Not sure whether to book a serviced accommodation or Airbnb in Durham? Let’s look at a few differences to help you choose what’s best for your next stay in County Durham.
Airbnb is a globally recognized holiday accommodation provider, and it’s often one that first springs to mind when you want to book an entire home or apartment for an escape. So you may wonder what’s better – professionally serviced accommodation or an Airbnb? That ultimately comes down to personal requirements and what you’re after, but each has pros and cons.
Comfort & Quality
Quality and comfort may differ depending on your choice between serviced accommodation or Airbnb. One thing in favour of serviced accommodation options is that their management is in the business of providing accommodation and understanding what’s important to guests. They make a significant investment in their premises and set up with quality beds and linen, furniture and equipment and rarely can operate, offering cheap and uncomfortable premises. Conversely, an Airbnb is often run by individuals or homeowners, which means quality may vary as operators are not driven by the same professional need to uphold standards that a professional business may be. As with anything, this depends on each provider and with both types of accommodation, having online reviews helps future guests make informed decisions based on past guest experiences.
Reliable and Consistent Accommodation
One big difference between serviced accommodation and Airbnb is peace of mind. Most Airbnb stays are positive, but there are plenty of stories where things could have gone better. This could be accommodation being below par or a case of hosts not being responsive to guest queries. For example, the host of the Airbnb in Durham you’re staying in may not be available to answer quick questions about your stay or simple queries about the area. Some guests have reportedly experienced hosts who have not turned up at all to let them in! While Airbnb has safety features in place to reimburse guests or help them out of a sticky spot, you may want to avoid this eventuality altogether. Much like a hotel, serviced apartments and cottages provide accommodation professionally for guests daily, meaning the accommodation has to be up to par every time; otherwise, the business suffers.
Professional Customer Service
Providing accommodation is a highly competitive industry, and excellent customer service will keep guests returning and leaving positive reviews. Professional and dedicated customer service in your chosen accommodation really makes a world of difference for your stay. Airbnb service is determined by your host or the individual accommodation operator, and who you get can be hit and miss. Guests may find themselves unable to contact the owner if there is an issue, and some owners might not even be in the same country! There is seldom a guarantee that hosts have any commitment to quality customer service. In contrast, serviced accommodation will always have someone onsite or close by available to assist with any issues. Help should only ever be a phone call, text, or a pop down to the office away.
Discover the Plawsworth Hall Difference
If you decide a serviced apartment or cottage is right for your next Durham trip rather than an Airbnb, consider staying at Plawsworth Hall. We guarantee quality serviced accommodation every time with onsite support if you ever need it.
