Is Airbnb Cheaper Than Hotels? (UK Edition)

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On July 5, 2025

With the rise of staycations, remote working, and flexible travel, many guests are wondering — is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in the UK?

If you’re planning a trip and torn between booking a hotel or an Airbnb, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, more travellers have started comparing the cost, comfort, and convenience of each option. But the truth? It depends on what you’re looking for.

AtEason Stays, we manage short-term rental properties across the UK and regularly speak with guests who’ve stayed in both hotels and Airbnbs. In this post, we break down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your budget, comfort, and experience in 2025.

1. The Price Comparison: Airbnb vs Hotel UK

Let’s start with the big question — which is cheaper?

📉 Average Nightly Rates (2025 Trends):

UK Hotels: £100 – £160 per night (standard double room)
Airbnb: £80 – £140 per night (entire flat/house)

At a glance, Airbnb often comes out cheaper, especially if you’re booking for multiple people. But let’s break it down further.

Airbnb is typically cheaper when:

You’re staying more than 2 nights
You’re travelling in a group or as a family
You want access to a kitchen to save on eating out
You’re staying in less central areas

Hotels might be cheaper when:

You’re booking a single night during off-peak season
You’re looking for daily housekeeping and amenities
You score a last-minute deal via a comparison site

The key is to compare like-for-like. A luxury apartment in central London won’t be cheaper than a Premier Inn 10 miles out of town — but a 2-bedroom flat in Manchester could save you hundreds vs. multiple hotel rooms for a group.

2. Other Costs to Consider

It’s not just about the nightly rate — let’s talk hidden or additional costs.

🔍 Airbnb Extra Costs:

Cleaning Fees: Can range from £25 to £100+ per stay
Service Fees: Airbnb charges a guest service fee (usually under 14%)
Security Deposits: Usually refundable, but worth budgeting for
Self-catering Savings: Having a kitchen can save £15–£50+ per day on food

🏨 Hotel Extra Costs:

Parking Charges: £10–£30/day is common in city centres
Mini-bar / Breakfast Fees: Often not included in budget options
Late Check-out / Early Check-in: Usually incurs a fee
Wi-Fi Fees: Still charged in some hotel chains

While Airbnb fees can seem higher upfront, the overall savings — especially if you’re eating in, staying longer, or sharing — usually tip the scales.

3. Comfort, Space & Privacy

This is where Airbnb usually shines. Instead of a single room, you get an entire space to yourself.

🏡 Airbnb:

Entire flats or homes
Full kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces
Great for longer stays or remote working
Homely feel, often with thoughtful touches

🏨 Hotel:

Typically, one room with an en-suite
On-site restaurants, gyms, and sometimes spas
24/7 front desk and concierge service
Housekeeping and room service

If you value space, independence, and privacy, Airbnb often wins. But if you like being looked after or prefer a predictable setup, hotels may be your go-to.

4. Location & Local Experience

Many travellers today want to live like a local, and Airbnb delivers that in spades.

Airbnb lets you stay in residential areas, near parks, markets, or off-the-beaten-track spots
Hotels tend to cluster in city centres, business parks, or tourist zones
Airbnb stays often come with personalised guides, local tips, and host recommendations

At Eason Stays, we pride ourselves on offering guests more than just a place to sleep. Our properties are located in real communities across the UK, helping travellers experience their destination authentically — with all the comforts of a hotel and the space of a home.

5. Best Option for Different Types of Travellers

Here’s a quick breakdown of who benefits most from each option:

Traveller Type	Best Option	Why
Solo Business Traveller	Hotel	Loyalty points, concierge, corporate location
Couple on City Break	Airbnb	Cosy flats, better value, more charm
Family with Children	Airbnb	Kitchen, space, privacy
Group of Friends	Airbnb	Entire flat/house, shared cost, fun experience
One-Night Stay	Hotel	Convenience, check-in desk, fewer fees
Long-Term Stayer	Airbnb	Discounts, home comforts, laundry, workspace

So, Which Should You Choose?

In the Airbnb vs hotel UK debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you’re after space, flexibility, and better value for money — especially for longer stays, families, or group travel — Airbnb tends to come out on top.

Hotels still have their place, particularly for corporate travel or short overnight stays, but for that local experience, personal space, and often lower cost per head, Airbnb is a strong contender.

Looking for a Trusted UK Airbnb Stay?

If you’re planning a trip and want the benefits of an Airbnb with the professional standards of a hotel,Eason Stayshas got you covered.

We manage quality short-term rental properties across the UK — from modern city apartments to charming countryside getaways — with transparent pricing, local support, and everything you need for a great stay.

👉 Book directly with Eason Stays and save on platform fees
👉Property owner? Get a free Airbnb valuation today

Final Thoughts

The UK is full of fantastic places to visit — and how you experience them often comes down to where you stay. Choosing between a hotel and an Airbnb doesn’t need to be complicated once you weigh up what matters most to you.

Need help finding the perfect place? Our team atEason Stays is happy to help — whether you’re travelling for work, a weekend break, or a long summer escape.

E-mail : team@easonproperty.com