Hotel vs Airbnb: how do you win the battle?

This article is not a declaration of war on Airbnb, quite the contrary. 😀 Rather, our intention is to help you make peace with the number 1 reference for tourist rentals. Because yes, it is possible to compete and take advantage of it. First, because converted travelers still have good reasons to stay in a hotel. Second, because you can regain market share from Airbnb, as long as you make it a source of inspiration to improve your hotel services. So, ready to change the way you look at the American platform?

Deciphering the motivations of travelers who choose hotels vs Airbnb

Remember that short-term rentals offered by individuals have existed for a very long time. Airbnb has contributed to the explosion of these tourist accommodations by facilitating the connection between renters and hosts. But if there are still more and more, it is because they meet specific needs. In a vacation rental, occupants are primarily looking for the warmth of a “home”, a kitchen, space or independence. The good news is that travelers have a lot more expectations that only hoteliers can meet.

🏠 Comfort and “extra” services

Impossible to find a tourist rental where you can enjoy a spa, a transport service and a restaurant at the same time. This is one of the major differences with group accommodation. In hotel establishments, tourists benefit from services and facilities Premium : room service, pool, meeting rooms, fitness center, concierge, etc.

Another argument in your favor, and not the least: customers have no breakfast to prepare, no cleaning or a bed to make!

🛎️ Customer service

Your employees are your superpower. 🦸 Even if remote check-in and contactless access are attracting more and more travelers, they appreciate that a professional and trained team is at their disposal.

In addition, booking a last-minute stay in a hotel is generally much easier. Customers can obtain immediate confirmation by various means: website, telephone, email, SMS, social networks, instant messaging, etc.

🔒 The secure environment

Buying a service online can cause apprehension. Being located on the street reassures vacationers. They are confident that the establishment exists. They also know that they can easily contact the team.

In addition, the standards and regulations that will fall under the responsibility of an ERP offer the advantage of better protecting your customers throughout their stay. Installing surveillance systems, securing accesses, employing a night shift has a cost, but it is also a real reassurance argument.

These constraints also require you to have strict cleaning procedures that ensure a clean and hygienic environment for guests. If not, they know they can file a complaint.

🤸 ‍ ♂️ Flexibility

Generally, hoteliers offer greater flexibility when it comes to changing or cancelling a stay.

The same is true for the schedules of Check-in. Most hotels are accessible 24 hours a day. This way, travelers avoid racking their brains calculating their arrival time or stressing out because of traffic jams or train delays.

🤲 The choice of a committed act

Going to a hotel is a civic act for some people. Indeed, Airbnb is Blacklisted by travelers who accuse him of encouraging real estate speculation and reducing the supply of housing. By choosing the hotel industry, they are showing their support for the hospitality sector and their opposition to a system that would degrade the living environment of residents of tourist districts.

Identify strategies to win over Airbnb customers

Travelers — except for the anti-AirBnBs we were talking about earlier — do not ask themselves the question of choosing between the “pro” Airbnb camp and that of the “pro” hotels. Over the course of a year, they may have to opt for a hotel close to the Porte de Versailles to go to a lounge or for a spacious vacation rental for family reunions. Let's just see how you could attract them...

📝 Copy platform offers

What can we find in an Airbnb that is not in your establishment? That is the question to ask yourself. Is it:

• a high-performance Wi-Fi connection?
• a Bluetooth speaker to listen to music?
• access to Netflix, Canal Plus, Amazon Prime to watch series and movies like at home?
• a kitchen area for customers on a limited budget?
• a space to work, away from the other occupants of the room?
• connecting rooms to go as a tribe while maintaining privacy?

💁🏼 ‍ ♀️ Focus fully on your core business: hospitality

Pampering customers is the foundation of your business. Airbnb owners aren't as available and professional as you are. Welcome each guest like a VIP, make sure they have an unforgettable experience, immerse them in the ambiance of your destination.

💡 Our tip: invest in a Guest app. This digital solution allows you to interact in a personalized way with your customers before, during and after the stay. Discover GetWelcom's offer for simplify the reception of hotel customers and enhance their experience.

🎯 Deploy an incisive commercial policy

Furnished rental companies often have neither the training, nor the skills, nor the time to build an effective commercial strategy. Take advantage of this to always be one step ahead!

Segment your customers and offer them tailored offers, especially to those who are more likely to opt for Airbnb such as families, tribes or pet owners.

Adopt it Yield Management and change your rates taking into account seasonal fluctuations, local events, and market trends.

Collect customer reviews. It is mainly on this component that the reputation of Airbnb is based!

Partner with local businesses.

Finally, reward repeat customers with perks, discounts, or upgrades.

➡️ Read our articles on The 7 rules to apply to increase the hotel's loyalty rate and Customer reviews in the hotel industry 

🚶 ‍ ♂️ Walking on Airbnb's flower beds

If you think that Airbnb is “stealing” market share from you, don't have any qualms about doing the same!

List one or more of your rooms on the platform, in order to capture members of their community.

Invite Airbnb customers to take advantage of your hotel's exclusive services, such as breakfast, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, or the bar.

So, do you still want Airbnb to remain your sworn enemy or to become your ally for the future of your business?

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