An increasing number of people are interested in extending remote work. For some, this working style has become the new definition of work-life integration. Due to all these factors, it’s not surprising to witness the drastically rising demand for hotel office spaces. More than that, with the accessibility to good WiFi and a laptop, anyone can live the digital nomad’s lifestyle, meaning working from anywhere irrespective of geographical limitations is close to impossible. But, finding the right options of housing, from hotel coworking to coliving space, can be challenging. Luckily, these accommodations of remote work can also cater to the needs for a holiday or even act as an Airbnb alternative.
But first, let’s understand the concept of communal workspace and coliving spaces for remote work!
What Is Communal Workspace?
A communal workspace is a shared, rented space preferably used by remote workers, freelancers, and anyone who loves working beyond the walls of their homes or traditional office space.
Interestingly, communal workspaces are the fastest-growing office space in the commercial real estate industry even before the pandemic.
Communal workspace has gained a great name over the last four years, making 542,000 people working in shared office spaces in the U.S in 2017. In addition, prediction shows communal workspace to grow to 1.08 million by 2022.
What Is Coliving For Remote Work?
Like the communal workspace, coliving refers to employees sharing amenities for work purposes with other workers or employees while also living in that shared space.
Coliving workspace is utilized mainly by business professionals, digital nomads, and students living a digitally inclined lifestyle.
Airbnb Vs. Hostels: Which One Is Better?
A few years ago, leisure travel was something only rich people did, primarily because of expensive flights and the cost of hotel accommodation if you don’t have a relative in that country who can host you.
Fortunately, travel has changed since the emergence of Airbnb and other accommodation options that might seem to be a better Airbnb alternative.
While the hotel vs. Airbnb war still rages strong, somebody decided to do one even better and introduce hostels in the market.
On top of it, finding cheap hotels in Europe can be almost impossible, making hostels even a better choice for travelers.
Hostels have become a more accessible Airbnb alternative among young travelers ages 18-35, according to The Global Hostel Marketplace 2014-2018.Â
This article will look at the three major accommodation options to help you decide which one is better and you would like to take for your next trip.
So read on to know which is the best accommodation for your next holiday.
How To Choose The Best Accommodation For A Remote Work Lifestyle?
1. Hotel Office Space
Staying in a hotel is the classic accommodation that everybody has been using for years while traveling worldwide. They can range from cheap hotels in Europe to luxury 5-star hotels that make you feel like royalty.
Depending on the money you are willing to spend, a hotel can make your life pretty comfortable.
Hotel office spaces have been a haven for the frontline workers since the beginning of the pandemic. At the onset of the lockdown, hotel businesses also provided accommodation to anyone who couldn’t make it to their home at a discounted price.
A survey study of 400 business professionals indicates that 42% prefer working from a hotel office space.
In a nutshell, a hotel office space provides you with comes with the following perks:
- A private room serviced by their staff that will clean up after you.
- It helps with anything you might need.
- The room may come with free WIFI, TV, telephone, coffee maker, and a small wine fridge.
- You also get to enjoy the hotel amenities such as the swimming pool, business center, Jacuzzi, and spa.
Pros Of Staying In A Hotel Office Space
1. Full-time service
The friendly employees will come every day to clean your room, change bedding and towels, and give you fresh water and toiletries.
If you need anything at all, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call reception, and the hotel service will bring it right away.
2. Good Food
Even cheap hotels in Europe provide a fantastic breakfast for their guests. However, some hotels charge separately for lunch, dinner, and room service. Since hotels only hire professional chefs, their food is always top of the range.
3. Privacy
Some remote workers are seeking the solitude experience when working away from traditional workplaces. Privacy is the best thing that tags along when choosing hotel offices as your desired accommodation for a remote work lifestyle. Unless you order room service, there is no external distraction.
4. Security
Hotels are generally safe, and your belongings will be safe in the room even when you go sightseeing. Some hotels will have a safe locker to store valuables when you leave the room so nobody can access them.
Cons of Hotel Office Space
- Hotels are costly, especially if you want more luxury and comfort
- Staying in a hotel is very antisocial unless you go to the bar and mingle with other people.
Are you still confused between hotel vs. Airbnb? Hang in there. We’ve got it covered!
2. Hostels
The idea of hostels came from schools where students could share one room by using several bunk beds. Travel hostels share a dorm and amenities such as bathrooms and locker rooms unless you pay for a private hostel.
In terms of remote work, hostels are a great alternative as it’s similar to the coliving space but at a cheaper rate.
If you want to socialize with other travelers and have some fun while working remotely, hostels are the best choices for coliving workspace. You get to meet new people who are touring just like you, so you can spend evenings chatting and sharing experiences.
Pros of Hostels Coliving For Remote Work
1. Affordable
Hostels in Europe are cheap, especially if you are alone. They range from $15 to $45, depending on location.
2. Sociable
There is never a dull moment when you live with other people, and you can make new friends.
3. Planned Activities
Most hostel operators know that their guests are tourists, so they help them enjoy their time there. More often than not, there will be organized trips and activities every day and pub crawls at night.
4. Great Location
Most hostels in Europe are in the financial district, so it’s easy to walk to the train or bus station instead of calling a cab.
