All we want is choice, say travellers

Reports by GERARD GIMINO, RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, LO TERN CHERN, VENESA DEVI and STEPHANIE LEE

PETALING JAYA: Amid talk of regulating or banning short-term rentals or homestays, all consumers actually want are options – especially if they can save a buck or two.

Businessman Calvin Wang, 26, said short-term rentals served as an alternative to hotels depending on the kind of trip he is taking.

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“For leisure trips, I prefer staying in hotels mainly due to their comfort, but for business trips, short-term rentals can be more cost-friendly while providing greater leeway for friends to visit.

“Apart from the price, short-term rentals also give more flexibility in the number of guests when travelling as a big group of friends or family,” he added.

Real estate planner Syameer Faiz Khir Anuar, 25, concurred, saying his choice depended on the type of trip he was on.

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“A short-term rental is more convenient especially when travelling in a big group, but I would opt for a hotel during a business trip.

“Cost-wise, a short-term rental is much cheaper. Having the freedom to cook and do your own laundry makes it feel like home,” he said, adding that he once spent just RM50 per night at a home in Yogyakarta, Indonesia with free breakfast.

However, short-term rentals have been charging exorbitant cleaning fees recently, which made their prices comparable to those of hotels, he said.

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Business development executive Amirul said he preferred short-term rentals for a business trips as they are conveniently located and much cheaper than hotels.

“I travel often due to work and these places can also accommodate more of my colleagues.

He said that for leisure, however, hotels provided that relaxing getaway feeling.