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Airbnb rentals can work for business travelers, but some will miss the amenities of hotel life–including a concierge, in-room dining and loyalty programs. (Photo: Flickr/Tim Regan)
Nothing seems to stop Airbnb, the sharing-economy behemoth that has steamrolled through the hospitality industry since its launch in 2008.
Airbnb is now said to hold a valuation of $20 billion and to offer one million rooms—numbers that put it ahead of the largest traditional hotel companies.
How has this expansion of lodging affected traditional hotels? The jury is still out. Hoteliers downplay Airbnb’s impact, and they may be right—for now. Travel is in growth mode, so hotel companies continue to do well. However, the New York Times reports that Airbnb’s presence may be restraining guest room prices in some markets.
For the business travel segment, Airbnb’s impact is questionable. The company reports 10 percent of its guests are traveling on business, but in our experience business travelers turn to Airbnb in limited scenarios: when conventions deplete availability, when teams travel together and need a space to gather, or when small businesses are laser-focused on cost savings.
What has your experience been with using Airbnb for business travel? Let us know in the comments.
NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about: Big changes on United.com website + Chinese tourists on notice + Fast trains in Spain + United’s 787 Dreamliner plans + New Oneworld lounge at LAX + Global Entry at Oakland
I am a Platinum Member with IHG & continue to book that group of hotels but when costs at IHG Properties are unrealistically high, I turn to Airbnb & have yet to be disappointed. Benefits at the IHG Program are diminishing (regardless of what they claim) & I can see using Airbnb more & more in the future. Oh yes, 90% of my travel is for business.
I used AirBNB when I was on an extended business trip in one city (~3.5 weeks). Since the trip was so long, I wanted a living and kitchen space so it could feel more like home than a hotel. Upshot for the company was that it was much cheaper than the hotel.