Booking an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel is one of the best ways to get a feel for a city, especially when you’re staying in Denver. Whether your out-of-town relatives are coming to visit for the holidays or whether you’ll be traveling to Denver over the winter break, you’ll want to book a reservation in a place where you can truly relax. And since we all know the old adage about how long guests should really stay, it makes sense that you’ll probably want private accommodations. If you’re looking for a Denver vacation rental that’s comfortable, clean, and delivers excellent value, consider choosing an Airbnb over a hotel this go-round.
What is an Airbnb?
If you’re never booked a stay at an Airbnb property, here’s what you need to know: an Airbnb is a furnished short-term rental that presents an attractive alternative to traditional hotels. From single rooms to entire single-family homes, there’s a wide range of Airbnb rooms, apartments, condos, and houses available to suit a traveler’s needs. Not only are these options typically more affordable than booking a week in a hotel, but they also offer benefits that hotels often can’t. Here are just a few reasons to choose an Airbnb over a hotel.
1. Convenient locations
Most standard hotels and motels are located near airports, interstates, and touristy parts of town, but an Airbnb can be located anywhere. You’re free from highway views, noise, and parking lot vistas, and you also give yourself the opportunity to explore different neighborhoods you wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to see. In other words, you can really take a deep dive into local living.
This kind of freedom allows for you to stay much closer to the people, places, and things you came to see. For example, you might be able to book an Airbnb a block away from your aunt’s or in-laws place. When you stay closer to the people you’re visiting, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of schlepping from one place to another or finding parking, and you’re able to spend more time with the people you came to visit. It’s a win-win. People often choose a local Airbnb when they are considering moving to the area, to really get the vibe of the neighborhood.
2. No hassles or hidden costs
Staying at an Airbnb means you won’t have to waste time waiting around for your reservation time or wonder if you’ll be able to drop off your luggage ahead of check-in. Most Airbnbs (like this DenverBnb) have a keypad for self-check-in and allow for luggage drop-off if you have an early arrival or late departure.
Aside from dealing with hotel reservation hassles, you’ll find yourself liberated from parking fees when staying at an Airbnb property. After all, in this day and age, who wants to have to pay for parking when they’re traveling?
3. More space, more value
If you’re traveling with four or more people, a hotel room can feel really small, really fast. Unlike staying in a hotel, an Airbnb offers the benefit of more space. A single-family home rental might be the ideal space for large groups, of course, but what about smaller traveling duos or someone traveling solo? You can rent a hip studio apartment in a great neighborhood.
In addition to having more square personality, these kinds of accommodations usually feature outdoor spaces (think porches, decks, barbeques and yards) that guests can enjoy privately.
4. Amenities galore
Let’s face it: unless you’re staying at a resort, most hotels are sorely lacking in basic amenities. This just isn’t the case with Airbnb properties. First of all, you’ll find everything in good working order, and you’ll often find other benefits that hotels simply don’t provide, such as gas grills, board games, and washers and dryers!
If you happen to choose an Airbnb that has a kitchenette or kitchen, then you’ll also save money on eating out. (You might even be able to afford staying an extra day or two with the money you’re saving!)
5. Supporting the local economy
When you want to ‘live like a local,’ you’ll want to stay at an Airbnb and really experience the landscape through a local lens. You’ll probably grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at the neighborhood cafe, browse the shops and boutiques, and dive into what the area has to offer. When you do this, you’re living out the ideals of Small Business Saturday no matter what day of the year it is! Instead of spending your money on a large, impersonal chain hotel and Corporate America, booking an Airbnb means you’re supporting a small business person, who in turn supports the local economy.
6. Skip the rental car and save $$
When you book a reservation at a cool Denver BnB, you can usually avoid having to rent a car. That’s right—you can easily use local transportation when staying at most Denver vacation rentals and skip the rental car completely. Denver has an airport train that runs multiple times each hour and takes you directly to Union Station. Once you get there, simply call for an Uber or Lyft to bring you to your final Denver destination.
By taking advantage of local transportation, you avoid the headache of dealing with rental cars and driving in local traffic, but you also save money on everything from hotel parking fees to gas and the cost of the rental itself. Consider the airport train: at $10.50 for a day pass ($5.25 for seniors), it’s not only an easy way to get into town, but it’s far cheaper than renting a car! And a lot greener!
Where to stay in Denver
Looking for an Airbnb in Denver? Check out this incredible brick Victorian house in the Capital Hill neighborhood! Built in 1896, the home has been restored and retains many of its original features, including its hallmark stained glass and leaded glass windows, intricate woodwork, fireplace, and more. It offers short and long term units and is conveniently located near all the art, history, and culture that Capitol Hill has to offer as well as being close to Cheesman Park, the Botanic Gardens, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes. Book your stay at a Denver Airbnb now.