Cons of Staying In A Hostel
1. No Privacy
You live with four or six people who won’t let you have some private time or get some sound sleep.
2. Pests
There is a strong possibility for bedbugs even in those very clean hostels because guests come in daily and leave.
3. Shared Amenities
You have to share the bathroom, shower, and space with everybody, which can be uncomfortable.
4. Insecurity
Where so many people are living together, there is always a chance that something will go missing.
3. Airbnb
Choosing the best accommodation for your next holiday can be quite a hassle. Before 2008, Airbnb was an utterly unheard term, but today it is the most popular accommodation option out there.
And it has gone to a point where travelers choose Airbnb against the dilemma of hotel vs. Airbnb.
Airbnb is a website where locals meet travelers and rent out their homes to them for a period.
The traveler can either rent a room in the apartment or the whole place, which will mean that the owner will have to stay elsewhere for a few days.
Though most people know of this site, you can use another Airbnb alternative out there to find a host.
In Europe, Airbnb is 8% to 17% cheaper than an average hotel rate, and it’s even less expensive and safer than those cheap hotels in Europe.
Pros of Airbnb
1. Affordable
Apart from the renting cost, Airbnb allows you to cook your food in the kitchen, so you save a lot of money that you could have spent on food.
2. Local Experience
Most homes are located in real neighborhoods, so you get to feel like a local. Some hosts are also amicable and will make you feel right at home and help you navigate the town.
3. Privacy
Even if you have only rented a single room, you still enjoy your privacy, and nobody will bother you if you don’t want them to. You can sleep all you want, read, and do anything you want in your room without distractions.
Cons of Airbnb Accommodations
1. It’s Unprofessional
Unlike hostels and hotels, Airbnb hosts are not business establishments, so they don’t need to be professional. You also never know what kind of people you will meet when you get there. Besides, it could be some crazy gang members.
2. Insecurity
The house you are renting belongs to someone else who has a spare key, and they can come in when you are out. It’s essential to take care of your stuff and never leave any valuables behind when you go sightseeing.
3. Cleaning Fees
You have to pay some extra charges, including cleaning fees, which can translate to a higher price than expected. However, these disadvantages of Airbnb could lead you to find an Airbnb alternative.
How To Choose An Accommodation For Remote Work?
These are some of the top factors while choosing accommodation for remote work.
1. WiFi/Internet Service
The first step is definitely to look for a hotel office space that provides free wifi service. Since you’d be working remotely, having an undisturbed internet connection is crucial for attending an important online meeting. Hence, make sure to search for places that provide high-speed internet service.
2. Coworkspace Provision
Then, you also need to consider if the hotel accommodation has a suitable office space where you can meet and interact with other people.
According to a survey by DeskMag, people prefer a co-working space because of its enjoyable atmosphere (59%), interaction with others (56%), and to build a sense of community around themselves (55%).
While one of the perks of working remotely is to work from the bed, but you wouldn’t like to restrict yourself inside the four walls of your bedroom. Therefore, go for accommodation that has coworking spaces available.
3. Location
Location is also an essential factor to consider while searching for remote work accommodation. You want to make sure the place you’re living is convenient, meaning the transportation to the airport, nearby shops, and malls are readily available.
4. Reasonable Cost
Lastly, you wouldn’t want to spend a dime every time you stay at remote work’s accommodation. So, decide on the price you’re willing to pay and then go ahead and finalize the booking.
Concluding thoughts,
The choice to stay in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb depends on how much money you have, what level of comfort you want, and if you need to socialize.
People traveling on a budget will find hostels to be the best choice, while business people and couples on honeymoon would prefer the privacy and luxury of a hotel.
We hope we’ve helped you figure out some answers if you’re going to choose between hotel vs. Airbnb vs. hostels or even an Airbnb alternative for your travels.
Whatever you decide, always ensure you carry out enough research before booking any accommodation for your next holiday.
Key Takeaways On Remote Work Accommodation
- The demand for remote workspace or hotel coworking space has significantly increased over the last few years.
- One study indicates that hotel coworking space is becoming immensely popular because it reduces the feeling of loneliness and people feel happier working there.
- A communal workspace is a shared, rented space used by remote workers, freelancers, and anyone who loves working outside the walls of their homes or traditional office space.
- Communal workspaces were the fastest-growing office space in the commercial real estate industry before the pandemic.
- Similarly, coliving refers to employees sharing amenities for work purposes with other workers or employees while also living in that shared space.
- Recently, hostels have become a more accessible Airbnb alternative among young travelers ages 18-35 because of their competitive price.
- A survey study of 400 business professionals indicates that 42% of them would prefer working from a hotel coworking space.
- If you want to socialize with other travelers and have some fun while working remotely, hostels are the best choices for coliving workspace.
- Lastly, Airbnb is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to meet locals and rent their homes for a period.
What are the advantages of hotel coworking space?
- Networking opportunities.
- Interaction with workers from different fields.
- Increased productivity and happiness.
- Meeting with like-minded people.
- Learning new skills regularly.
What are the alternatives to Airbnb for remote work?
- WeWork
- WOJO Corners
Hotel vs. Airbnb vs. Hostel, which one would you choose? Drop your choices in the comments section below.
Stay tuned with us for more exciting content by subscribing to our website. Follow us on our social media channels for more updates.
