Why do people prefer shared spaces over the traditional?

People are favouring Airbnbs to traditional hotels as the unique home listings allow for a different stay each time one travels. Traditional hotel layouts are generally standardised - carpeted floors, brown curtains, white sheets, a desk for doing work, television and a sofa. The standard and minimal look of such traditional hotels differ greatly from our generally vibrant and cozy homes. When travelling, one would usually want to feel familiar in a foreign land. Airbnb homes entice users with their cozy environments, as if we are staying over at a friend's home. 

Traditional hotel rooms 

Cozier Airbnb homes

People are also increasingly seeking to stay in Airbnb homes due to their totally different living environments - even beyond our wildest imaginations!

Ever wanted to live with sharks?

Or in a castle?

Perhaps in a treehouse?

Given the wide range of places we can possibly stay, Airbnb is redefining what we traditionally call homes. Living in Airbnb homes also allows people to live truly like a local. Usually homes on Airbnb are the place of residence of actual home owners. Thus, these areas are usually where the locals reside in. This allows occupants to experience what it is like to really live in the country - not just the commercial attraction sites, but also the areas where tourists do not usually see.

Having stayed in both a traditional hotel and an Airbnb listing in Hong Kong, I dare say that staying in the Airbnb has showed me the true side of Hong Kong. In traditional hotels, taxis are readily available right when we step out of the lobby - we are then directly chauffeured to our destination with little chance to explore the places in between. Compared to staying in an Airbnb, we walked about 10 minutes to the nearest MTR and travel another hour before reaching the same destination. This allowed us to soak in the local atmosphere more than when we take a cab. Taking public transport also gives us a peek into how locals commute throughout their daily lives, adding onto the authentic Hong Kong experience.

"Ding Ding" - a traditional Hong Kong tram 

However, there are still issues regarding Airbnb - it may not be as sustainable as we think. Although it is true we tend to consume less water (washing less towels) and electricity (turning lights and air-conditioner off when not in use) when staying in an Airbnb as opposed to a hotel room, it is not to say that staying in an Airbnb automatically deems it being more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Rather, the sustainability and energy we save comes from how we use the facilities in the room.

Usually, rooms that are higher in demand tend to be those that have better facilities and services - air-conditioning in the house, bathtubs, dishwashers, dryers and heaters. These homes tend to consume higher amounts of energy. Thus, the energy usage may not be significantly less than compared to staying at a traditional hotel.

Thus, staying in an Airbnb doesnt automatically mean that we are being more environmentally friendly compared to staying in traditional hotel rooms - it is the overall amount of energy we consume, and how conscious we are when we use such energy.

References:

https://homehello.com.au/blog/20-coolest-airbnb-rentals-melbourne/

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/airbnb-sharks-sleepover-paris

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/wishlists/stay-in-a-castle

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/wishlists/stay-in-a-treehouse

http://novotel-hongkong-nathanroad.com/hong-kong-attractions/tram-hong-kong-tramways/