Hotel vs Airbnb: what to pack differently
Hotel vs Airbnb: what to pack differently for each. A hotel gives towels and a hairdryer, a rental may not. Use this list and check your listing.
Baptiste Moreau2 min read
Verdict: pack the same clothes for either, then adjust the extras. A hotel gives you a service. A rental gives you a space, and what is in it varies. Check the listing first.
This page is general. Each hotel and host supplies different things, so rely on the listing, not on a rule.
Which wins on
| Factor | Hotel | Airbnb or rental |
|---|---|---|
| Towels and soap | Usually supplied | Check the listing |
| Hairdryer and iron | Often in room or on request | Sometimes |
| Kitchen | Rarely | Often |
| Laundry | Pay service | Sometimes a machine |
| Check-in time | Fixed desk | Varies, message host |
| Bin and cleaning | Done for you | You tidy |
Pack for a hotel if
- You want a light bag
- You want no chores
- You have a short stay
Pack: clothes, toiletries, phone charger. Ask the desk for anything else.
Pack for a rental if
- You stay a week or more
- You plan to cook
- You want a washing machine
Pack: clothes, a travel towel as a backup, laundry sheets, a few zip bags, a reusable shopping bag and an adapter. Message the host about bedding, towels and cooking basics.
Rule: if the listing does not say it is there, assume it is not.
Mistakes
- Packing a bath towel "just in case"
- Assuming a rental has a hairdryer
- Forgetting a plug adapter
- Missing the check-in message with the entry code
What this means for laundry
A rental with a machine means you can pack a third less. See how to do laundry while traveling for the routine, and the weekend trip packing list for a short stay.
Quick questions
Do Airbnbs provide towels?
Many do, but not all. Read the listing and ask.
Should I pack a hairdryer?
Only if the listing says there is none and you need one.
Do I need toiletries in a rental?
Usually yes. Soap and shampoo are not always supplied.
Is a hotel better for a short stay?
Often easier, since there is less to arrange.
More to read
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