Who Do Independent Hotels Really Compete With?
8 in 10 of your guests would switch to a short-term rental at the same price.
What the Study Covers
Survey responses from real travelers, set against real market rates.
Surveyed on the most recent trip they paid to stay on
The United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal
Daily median rates for hotels and short-term rentals, tracked side by side
Changes an independent hotelier can make on the evidence in this report
What the Research Found
1,082 travelers told us what they actually weighed before booking.
30% of B&B and small-hotel guests also considered a short-term rental. At large hotels: 16%.
82% would consider switching at the same price or slightly lower.
When platforms show both types together, 45% of guests compare across categories.
When couples or groups decide together, 51% weigh more than one type of accommodation.
Loyalty members browse rentals as much as anyone, but book hotels 56% of the time vs 40%.
A quarter of travelers skip the other option assuming it costs more, often without checking.
You've Seen Six Findings. There Are Ten.
The four findings still ahead build the case for seven concrete moves you can act on.
Booking Platforms Encourage Comparison
62% choose an accommodation type before they search and stay inside it. Most booking sites reinforce that habit.
On platforms listing both types, 45% compared across categories. Among direct bookers, only 29% did.
What Still Wins the Booking
29% cite no extra fees. A surprise charge for wi-fi or parking hands that advantage straight back.
38% point to breakfast included, and a short-term rental cannot readily match it. Free cancellation follows at 31%.
Price Against Your Real Competition
Automatically track short-term rentals and hotels to price for the guest you compete for.
