Hotel, Airbnb or a Villa – Which Accommodation Type Should You Choose?

If you want to book a holiday, for example, in the Mediterranean, there are 3 main types of accommodation to choose from. There are hotels, Airbnb rentals and villas. Each type has its pros and selling points. Your choice should depend on the number of travellers, expected comfort, budget, etc. This guide will help you navigate and find the perfect option.

Hotels: Comfort and Convenience with Limits

There is no shortage of hotels in the Mediterranean region. You have everything from simple motels to high-end luxury 5-star all-inclusive resorts.

The primary selling points for hotels include amenities, location and security. When you book a hotel, you’re almost always guaranteed a range of amenities, including: 

• Daily housekeeping
• Room service
• Access to restaurants, pools, and spas
• Transportation

Such benefits provide a top-tier level of comfort. If you wish to relax as much as possible and to focus entirely on the holiday itself, hotels are a fine choice.

However, there are a few downsides. Quality comes at a price, and rooms offer limited space compared to the other 2 options. In addition, you may have to stand in lines, hunt for open sun loungers, or face a lacklustre service quality. 

Airbnb: Flexibility for Longer Stays Without Top-Tier Comforts

The term Airbnb has become generic, signifying the rapid rise of the platform and short-term apartment rentals. In the Mediterranean region, you can find apartments for short-term rental in the tens of thousands. When scouting, travellers can choose from cosy studios and small compact rooms all the way to larger homes or cottages.

The main benefit is independence and the flexibility to plan your perfect holiday. You can find a spot in the ideal neighbourhood, immerse yourself in the local way of living, or escape civilization entirely. Since you can also find Airbnb’s with a kitchen, you can cook your meals, significantly reducing the total cost of your holiday.

That being said, there are significant drawbacks. You might overpay for comfort, have to deal with housekeeping, find a lack of amenities or deal with a language barrier that’s hard to overcome. Furthermore, check-in procedures can become a hassle.

A Villa: For Unforgettable Vacations, but at a Cost

Many picture the perfect Mediterranean Holiday with a drink in hand, soaking in the sun near the pool of a private villa. This is the peak in terms of comfort and luxury. In addition, prices for villas in Corfu or other islands and coastal regions aren’t as high as they used to be, while comfort levels have increased with more new buildings popping up.

Villas provide the freedom to make your own schedule with no constraints of hotel timetables and rules. Plenty of space to relax, enjoy the surroundings and vacation at your tempo with top-tier amenities.

The only downside is the higher price tag. But it’s worth it if you’re making memories that would last a lifetime, wouldn’t you agree?