New to Air BnB

[luvmyfam444]

I know I'm super behind on this one...I've read of so many people have their reservations cancelled so I just wasn't interested in trying. BUt here I am hoping to save some $ on our trip. My question is how do you find a home that is in a safe area if Air B n B doesn't give you the address until you book? That sure makes me nervous. Yes, I've read the reviews which seem glowing & it's the same on every house I've looked at so far. And clean? That one freaks me out too...don't want bed bugs coming home with me either.

 

[kymom99]

I think they will show you the neighborhood before you book.

I have used vrbo and the experience could not have been better.

 

[nycdisneygal]

You will know what neighborhood so research the neighborhood. Read all of the reviews. For foreign places good to have lots of reviews . Ask the host questions. If they're not reponsive, forget it. We used Airb nb in Rome recently. IT was great. Keep in mind that apartments overseas are different from in US. We used VRBO on paris and it was great but specifically recommended by someone who stayed there. We have used Airbnb a lot since pandemic in CT and its been great. Just read all the reviews. Some people say better to choose one with a lot of pics too. Remember fees and cleaning fees tack on a lot extra but for our party of 5 its cheaper than 2 hotel rooms! And so nice to have space and kitchen.

 

[tzolkin]

If it’s your first time booking on Airbnb, you likely won’t be able to instant-book, so you will have to send a request to the owner. That will give you the opportunity to see how responsive they are and answer any questions you may have before you book.

As for location, it should give you a map with a one block circle of where the house is. If it’s important to you, you can then go to google maps and look at street view to “walk around” the area where the house is (and you can likely tell the exact house by the photos).

Cleanliness can vary. Read reviews carefully. I have a short term rental home and we get lots of reviews for cleanliness. I know I am particular, but I don’t see anything exceptional about how we clean so it makes me wonder what other rentals they are comparing us to. I do know some rentals have the guests do laundry and tasks for check out, so I would think that would decrease the overall level of cleanliness since you don’t know how well the previous guest cleaned.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Finding a safe and clean Airbnb can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure a positive experience:

1. Research the neighborhood: Before booking, do some research on the neighborhood where the Airbnb is located. Look for information on crime rates, reviews from other travelers, and proximity to popular tourist attractions.
2. Read reviews: Make sure to read the reviews left by previous guests. Look for comments on cleanliness, safety, and the accuracy of the listing.
3. Look for Superhosts: Airbnb's Superhost program recognizes experienced and highly-rated hosts. Superhosts have a track record of providing exceptional hospitality and maintaining high ratings.
4. Contact the host: If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the host before booking. A good host will be responsive and helpful.
5. Check the amenities: Make sure the listing includes all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Look for things like air conditioning, a kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
6. Consider booking with Airbnb Plus: Airbnb Plus is a selection of high-quality homes that have been inspected and verified by Airbnb. These homes meet strict criteria for cleanliness, comfort, and style.

Overall, it's important to do your research and carefully consider your options before booking an Airbnb. With a little effort, you can find a safe and comfortable home away from home for your trip.

Welcome to the dis, Sina. And wow, your posts here early this morning on this board, the wedding board and the cooking board are full of such great information. A wealth of knowledge! Thanks.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thank you for your info! I will see what I can find about the neighborhood - it didn't look specific on the map but I'll look again

 

[LuvOrlando]

Look for a Super Host and read the reviews carefully.

We've used it in the past and it was great but our last one was, well, lets just say I deliberately decided to consider it an adventure.

Sidebar: The cleaning fees are absurd now so it's not worth it, in fact all the tack on fees everywhere are discouraging travel because everytime I look to go somewhere I get very annoyed and the mystery numbers and then do something else.

 

[mikehn]

saving money usually means having to compromise on something. If you're super picky then you know how that goes. Take those reviews with a grain of salt. Half the people dont even leave a review because they dont want confrontation or have nothing good to say. Something like 'clean' is subjective.

 

[mjkacmom]

We’ve had good luck, but those taxes and fees! Plus you are Sally expected to strip beds, run and empty the dishwasher, take out garbage and recycling.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Not sure if this is a hot take or not but I don't really think Airbnb is worth it anymore, especially for savings. There are SO many hidden fees when booking along with a cleaning fee. Despite there being a cleaning fee, the owner will give you a list of things to do before leaving (clean dishes, vacuum, take out trash, make the beds, etc.) I totally get not wanting the place trashed but isn't that what the cleaning fee is for...? I loved Airbnb a few years ago and used it often when I was in large groups but now I would probably do Vrbo or a traditional hotel instead.

