Vacationers have more options than ever for finding the perfect place to rest their heads. In recent years, Airbnb has become popular for people to find short-term vacation rentals. However, Upper Peninsula hotels remain an excellent choice for finding cozy beds and clean showers while exploring the beautiful wilderness.

As you plan your trip, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to stay in a hotel or give an Airbnb and try. Exploring the benefits of staying in a hotel versus an Airbnb helps you make the right decision for your vacation and lodging needs.

Airbnb Homes Tend to Have More Space

When someone books an Airbnb, they often do so for the sheer sake of having enough room for everyone in their group. Many short-term rentals are houses, which might make sense if you are traveling with a large family. You might also prefer to have more space if you are heading to the Upper Peninsula with a large group that might prefer more privacy, such as your ski team.

If having enough room for everyone is a concern, you might also want to check out hotel suites. Finding a hotel in Ironwood, MI, that offers multiple beds that can sleep up to six people could be a more cost-effective option for mid-sized groups compared to a huge house.

Hotels Offer More Consistency

While you might have more space in a rental home, you could give up a few things without fully realizing it until you arrive. Airbnbs are known for sometimes not matching up to their listing, or you may discover that a promised amenity, such as Wi-Fi, isn’t working. You could even find that Airbnb changes dramatically from one trip to the next.

Hotels rarely have these issues. Instead, you’ll find it comforting to visit your favorite Ironwood, MI hotel and find that everything is exactly as promised. While one location may be a little different from the other, you’ll still enjoy consistent delivery of services such as housekeeping and continental breakfast.

Airbnbs Have Full Kitchens

Some people prefer to cook during their vacation, while others would rather spend the majority of their time skiing on the slopes or hunting for agate at Little Girls Point. If you need a full kitchen, then most Airbnbs have one. However, Ironwood hotels tend to have amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker in each room, which can help you prep a quick snack in a pinch. Plus, you may not want to cook at all if you plan to sample the many top-rated restaurants in town.

Hotels Offer Saunas and Other Amenities

Hotels are often set up to serve people visiting a specific locale. Family-owned hotels are especially known for adding those special touches that turn your vacation rental into a true home away from home. For example, Ironwood hotels have amenities such as a sauna that you can head to after a day of skiing to help relax your sore muscles. Having access to a ski wax room also helps you prep for a day on the trails. Not only does having an on-site wax room allow you to avoid crowded ones, but you’ll also benefit from not worrying about where you might prep for your ski trip in someone else’s house.

An Airbnb Can Provide More Variety for Lodging

Some people prefer to stay in a high-rise building or rent out a little cottage by the lake. Airbnbs can range from simple condos to expansive mansions, which allows vacationers to truly make their dreams come true. People who are planning to host a big event may prefer an Airbnb that allows for more room for mingling during a celebration. Or, you might need a condo in an urban environment where you want access to public transportation. However, a hotel may be more reasonable when you don’t plan to spend the majority of your time in the rental.

Hotels Won’t Cancel Your Reservations

Airbnb has safeguards in place to prevent last-minute cancellations on the part of the host. But they still happen, and you could be left scrambling to find a place to stay during the height of your destination’s busy season. Hotels rarely need to cancel a guest’s reservation since they have staff available to handle most potential problems. If something goes wrong with a room, such as a leaky pipe, a hotel can help you find a different room on-site. Having reliable lodging helps you focus more on the other aspects of your trip.

An Airbnb Gives You Insight Into the Neighborhood

Depending upon your destination, an Airbnb can help you see what it is like to live in a specific area. Staying next door to the people who always live in the community can help you decide if you want to move to a different place, or you might prefer this option to immerse yourself in a new culture. Hotels can also have a similar effect when you choose to stay in a small town that gives you closer access to the local residents when you visit a restaurant or brewery.

Hotels Have More Room for Parking Large Vehicles

The downside of staying in a neighborhood is that many have HOA covenants and local codes that impact parking. If you’re considering reserving an Airbnb, you’ll want to ask about the parking situation when you plan to bring an RV or trailer along. Upper Peninsula hotels already know that guests may be arriving with all of the vehicles they need for an outdoor adventure vacation. Staying in a hotel with a private parking lot with room for your snowmobile trailer helps you know that no one will tow your vehicle or report it to the local authorities.

An Airbnb Could Give You More Privacy

If you rent an entire house, you can generally trust that you’ll have more privacy than you would at a hotel that hosts multiple guests simultaneously. But you’ll want to be careful to ensure you don’t reserve a shared rental. Some Airbnb rentals are only private rooms where the owners still live on the property, and others rent out various rooms, just like a hotel. Being surprised by unexpected guests also residing in your home is a pitfall that you can avoid by carefully checking your Airbnb booking or staying at a hotel.

Hotels Are Typically More Pet-Friendly

Airbnb hosts tend to be more reserved about allowing pets on the property since they are often unwilling to respond to complaints about barking from neighbors and other potential issues. Hotels in Ironwood, however, are pet-friendly. Being able to bring your favorite furry friend along for your trip helps you save on kennel fees. Plus, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hike with your pet on a beautiful dog-friendly mountain trail.

Whether you plan to snowmobile your way through the Porcupine Mountains or kayak on Lake Superior, choosing the right type of lodging makes all the difference in the world for relaxing and enjoying your trip. Upper Peninsula hotels typically provide the most cost-effective option for small groups, but you can also find larger rentals available when you have a bigger group.

In addition to spacious hotel rooms, Indianhead Hotel has two fully furnished houses available that provide the same high level of care you’ll receive in their other locations. Finding a place with consistent, reliable services allows you to turn your lodging into a little home away from home that you can return to during future visits to the Upper Peninsula.