel breakfast buffet we ever had was at the Four Seasons on Oahu. Would love to repeat that experience but the room rates are out of this world now, and they do not like to sit folks who don’t stay at the place (we once tried and were allowed in as an exception).
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We’re a Hilton family and enjoy the perks but wish it was paid for by work travel!
We are also staying at a Tru this weekend. I let my kids pick between the Hampton, Homewood Suites (H’s choice) and the Tru and it was their unanimous first choice. We actually stayed at this same property just a few weeks ago.
In the rooms, no closets (hooks plus a bar with hangers) or carpeting so you might want to bring slippers or warm socks. Walk in shower, no bath tub. Windows have multiple layers of shades that roll up/down instead of the drag across curtains. Near the elevators is usually a board with local specialty foods, drinks, restaurants and events for the weekend.
We enjoy the Tru breakfast (typical Hilton hot and cold options but pancakes instead of waffle makers) and their lobbies are lively – colorful murals with unique seating, pool tables, board games, air hockey plus these little work alcoves with individual work tables and sound proofing in between. It’s an interesting place. Exercise space was compact but bright, new and clean. We’ve stayed at Tru properties in a few different states and haven’t hit a bad one yet.
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