Airbnb or hotel for your summer vacation?
Now that spring getaways are largely behind us, all eyes are on the upcoming summer months for what is expected to be a busy travel season. As travelers plan summer vacations, there’s one question that will undoubtedly come up: do I book a hotel or a rental property like an Airbnb?
Of course, the answer depends on a variety of factors. Availability and pricing at your destination are usually the biggest considerations. But your preference on the type of stay that you are looking for, as well as loyalty and points-related factors and other considerations.
It’s hard to beat staying at a resort, where you enjoy the luxury of on-site pools, restaurants, housekeeping, not to mention easy beach access and the financial benefit of either using your points for a free stay or earning points and elite night credits.
I’ve also had plenty of Airbnb stays with family that have been equally memorable. Sometimes a rental property like an Airbnb gives you the chance to enjoy your temporary space more like you would a home, and in some cases, more fully immerse yourself in the day-to-day culture of the place you’re visiting.
It’s also worth noting, there are ways your points can help you with your Airbnb booking, although you’re not going to earn any free nights staying at a rental property.
Home share properties have gained a certain amount of notoriety in recent years for the fees added to the top of your nightly rate, but the fees you pay at resorts – including when redeeming points in some cases – can be equally loathsome among guests.
Related: Everything you need to know about Airbnb
What’s the best fit for you this summer? We thought we’d compare hotel and Airbnb options in several popular summer destinations.
We looked at bookings for a peak summer vacation week of July 16-23 (Saturday to Saturday) for this report.
East coast beach trip: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head is a popular southeast beach destination each summer. On top of the ability to stay affordably at oceanfront properties, it doubles as a popular golf destination with vast shopping and dining options.
Hotel choice: Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa
This beachfront resort includes easy beach access, with a pool situated just off the beach. The nightly rate of $469 leads to a $3,286 bill for the seven-night stay. If you’ve got Marriott Bonvoy points to use, it goes for a total of 352,000 points for the stay.
Since you get a fifth night free, the other six nights average out to 58,666 points per night. According to TPG’s valuations, that’s worth $469 per night – the same as the nightly cash rate.
My Airbnb choice is an oceanfront condo with a perfectly nice pool, good for a dip after spending the day on the beach. With fees on top of the $250 nightly rate, the week comes to $2,140 for the one-bedroom condo.
European trip: Rome
We can expect a very busy summer of U.S. travelers making their way to Europe. Rome is always among the more popular destinations for tourists looking to enjoy the city’s culture and countless historic sites, from the Pantheon and Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Hotel choice: The Tribune, Rome
This Hyatt property puts you in a nice, central location in Rome – with key tourist sites easily reachable by ride share or walking if you're up to it. For a quality hotel, the $249 nightly rate is a bargain compared to many other options in the area, with the weekly bill coming to $1,862.
At 18,000 World of Hyatt points per night, the award rate is not a great redemption, but isn’t outrageous to the point where you should avoid spending points in hopes of saving cash on the lodging portion of your trip.
I’m a big fan of the Airbnb choice in Rome. The property I found is a tenth of a mile walking distance from the Pantheon, which puts you within a stone’s throw of numerous key tourist attractions in the city. The property has a modern feel to it, and while it comes in at a bit higher than the hotel cost -- $1,958 for the week once you add the fees in – the location and cost makes this the winner.
Caribbean vacation: Costa Rica
Costa Rica allows visitors to enjoy a combination of relaxing on the beach (or by the pool) with a bit of adventure. From the wildlife to mountains and volcanoes you can spend half the trip sitting or swimming, and the other half exploring.
When booking accommodations in Costa Rica, be sure to check the proximity of your property to the airport – and firm up how you’ll get around! Unlike some Caribbean destinations where the airport is a short drive from many resorts, you can be on the road for a good hour or two here.
Related: Get to Costa Rica and back for less than $200
Hotel choice: Marriott Vacation Club at Los Suenos
This is a new Marriott property that has availability for booking the week we looked at in mid-July. With multiple pools and dining options on the property, you can stay for a relatively good price considering the size of the villa you get. With a nightly rate of $212, the stay comes to $1,490.
You really can’t go wrong with the Airbnb we found with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. For the week's stay you can save a few hundred dollars compared to the hotel booking -- $1,672 is the total once you add in the fees.
Related: The best times to visit Costa Rica
Wine country: Napa, California
My wife and I made our first visit to Napa in 2019, and found both the quality of the wine, the views and the food to be exactly what we expected. One of the factors that comes into play as you consider a hotel or an Airbnb in Napa is what type of accommodation you’re looking for.
Hotels are often within walking distance of the many restaurants, wine bars and shops. We stayed in town when we visited, and were able to walk to dinner each night. The downside of this: you probably have to get an Uber or Lyft to the vineyards, which can add up since each leg of the trip can range anywhere from 5-15 minutes or more.
Related: 8 mistakes to avoid when visiting Napa Valley
Meanwhile, you can also find spectacular and more secluded rental properties, including some situated on properties with wineries.
Hotel choice: Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley
This was one of the better hotel choices for a stay in July, priced at $395 per night or $3,189 for the seven-night stay.
I kept my search closer to downtown on Airbnb (although you can certainly venture farther north to get closer to wineries). I found a two-bedroom cottage near downtown for $283 per night, or $1,984 for the week.
New England and national park trip: Bar Harbor, Maine
While plenty of residents of New England travel south during the coldest winter months, as a resident of the south I’ve always loved visiting Maine in the summer when I need a break from the heat and humidity. Bar Harbor is a popular destination among visitors to Maine, as it gives you a combination of a beautiful, on-the-water town, and easy access to Acadia National Park.
You actually may want to consider options beyond major hotel chains and Airbnbs as you travel to this part of the country because New England is well known for its bed-and-breakfast lodging and independent hotels.
Hotel choice: Hampton Inn, Bar Harbor
The property is priced at $474 a night or $3,618 for the stay in July. Another Hampton Inn a bit farther outside of town goes for about half the price, so consider whether you need to be in the center of things and the higher cost for that privilege.
I found a townhouse in Bar Harbor on Airbnb for a fairly inexpensive $160 per night, which came to $1,278 for the seven-night stay. It’s a small property though, and depending on the size of your party and the quality of the property you’re looking for, you may have to pay triple or even quadruple that nightly rate if you want more space or luxury.
Bottom line
Hotels and Airbnb properties each have their benefits and drawbacks. I enjoy both, and let the destination and my goals for the trip (along with price of course) dictate which direction I take when booking.
As you plan your summer vacation, it’s always a good idea to consider every avenue to make sure your trip turns out exactly the way you’re hoping.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.