Excerpt from Business Insider
This wasn't my first Airbnb, or even my first that week. I had checked out of a great stay at a guesthouse in Venice. The owner greeted me and walked me through the place. I could even use the bikes to pedal around Venice like a local if I had time. That's belonging.
And that's the crux of Airbnb's problem, and the one weapon hotels have against the startup: consistency.
With a hotel, there's a certain level of hospitality to expect. Upon arrival, there's typically self-parking or a valet. Check-in is usually anytime after 3 p.m., and you don't have to coordinate your arrival. There are basic toiletries, hangers in the closet, and a hair dryer in the bathroom. Every day, housekeeping cleans your room.
At an Airbnb, these things can vary wildly.
Some happily provide toiletries. Others, you're not sure if the toiletries in the shower are yours to use or if they belong to the host. Hair dryers are nonstandard and hangers in closets are rare. Depending on the place, I've been asked to do everything from take out the trash to do the dishes.
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