by Susan Young
Last updated: 11:08 AM ET, Wed July 19, 2017
What's the major difference between Airbnb and an authentic Bed and Breakfast?
The breakfast!
If you're looking for a bare bones experience at the lowest price possible, Airbnb might be your first choice. However, the name is misleading as a non-hosted rental (against local laws in many locations) does not provide the true B&B experience.
North Carolina's Bed & Breakfast industry is hurting. Last year they took an immediate hit from the so-called "Bathroom Bill." Now that that situation is working itself out, there is a more troubling downswing happening because of the popularity of Airbnb in regions with a business model operating outside the law.
The North Carolina city most affected by the short-term lodging alternative is Asheville. According to The Charlotte Observer, there are more than 1,200 active Airbnb properties in this WNC town. But travelers who book through Airbnb will not find the sumptuous breakfasts offered in a B&B like The Reynolds Mansion-where you will be served fresh eggs from the hens out back and biscuits drizzled with honey fresh from the hives that owner Billy Sanders tends to each day.
[CALLOUT]
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is fighting back with a campaign to remind vacationers that their stay in a legitimate B&B includes a full, multi-course breakfast. Several members are putting together a cookbook, available in the fall, with favorite recipes-some having been passed down through generations of the host family.
By following the association's Instagram account, you'll see what mouth watering entrees these amazing properties offer.
Asheville is not the only city with an issue.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, cities around the world like Barcelona, Reykjavik and Paris have numerous Airbnb properties operating under the radar. Most listings are within the zoning laws if the homes are hosted.
However, once you rent a room in a condo or apartment building, or an entire house, without the owner being present, the listing falls into the category of a hotel, albeit without the proper licensing and taxes required of commercial properties.
The sheer number of short-term rentals in these regions makes it impossible to regulate and enforce the laws in place. However, in New York City, there have been a number of sting operations.
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, "At most New York City residences, it's illegal to rent an entire unit for less than 30 days if the host isn't present or if it's being rented to more than two people."
Legitimate B&B's like Ivy Terrace, located in Manhattan's midtown, struggle to operate within the rules, paying the taxes and licensing fees required by the city.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Hotels' Strategy to Fend off Airbnb Leaked[/READMORE]
Perhaps the ABBA's new breakfast marketing scheme will appeal to the senses and cause travelers to realize that they get what they pay for. If they want a truly local experience, immersing themselves in the flavors of a locality, not to mention being privy to the stories of locals-many of whom have multi-generational tales to tell-they might think twice about their choices.
Some experiences are priceless. Just ask Billy Sanders about the history of his dining room table.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
