A recent survey by Upgraded Points indicates that 62% of U.S. travelers prefer hotels over short-term rentals such as Airbnb for holiday travel, citing amenities and pricing transparency as key factors.
A survey conducted by Upgraded Points found that a majority of American travelers prefer hotels to short-term rental options like Airbnb or Vrbo during the holiday season. The study surveyed over 2,000 U.S. travelers to understand their lodging preferences, with 62% preferring hotels. The primary reasons cited include better amenities, fewer unexpected fees, and greater transparency in pricing.
The survey highlighted that 73% of respondents chose hotels for their amenities, 62% appreciated the absence of cleaning rules and surprise fees, and 52% valued the ease of booking and cancellation policies. Additionally, 64% of participants perceived hotels as more cost-effective for domestic travel, while 76% found them more transparent regarding pricing and fees.
Conversely, 38% of respondents preferred short-term rentals, with 75% valuing the additional space and privacy, 68% appreciating kitchen access and homestyle amenities, and 56% favoring them for accommodating larger groups or families.
The study also addressed concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability. Over 70% of respondents believe that short-term rentals contribute to increased housing costs in popular destinations, with the sentiment being strongest among Gen Z and millennials at 75%. Furthermore, 61% of those surveyed support city regulations to limit the number of short-term rentals in high-demand housing areas to maintain affordability.
State-specific data showed varying preferences. In North Carolina, 55.6% of respondents favored short-term rentals, while in South Carolina, 52.9% did. Colorado, Oregon, California, Maine, and Arkansas also showed a slight preference for short-term rentals, driven by unique lodging experiences and competitive pricing compared to hotels.
The survey was conducted online from October 22 to 30, 2025, and included responses from 2,193 U.S. travelers aged 18 to 79 across 45 states. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were excluded due to limited responses.
The findings suggest that while hotels remain the preferred choice for many travelers due to convenience and cost transparency, short-term rentals continue to attract those seeking privacy and space. The ongoing debate over the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability remains a significant consideration for travelers during the holiday season.
