Why do guests stay at Airbnb versus hotels? An empirical analysis of necessary and sufficient conditions

Abstract

Our study explores the differences in necessary and sufficient conditions for producing (dis)satisfactory guest experiences between Airbnb and hotels, intending to develop competitive strategies for the hospitality industry. Using advanced Natural Language Processing techniques, we analysed user-generated content from both platforms in the Andalusian market, utilising Contextualised Topic Modelling and Necessary Condition Analysis to identify the main topics and relationships that impact guests' experiences. We also employed XGBoost to assess sufficient conditions for customer satisfaction, providing insights that can enhance the quality of lodging stays and improve marketing strategies. Overall, our findings show that both types of accommodation share similar necessary conditions for (dis)satisfaction, but differ in the order of importance. Proximity to tourist attractions and staff recommendations are important for Airbnb guest satisfaction, while hotel guests prioritise facilities and staff professionalism. Both types of accommodation share similar themes that contribute to guest dissatisfaction, including noise complaints, value for money, and staff professionalism. Airbnb offers unique and personalised experiences, while hotels prioritise efficient and appropriate interactions between staff and guests. Identifying and prioritising factors influencing guest satisfaction and dissatisfaction is essential for remaining competitive in the hospitality sector. To sum up, our research contributes significantly to the literature on hospitality services, with methodological implications for future studies.