 

[soccerdad72]

Not sure if this is a hot take or not but I don't really think Airbnb is worth it anymore, especially for savings. There are SO many hidden fees when booking along with a cleaning fee. Despite there being a cleaning fee, the owner will give you a list of things to do before leaving (clean dishes, vacuum, take out trash, make the beds, etc.) I totally get not wanting the place trashed but isn't that what the cleaning fee is for...? I loved Airbnb a few years ago and used it often when I was in large groups but now I would probably do Vrbo or a traditional hotel instead.

I find it worth it more on a longer (5-7 days) stay versus a one or two day stay, where any possible savings or comfort level is eaten up by the fees. Short stays tend to have a high percentage of the cost in service fees, plus for a short stay, is a kitchen and laundry really needed (among other benefits of AirBnB / VRBO).

 

[Smugpugmug]

I find it worth it more on a longer (5-7 days) stay versus a one or two day stay, where any possible savings or comfort level is eaten up by the fees. Short stays tend to have a high percentage of the cost in service fees, plus for a short stay, is a kitchen and laundry really needed (among other benefits of AirBnB / VRBO).

The longest I ever stayed at an Airbnb for was 5 days and yeah, I absolutely agree that it isn't worth it at all if you're doing a shorter trip. Airbnb used to be a lower cost alternative to hotels but nowadays that really isn't the case. Also maybe I've been really unlucky but every Airbnb I stayed at didn't look like the pictures on the site at all (sometimes it looked better and other times it looked way worse).

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We did Air B&B once, very last minute (the day before). The area we went to was Destin FL and just about all accommodations were condos. People rented theirs out directly or used a rental property service. The listings that I looked at and considered all had a location/name. Like Sandestin or Sterling Shells, etc. So, I'd research the area I was interested in. I went with a direct owner but you still had to go thru the Air B&B process. One part was uploading your license and another photo ID, which I was hesitant about but did anyway. That took forever because the picture and the photos have to be just right. All in all, it was a one and done for us.

 

[mrodgers]

Wow, the things you all are saying about BnB's. No way I am doing household chores on vacation. Not doing a cleaning fee either, that's part of paying to stay at an overnight.

I stayed at one. It was a terrible experience because I was a last minute addition to the trip rather than my buddy's girlfriend, so we were bunking with an extra cot and taking turns. I was woken up at 3 am to "My bed deflated, I'm getting in with you...." Whatever, I just want to sleep. Then woke up to John's feet where the pillow should be and his head down at the bottom. Sheesh, that was even worse than if you just would have gotten in the bed normally, LOL.

Anyways, had no fees, the family was wonderful, didn't have to do house chores. I found it weird hanging out with some old married couple I don't know. They were super sweet though.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We've never used airbnb, but just sold our house and are closing in April. Our new construction won't be ready until the end of June. It is roughly $6500 to stay in a small cottage with no real kitchen (mini fridge and toaster oven) but it does have a w/d. There is little in our area and prices at a hotel suite is $9300.

The owner is a super host so thank for the tip. We'll have to cough up $2500 to make the reservation two months before we even get there which makes me a bit nervous.

 

[GAN]

Finding a safe and clean Airbnb can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure a positive experience:

1. Research the neighborhood: Before booking, do some research on the neighborhood where the Airbnb is located. Look for information on crime rates, reviews from other travelers, and proximity to popular tourist attractions.
2. Read reviews: Make sure to read the reviews left by previous guests. Look for comments on cleanliness, safety, and the accuracy of the listing.
3. Look for Superhosts: Airbnb's Superhost program recognizes experienced and highly-rated hosts. Superhosts have a track record of providing exceptional hospitality and maintaining high ratings.
4. Contact the host: If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the host before booking. A good host will be responsive and helpful.
5. Check the amenities: Make sure the listing includes all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Look for things like air conditioning, a kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
6. Consider booking with Airbnb Plus: Airbnb Plus is a selection of high-quality homes that have been inspected and verified by Airbnb. These homes meet strict criteria for cleanliness, comfort, and style.

Overall, it's important to do your research and carefully consider your options before booking an Airbnb. With a little effort, you can find a safe and comfortable home away from home for your trip.

Reviews definitely ...the more the better!

