Why Hotels Stack Up Better Than Private Rentals During a Pandemic

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onApril 20, 2021 in Best Western Siesta Key, General, Siesta Key.

As the opportunity for travel becomes more accessible for you and your friends and family, we want to ensure that you have all the knowledge to create the best recipe for a fun and safe vacation and travel experience. When it comes to booking accommodations in Sarasota and Siesta Key, your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key have a few things to point out as you weigh your options. From hassle-free cancelations and cleanliness to the best price options and special offers, learn why a hotel like Best Western, could be the better choice for you. 

 

Cancellation Policies

If you have been exposed to covid-19 or have to rearrange travel plans at the last minute, Best Western Siesta Key can be flexible and understanding. Simply reach out to us as soon as possible to make the proper arrangements. While policies like cancellations stay consistent across hotel chains and remain rather convenient, vacation rentals and Airbnb each have custom policies created and set by the homeowner. Some policies are hard to understand and can include tough or confusing cancellation terms that you might miss if you don’t carefully read the fine print. Cancellation policies for private rentals are also a two-way street, meaning they have the ability to cancel your reservation even if you didn’t request it. In certain cases, you could not even be eligible for a full refund, leaving you out of cash and out of a place to stay. 

 

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is the most important factor for many travelers, especially these days. Most hotel chains, including Best Western, have invested more time and energy into ensuring their professional cleaning crew is going above and beyond to keep guests healthy. We are proud to brag that Best Western has been named a top company when it comes to cleanliness during the covid-19 pandemic. Although a five-step cleaning standard was introduced for Airbnbs and private hosts, accountability and high standards are hard to manage and enforce throughout these rental properties. 

 

Price Drops and Long-Term Special Offers

Since the decline of business trips, conventions, sporting events, weddings, and kids’ activities, on top of vacations, hotels have been suffering even more than the typical Airbnb. Therefore, hotel prices have dramatically decreased and, unlike before, have been consistently cheaper than vacation rentals. According to the accounting firm PwC, daily hotel rates dropped an average of 21 percent in 2020 and are predicted to remain relatively flat throughout 2021. In addition, more and more hotels are offering daily discounts for long-term stays, similar to the way Airbnb shows a cheaper daily rate for weekly and monthly rentals. Check out all of our specials and packages offered here at Best Western Siesta Key. 

 

Cashing In Points and Travel Miles 

Credit cards and frequent traveler programs favor hotels over private rental properties in terms of perks and how you can use the points you have accumulated to your advantage. Although you can acquire points through some airlines and credit card companies when you book private vacation rentals, typically, if you want to utilize your points towards an Airbnb stay, the best way to cash in is by purchasing an Airbnb gift card. Conversely, travel miles and credit card points can seamlessly convert to hotel stays and extra perks, such as a free night or waived resort fees, and vice-versa. Check with our front desk to learn about Best Western hotel loyalty programs and other perks offered through travel miles. 

Settling on accommodations is a large and important part of any business trip or family vacation. That is why the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key do all we can to ensure your stay with us goes above and beyond your needs and expectations. While private rentals and Airbnbs have their benefits, we are certain that our policies, cleaning standards, rates, and special offers are unbeatable and just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your satisfaction, safety, and health.