Welcome to The Lodge & Venue At Chalk Hill

When planning your next getaway, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your overall experience. With the rise of Airbnb, more and more travelers are turning away from traditional motels. However, even with all the hype, there are still compelling reasons to choose a motel over an Airbnb, especially when you consider its affordability, convenience, safety, cleanliness, and a few other factors!

Affordability

Most travelers want to save money on accommodations to have more cash for exploration, dining, and activities. Although Airbnb typically advertises cheaper rates than motels, Airbnb costs can quickly add up when you factor in cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes. With a motel, what you see is what you get – no hidden charges. Most motels offer basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and free parking at no additional cost.

Convenience

Motels are designed with convenience in mind, offering instant check-in and check-out services. You don't have to worry about arranging to meet your host at a specific time or location, as with Airbnb. Most motels have a reception desk manned 24/7, and you can check in any time of the day or night. Additionally, motels are usually centrally located, making it easier to reach popular tourist spots, restaurants, and bars. Also, motels often offer shuttle or transportation services, so you don't have to hassle with public transportation, especially when traveling with children or luggage.

Safety

One of the most overlooked aspects of choosing accommodation is safety. Motels have security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras in hallways, parking lots, and public areas. Most motels require a key card or passcode to access guest rooms, and receptionists monitor who enters and leaves the motel. Airbnb hosts are not required to undergo background checks or prove that their rental meets safety standards. With Airbnb, you might find yourself in a sketchy neighborhood or a building with defective fire alarms.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is crucial when choosing a place to stay. Motels have a reputation for being less clean than Airbnb rentals. However, modern motels have stepped up their game when it comes to housekeeping. They follow strict protocols in cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms, common areas, and linens. You can also request for extra cleaning services or fresh linens if needed. Furthermore, motels have smoke detectors, air conditioning, and heating systems that are regularly maintained to ensure proper air circulation and prevent allergens and other irritants.

Privacy

If solitude is what you're after, motels might be the better choice. Airbnb rentals are typically in residential areas or have shared facilities so you might encounter other guests or the host during your stay. Motels have separate guest rooms with private bathrooms, so you have peace and quiet during your downtime. You can relax in your room without worrying that somebody will barge in or that you'll disturb other people next door.

Smoother Check-In Process

If you book a motel room, all you have to do is show up, go to the front desk, and there will be someone there to help you get your room, and quickly handle any problems you might have before settling down. The desk attendant has one job, and that is customer service. If you were to choose to rent an Airbnb, the person whose home you are renting likely has another job, and could even be living in another state! This can make it more complicated to communicate if they are busy and do not check their phone for your messages. If you have a problem with the accommodations, there is more of a delay in solving it. After a flight or a long drive, the last thing you want to deal with is running out to get toilet paper or towels because the host or cleaner did not leave you with enough and cannot make over for a few hours.

Motel Rooms Are Standardized, and You Get The Same Thing Every Time

You may be considering getting an Airbnb to have a unique place to stay with some charm. However, you have to trust that the photos on the listing are accurate. Motel rooms rarely change. The Lodge At Chalk Hill, however, has updated all of its rooms inside and out during our renovation to serve our customers better. Motels are commercial properties, usually in commercial areas, whereas Airbnb's can be in a bad neighborhood with a good neighborhood address. Take Pittsburgh, for example; many places have a Pittsburgh address as well as another, and sometimes if you did not research the area enough, you can end up dealing with neighbors that are less than friendly, or simply not happy with the fact that they have new Airbnb neighbors every week.

Motels Have A Better Cancellation Policy

Motels and hotels have policies that prevent them from canceling or altering your booking with little to no notice. If the stories online are to be believed, there are travelers who have had their booking with the Airbnb host canceled, leaving them stranded, and ending up in a hotel or motel anyways! Motels, space permitting, handle last-minute bookings better as well.

Airbnb Makes It Harder To Relax

Travelers who are considering Airbnb may want to take into account that the owner's personal items may be everywhere. You may find family photos and items in the drawers. You may feel like the place isn't yours for the duration of the stay because you are worried about possessions becoming mixed together, or maybe there is an extensive list of rules you have to follow that have you on edge. At a motel, if you respect the property and staff, that is it. There is no list of things you need to do when you arrive, or thermostats that won't turn on on cold nights unless you flip three switches, slap the side of the furnace and wiggle the thermostat. At a motel, everything is straightforward forward, regularly maintained, and the dedicated staff is there to help.

Motels Are Tried and True; Airbnb is Relatively New



Motels and Hotels have existed in the United States for hundreds of years. The first hotel in America was built in 1766, before America was a thing. As of this writing, thats 257 years that hotels and motels in the United States have had to refine a basic process that works for the traveling consumer in the U.S. By contrast, Airbnb has been connecting travelers with hosts since 2008, which is only 14 years, and there have been news headlines describing the struggles of tenants that have brought about policy changes.

While Airbnb can be a great choice for some travelers, motels offer distinct advantages regarding affordability, convenience, safety, cleanliness, and privacy. Unlike Airbnb, motels have dedicated staff that ensures that your stay is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. The Lodge At Chalk Hill was built in 1989 and has been under new ownership for a few years. During this time, we have renovated the rooms, inside and out, and improved the surrounding property to offer the best experience and accommodation to travelers exploring the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle, Falling Water, and more of the rich culture and history in the surrounding areas. Give us a call, book a room, or ask questions about our rooms and amenities, and our front desk will be happy to help you!