 

[mjkacmom]

Wow, the things you all are saying about BnB's. No way I am doing household chores on vacation. Not doing a cleaning fee either, that's part of paying to stay at an overnight.

I stayed at one. It was a terrible experience because I was a last minute addition to the trip rather than my buddy's girlfriend, so we were bunking with an extra cot and taking turns. I was woken up at 3 am to "My bed deflated, I'm getting in with you...." Whatever, I just want to sleep. Then woke up to John's feet where the pillow should be and his head down at the bottom. Sheesh, that was even worse than if you just would have gotten in the bed normally, LOL.

Anyways, had no fees, the family was wonderful, didn't have to do house chores. I found it weird hanging out with some old married couple I don't know. They were super sweet though.

Are you sure it was t a bed and breakfast? We’ve been using Airbnb and vrbo for years and there are always fees, we’ve never hung out with the owners, most we’ve never met. The problem with cleaning fees is that they are the same for one night or seven nights (which makes sense, the cleaning company doesn’t care how long you’re there).

 

[tzolkin]

Not sure if this is a hot take or not but I don't really think Airbnb is worth it anymore, especially for savings. There are SO many hidden fees when booking along with a cleaning fee. Despite there being a cleaning fee, the owner will give you a list of things to do before leaving (clean dishes, vacuum, take out trash, make the beds, etc.) I totally get not wanting the place trashed but isn't that what the cleaning fee is for...? I loved Airbnb a few years ago and used it often when I was in large groups but now I would probably do Vrbo or a traditional hotel instead.

Airbnb has changed the website, so they now display the total price that includes all the fees instead of you having to click on each listing to view the details, so it's less "hidden" now.

VRBO is no different than AIRBNB. Typically, anyone who has a property lists it on both sites, so it's the same rental properties with the same rules. The website policies, pricing, fees, etc are the same. (I actually think VRBO's fees might be slightly more).

We’ve had good luck, but those taxes and fees! Plus you are Sally expected to strip beds, run and empty the dishwasher, take out garbage and recycling.

I see this online all the time as a complaint about why people will never use Airbnb. You are not automatically expected to do all of those chores. That is completely up to the individual owner. It really has nothing to do with Airbnb/Vrbo/whatever. We do not ask our guests to do anything at all for check out (and I actually get a bit annoyed when they do.)

The problem with cleaning fees is that they are the same for one night or seven nights (which makes sense, the cleaning company doesn’t care how long you’re there).

This is absolutely correct. The turnover is the same whether the guest was there for one night or ten. I'm fairly frugal, so I typically only do a rental for a trip of several days so the cleaning fee "per day" seems more reasonable in my mind. But, that's not what most people do. I just looked at our numbers from last year. 36% of our stays were 1 night and 92% of our stays were 3 nights or less.

That said, I wanted to mention that Airbnb/Vrbo does not set the cleaning fee; the owner does. I think people tend to see a cleaning fee for one house and then think that's what the cleaning fee is for everything on the site. One person may charge $50 and someone else may charge $250.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

I have used AirBNB once and likely won't again. I don't want to clean either on vacation. We don't cook while on vacation so the full kitchen is not a draw. The draw to us is having space, even though it is only DH & I traveling. We like a living room area to have a couch to sit on and relax at night. Or if we just want to come back to the room midday. When we want this sort of setup we have been renting rooms through Marriott Vacation Club or Hilton Grand Vacation Club (their timeshares). We do not do a the promo where we get a discounted rate in order to sit through a presentation though, you could just book it regularly. We just got back from a week at a Hilton Grand Vacation Club. Requirement was to put trash in the garbage (which we already would do) and start the dishwasher. No need to unload dishwasher. When we needed fresh towels, we'd just call the front desk, put our old towels outside our door and clean towels would arrive. Same thing with stuff like garbage bags, paper towels, or coffee packets. Just called up and they'd appear.

 

[DLgal]

Not sure if this is a hot take or not but I don't really think Airbnb is worth it anymore, especially for savings. There are SO many hidden fees when booking along with a cleaning fee. Despite there being a cleaning fee, the owner will give you a list of things to do before leaving (clean dishes, vacuum, take out trash, make the beds, etc.) I totally get not wanting the place trashed but isn't that what the cleaning fee is for...? I loved Airbnb a few years ago and used it often when I was in large groups but now I would probably do Vrbo or a traditional hotel instead.

This is so ridiculous. What happens if you just don't do anything on the list?