AirB&B

I’ve never liked staying at a Bed & Breakfast (B&B.) We’ve stayed at a few over the years, but I actually prefer a nice hotel. Obviously that’s my preference and lots of people I know think B&B’s are much better than hotels/motels. 

But lately, I’ve noticed there’s been a lot of talk, and TV advertisements, about something called an AirB&B. Well, when I was younger, I’d have been embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know what that was. But I guess the world is just moving too fast for me these days…. But I was curious enough to look it up.

From what I can tell, the concept of an “AirB&B” was born when Brian Chesky and Joe Geggia started renting out air mattresses in their San Francisco apartment to provide temporary housing for attendees of a design conference. They called it “Air Bed & Breakfast.” The idea was to provide affordable lodging and a unique experience compared to traditional hotels. The idea caught on and Brian Chesky, Joe Geggia, and later, Nathan Blecharczyk formed a company called Airbnb.
I think the term AirB&B today actually refers to anyone that wants to rent out all or part of their house/apartment for short periods of time to other people. 

The advantages of this type of lodging arrangement include:
They’re usually cheaper than hotels, especially for long stays, or larger groups
Lot of options — from budget-friendly apartments to luxury homes
Potentially lets guests immerse themselves in local neighborhoods and culture
Many rentals offer kitchens, laundry facilities, and flexible check-out times.
The “host” can provide local recommendations or personal touches
Offerings usually provide more room than traditional hotel accommodations.

Of course, like most everything, there are some disadvantages:
Experiences can vary widely depending on the host, property and location
Cleaning and service fees can significantly increase the cost — sometimes making it comparable to hotels.
Some cities have strict regulations or even outright bans on short-term rentals
There can be unclear policies on cancellations, safety issues or disputes between guests and hosts
Unlike hotels, AirB&Bs often lack amenities like daily housekeeping, on-site staff, or room service
Critics argue that these operations contribute to housing shortages and increase rent in popular tourist destinations. 

So — from what I can tell, I’d still prefer a hotel. Maybe the one thing that would concern me the most is that they are unregulated. Even regular B&Bs are regulated in the same way as hotels. They’re required to hold proper licensure, and to be inspected by the state and health departments. But because AirB&Bs are private residences, they are not held to the same standard.
If you think I’m stuck in the past, you’re probably right. But if I go somewhere, I don’t want to arrive via Uber and stay in someone’s basement…. I still prefer to take a taxi and go to a hotel.
— 30 —