12-09-2020, 06:31 AM
The airbnb IPO might be a good short term trade. The way the market is now, anything tech or even tech related is bound do double for no reason. 
But long term? meh.
I used to stay at airbnb's all the time around 5 years ago. It was a refreshing change. It was cheap. And you know the money you paid was fair and went towards the host's rent or mortgage. You were essentially using someone elses home and helping them cover the costs while they weren't using it themselves. Great concept.
Now? It feels much more like a fully commercial thing. Except that it's more hassle than hotels. The prices, especially for short stays, usually come out more expensive than a hotel in the same area. And you can bet that the majority of those who run a professional accomodation business through airbnb don't go through the same regulation and taxes, fees, etc. that hotels do. Which is quite unfair since you are offering the same service. (and some cities are starting to look into enforcing these rules for professional airbnb hosts too)
Long story short. I travel a lot. All over the planet. 5 years ago airbnb was my default option. Now? I might use airbnb a couple of times a year. My rough estimate would be 90% hotels and 10% airbnb.
But long term? meh.
I used to stay at airbnb's all the time around 5 years ago. It was a refreshing change. It was cheap. And you know the money you paid was fair and went towards the host's rent or mortgage. You were essentially using someone elses home and helping them cover the costs while they weren't using it themselves. Great concept.
Now? It feels much more like a fully commercial thing. Except that it's more hassle than hotels. The prices, especially for short stays, usually come out more expensive than a hotel in the same area. And you can bet that the majority of those who run a professional accomodation business through airbnb don't go through the same regulation and taxes, fees, etc. that hotels do. Which is quite unfair since you are offering the same service. (and some cities are starting to look into enforcing these rules for professional airbnb hosts too)
Long story short. I travel a lot. All over the planet. 5 years ago airbnb was my default option. Now? I might use airbnb a couple of times a year. My rough estimate would be 90% hotels and 10% airbnb.