Airbnb charges go up as travellers ditch hotels
By Moses Ngahu
For one to acquire a Nairobi house, in terms of leasing, through a short term house rental platform known as Airbnb, you have to be ready to part with at least Ksh5,652 ($49). The cost of leasing an Airbnb house has risen in recent months as more and more people shifts from hotel based platforms to leasing houses for a short period of time.
As a result, daily Airbnb charges rose from $40 (Ksh 4592) last year. This data has been confirmed by rental research firm AirDNA.
The rise shows that travelling and spending by Kenyans, especially those of the middle class located in Kileleshwa, Westlands, Lavington, Kilimani, Yaya, and Valley Arcade. People from these areas have been seen to spend and travel a lot and this has influenced the demand for Airbnb and the cost.
[caption id="attachment_15521" align="alignnone" width="966"]
File image of a Nairobi vacation rental & home. |Courtesy| Airbnb|[/caption]
The rise has also signalled an increase in travel and spending by both foreigners and Kenyan as the world continues to adjust to the effects of Covid-19 on the economy. The past three years have seen the downfall of the world economy, especially the tourism sector as most countries have laid down travel restrictions.
Since these restrictions have now been dropped, the competition for guests is expected to go up in the coming years as more investors are venturing into the sector. Airbnb offers a cheaper alternative to hotels which has seen them fall in visitors booking hotels. In recent years travellers have embraced Airbnb as most are seeking affordable accommodation, convenient location, and a place where they can relax while using household amenities.
Hotels in the city charge a daily fee of more than Sh8,000 and the charge can skyrocket to about Ksh30,000 depending on your lifestyle. Most five-star hotels in the city can even go beyond those charges as class and luxury are part of the charges.
On the flip side, hotels do offer more and in some cases, better services including breakfast and intercity travel including airport pick up and drop off. Last year, there was a rise in Airbnb occupancy from 25 per cent to 35 per cent as more people celebrated the holiday festivals away from their rural homes.
[caption id="attachment_15522" align="alignnone" width="978"]
File image of a Nairobi vacation rental & home. |Courtesy| Airbnb|[/caption]
File image of a Nairobi vacation rental & home. |Courtesy| Airbnb|[/caption]
The rise has also signalled an increase in travel and spending by both foreigners and Kenyan as the world continues to adjust to the effects of Covid-19 on the economy. The past three years have seen the downfall of the world economy, especially the tourism sector as most countries have laid down travel restrictions.
Since these restrictions have now been dropped, the competition for guests is expected to go up in the coming years as more investors are venturing into the sector. Airbnb offers a cheaper alternative to hotels which has seen them fall in visitors booking hotels. In recent years travellers have embraced Airbnb as most are seeking affordable accommodation, convenient location, and a place where they can relax while using household amenities.
Hotels in the city charge a daily fee of more than Sh8,000 and the charge can skyrocket to about Ksh30,000 depending on your lifestyle. Most five-star hotels in the city can even go beyond those charges as class and luxury are part of the charges.
On the flip side, hotels do offer more and in some cases, better services including breakfast and intercity travel including airport pick up and drop off. Last year, there was a rise in Airbnb occupancy from 25 per cent to 35 per cent as more people celebrated the holiday festivals away from their rural homes.
[caption id="attachment_15522" align="alignnone" width="978"] File image of a Nairobi vacation rental & home. |Courtesy| Airbnb|[/caption] What's Your Reaction?
