Family Stays: Airbnb vs Hotel vs Aparthotel
If you travel with family, you know the drill: someone’s hungry, someone’s napping, someone’s lost a sock, and “quiet time” is just a rumor. Choosing where to stay can make or break your trip. I’ve tried them all—Airbnb, hotels, aparthotels—sometimes in the same city, sometimes all in one week. Here’s how to pick the right one for your crew, without overthinking it or blowing your budget.
Why the Decision Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to default to what you know (hotels) or what’s trending (Airbnb). But, as I learned after a 3 a.m. fire alarm in a city-centre hotel with a toddler, the wrong choice can haunt you for days. Your accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your family’s base camp, snack station, laundry room, and sometimes, sanity saver.
“The best stay is the one that keeps everyone fed, rested, and (mostly) smiling.”
Three Options, Many Variables
Let’s lay out the contenders:
- Airbnb: Private homes or apartments, sometimes quirky, sometimes basic, often with a kitchen and laundry.
- Hotel: Standardized rooms, daily cleaning, usually smaller, but with amenities like breakfast and pools.
- Aparthotel: Hybrid of both—apartment-style units with hotel services, typically found in bigger cities or tourist hubs.
Real-Life Scenario: Berlin, 2023
Last summer, my family (two adults, two kids) spent a week in Berlin. We had three options:
- Airbnb: 2-bedroom flat in Kreuzberg
- Hotel: Family room in Mitte, breakfast included
- Aparthotel: Studio with kitchenette, daily housekeeping, near Alexanderplatz
Our priorities: kitchen for picky eaters, easy laundry (because: kids), central location, and sleep for all. Here’s what we found.
What Mattered Most? The Decision Matrix
I built a simple matrix to compare. Here’s what you should look at for a week-long stay:
| Feature | Airbnb | Hotel | Aparthotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Usually full kitchen | Rare, usually just a kettle | Kitchenette; sometimes full kitchen |
| Laundry | Washer & dryer common | Paid hotel laundry service | Coin laundry or in-room machine |
| Noise | Depends on neighbors, street | Can be noisy (corridors, city) | Usually quieter, better soundproofing |
| Location | Varies—residential or central | Usually central or near transit | Central or in business/tourist zones |
| Safety | Varies—read reviews carefully | 24/7 front desk/security | Front desk, key cards, cameras |
| Cost (1 week, 4 people) | €900–€1,400 | €1,200–€1,900 | €1,100–€1,600 |
| Cleaning | Self-clean, cleaning fee | Daily housekeeping | Weekly or daily, varies |
| Space | Varies, often larger | Usually smaller, efficient | Studio to 2-bedroom units |
| Flexibility (Check-in/out) | Host-dependent, less flexible | 24/7 reception, luggage storage | Reception, but some limits |
Quick Checklist: What to Ask Yourself
- Do you need a kitchen for real meals? (Not just ramen.)
- Will you need to do laundry? (Kids? Sports? Spills?)
- Are you light sleepers? (Consider double windows, thick walls.)
- Is location more important than space? (Big city = smaller rooms.)
- How much are you willing to spend for convenience?
- What’s your tolerance for DIY chores on vacation?
Tools & Links That Actually Help
- Airbnb – Filter by “family-friendly”, “kitchen”, “washer”.
- Booking.com – Use the “Aparthotel” property type filter.
- Hotels.com – Look for “family rooms” and check for breakfast deals.
- TripAdvisor – Honest reviews on noise and cleanliness.
- Google Hotels – Good for price comparisons and location maps.
- Printable Decision Matrix (Google Sheet) – Make a copy and fill it in for your next trip.
My Take: What Worked, What Flopped
In Berlin, we went with the aparthotel. The kitchen was tiny, but it saved us hundreds on eating out. Having a washing machine meant we packed lighter. Noise was manageable, and the front desk helped with a lost key (ask me about that one over a beer). The hotel would’ve been easier for check-in, but the room was half the size. The Airbnb was cheapest, but the host’s check-out time was 9 a.m.—hard pass with sleepy kids.
Bottom line: There’s no universal “best.” It’s about what matters most this week. For us? Kitchen, washing machine, and a door that locks easily (thanks, toddler).
Printable Matrix
Want to make your own? Here’s a template you can copy and print.
“Travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you and your family, mess and all.”
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