Chapter 17 — Travel & Places

Hotel or Airbnb — which is better?

Hotels for one to three nights, business travel, and city centers where you value staff, gyms, and predictable quality. Airbnb (or Vrbo, Booking apartments) for groups, kitchens, longer stays, and neighborhoods without hotel supply. Prices have converged — always compare all-in.

Follow-up questions

Are Airbnb fees really that bad?

Cleaning + service can add 25–40%. Filter by 'total price' in the app to compare fairly.

Is Airbnb legal everywhere?

Increasingly restricted — New York, Barcelona, and Amsterdam ban most short-term rentals. Confirm the listing has a permit before booking.

How do I get hotel upgrades?

Book direct, join the loyalty program, and message the property the day before with your check-in time and a soft ask (quiet floor, higher view).

Are aparthotels a good middle ground?

Yes — hotel service with a kitchenette. Sonder, Mama Shelter, and citizenM are strong picks in Europe and the US.

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