Airbnb

[MKCP5]

Looking at Air BnB locations in London and Paris and have a couple of recommendations from people but the dates don't work. I am wondering if anyone else has used them in these cities or in Brugge or Belgium

Also, there is one we are interested in in London, but it only has one review. Thoughts on that? It's our first Airbnb experience so I am unsure of things. Thanks so much!

 

[MarcIsMe]

We did our first AirBnB's in Paris and Rome last September and were very pleased, could not beat the locations and price compared to a hotel for the space we got. I would suggest getting a place that had several reviews so you could obtain a feel for the place and how the host responds to concerns. Pay particular attention to the bed situation if the number of sleeping places are important because sleeper sofas are considered a bed and most beds seem to be twins. Another thing I looked for was proximity to a metro stop and since we were staying at each place a few days, how far the descriptions said markets were. We were running very late for the Paris stay due to Customs, but our host was very accommodating in meeting us. Likewise in Rome the host was at the place waiting for us. We have subsequently used AirBnB's back home for short term housing when our son moved with great success. I firmly believe the key is to read the reviews, study the pictures, read the description carefully and map the general location the app gives you. Good luck and enjoy you trip.

 

[.landry]

We have been using airbnb since 2006 and use it almost exclusively when traveling (unless its illegal, like in Germany. Its just not worth the risk of potentially having your vacation ruined)
Sine 06 we've done over 30 stays in airbnb and we've had nothing but great experiences. Im convinced that part of that is because we never stay in a place that doesn't have a good, solid, review track record. We have a kid so we don't want to take a chance on a newer (to airbnb) place being "not as pictured" and having to juggle a kid and cranky parents on vacation.
@MarcIsMe is totally right about the mapping and studying the places carefully.
Good luck and have a great time in London and Paris! Were heading up that way in August!