> In my experience Airbnb isn’t even cheaper, just has more “interesting” housing available.

For me it has absolutely nothing to do with being cheaper, but simply hotels generally don't cater for families. I have an under 10, and either I go to bed by 9 because that's when they want to go to bed, or I make the stay up and we all have a really shitty time as they are too exhausted to enjoy it.

Two rooms with an adjoining door would work, but most hotels don't have this. AirBNB is simply the only option.