Corporate housing is often furnished, luxurious and full of amenities, accommodating productivity for the business traveler. An Airbnb satisfies a more leisure traveler with features and amenities dependent on the host’s preferences. Corporate housing is professional, while Airbnb has that as an option.
Location is a key distinction between Corporate Housing and Airbnb. For the corporate traveler, there’s greater versatility when setting up a temporary workspace in a large city. The businessperson could decide to stay mere minutes from the job in a downtown site or just outside the city to break away from the hub.
Airbnb caters more to leisure visits with fewer accommodations available in a city. The locations are often less desirable than corporate housing when travelling for business. A professional company is less versed in these areas, instead being more capable of offering a broader selection of corporate housing choices for the client.
Corporate Housing and Airbnb Compared
Lodging is evolving beyond conventional hotel accommodation as travel becomes vital to the current business landscape. As corporate leaders navigate the globe, they want to stay in an environment reminiscent of home. This leads to the predominant choices of professional corporate housing and Airbnb. While each boasts unique qualities, only one can stand out for the modern business leader meeting key demands.
Price comparison
Transparency is vital when considering business lodging costs. Directed toward business travelers, corporate housing aims for clarity and predictability with its pricing. While the upfront investment might appear expensive for some Airbnb accommodations, the price includes much more than Airbnb offers. Also, taxes and fees are included, so there are no surprises later.
Airbnb prices are based on several variables, including demand and location. The listed price will sometimes appear to be a bargain until the client calculates the taxes, cleaning costs, and additional fees. The final tally can be more than anticipated. It’s not a predictable or transparent pricing system in the same way as corporate housing.
The accommodation types
Corporate housing provides a vast array of fully furnished accommodations to meet the needs of business travelers with consistent quality and a professional atmosphere. The space is meant to suit the guest’s lifestyle whether it’s a downtown apartment for an executive or a house in the suburbs for a family relocating. Some lodging professional companies provide for business travelers include:
- Extended stay hotel rooms
- Fully furnished, serviced apartments
- Co-living lodging
- Private homes (professionalized)
- Single-family dwellings
Airbnb offers broad diversity in virtually any landscape, with accommodations ranging from a room in a family’s house to massive estates and off-the-wall “treehouses” for the true adventurous traveler. While there are many more choices with Airbnb, depending on the place and the host, it can lack the professional air and quality that a business leader demands.
The amenities/services
Comfort and utility are primary, and corporate housing the edge when reviewing amenities and services compared to Airbnb. The client can expect a dedicated workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and routine housekeeping.
Airbnb is based more on an individual approach. Some hosts strive to accommodate guests with quality services, but the amenities vary from one host to the next. Standard features for corporate housing are a luxury in many Airbnb, which are often only provided with select accommodations and at the host’s discretion.
The target demographic
Corporate housing caters explicitly to the executive or professional audience. Typically, a professional company will review the travelers’ needs and preferences and research the services and quality to meet those demands. Corporate housing is designed for the comfort and utility to motivate productivity and has become the business world’s premier choice for a “home away from home.”
Airbnb initially established itself as a holiday rental. The target audience sought a brief stay for leisure and diverse activities.
Pros and Cons Of Corporate Housing vs Airbnb
| Pros | Cons |
| Directed toward professionals with amenities/services, including dedicated workspaces | Nightly rates appear higher at first glance compared to Airbnb |
| Transparent pricing that includes utilities and taxes | Remote locations will have minimal access to corporate housing accommodations |
| Flexible rental/leasing options, including long-term stays | Properties are relatively comparable, with little diversity |
| A consistently professional environment with quality services | Peak seasons and high-demand locations could make it difficult to find accommodations |
| Cater to comfortability with luxury amenities, including fitness centers | |
| Conveniently situated near a city hub or close to business districts. | |
| Customer support from providers ensures prompt solutions to issues. | |
| Corporate housing continues to find innovative ways to improve the client experience. |
Corporate Housing
| Pros | Cons |
| Property diversity is great | The professionalism and quality range from one property to the next, there’s no consistency, as is true with corporate housing |
| Hosts can offer local insight, allowing guests a unique experience | The pricing is unpredictable and is based on several variables, including demand, taxes, and numerous fees |
| Suited for short stays or a holiday | Airbnb primarily caters to the leisure traveler, albeit some properties are appropriate for the executive. |
| The company reviewing accommodations must spend more time finding a suitable location considering the range in property types. | |
| Guests can be caught unaware with the final price point compared to the initial booking price | |
| The amenities vary from one property to the next. What would be standard for corporate housing could be considered luxuries with some Airbnb accommodations. For instance, it might be challenging to get a strong Wi-Fi connection. |
Airbnb
Final Thought
When comparing corporate housing vs Airbnb, consistency in professionalism and quality, allowing for a comfortable, albeit productive experience, is paramount for business. Airbnb offers a vast and diverse property type, these are often directed more toward the leisure traveler, while corporate housing caters to the businessperson.
Still, when customizing travel plans for a business trip, reach out to an industry leader specializing in finding quality corporate housing or an Airbnb alternative. These experts are dedicated to exceeding their professional clients’ needs, whether with corporate housing accommodations or an Airbnb alternative.