Long an eponym for all short-term rentals, Airbnb is one of the most popular vacation rental platforms in the world. In more recent years, it’s expanded to include Airbnb Experiences and Airbnb Services, combining access to unique activities and experts around the world with excellent places to stay—for example, you can book a food tour or art workshop in the city you’re visiting, or schedule a massage therapist, private trainer, or chef straight to your rental home all from the Airbnb site. But the brand’s dominance has been contentious over the years, and certain cities, like New York, have banned or put high restrictions on home rentals of less than 30 days to help with overtourism and hold space for locals. But did you know that you can actually rent NYC hotels on Airbnb as well? And that there are actually benefits (and savings) you can score from booking them through Airbnb’s site?
What are Airbnb hotels?
While you may not have seen them before, hotels are not a new feature on Airbnb. They’ve been around for years on the platform, but thanks to a new look on the site, they’re now easier than ever to find. Guests can simply select hotels under the “type of place” filter, then use the standard filters—for features like self-check-in, free cancellation, and accessibility—to find their perfect stay. You’ll also find a button at the top of the page when searching for New York City properties that lets you filter between homes, hotels, or “any.” At this time, New York City is the only location with that additional button at the top of the page, rather than buried in the filter section.
Those who book on Airbnb are usually after a specific type of stay: a hyper-local, small spot that feels under-the-radar and lets you experience a city like a local. To stick to this ethos, the hotels available on the rental platform are exclusively boutiques or independently owned properties, so while you may get the benefits of room service, fresh towels, and a front desk, you’ll still leave your room every morning feeling like you’re staying in a hidden gem. In New York, for example, you’ll find some design-forward Condé Nast Traveler favorites like The Hoxton Williamsburg and The William Vale.
