AirBNB - Share your experiences here

[Pushka]

We are staying in the most fabulous place in Inverness.

https://abnb.me/CvmEKeLoMqb

 

[FuzzyAUS]

That looks a nice little find, I’m in Scotland in about 6 weeks and need to still organise accommodation so this is going on the list

 

[jb747]

I've used AirBnb a fair bit. Within Oz, they've pretty well matched up with the images. Overseas was a bit more variable, but nothing was unacceptably bad, and some were way better than expected. Standouts in Salzburg, Graz, Lucca, and Venice. Other end of the scale in Milan and Vienna.

 

[SYD]

We recently had quite a few AirBnBs touring around the UK. On longer tips, it’s quite handy to get a place or two with a washing machine. You can put a load on while out and about - none of that hanging around the laundromat shenanigans.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot less places in London than pre-Covid and many of the better ones have some pretty nasty 48 hr cancellation policies. But we did find a reasonable selection of decent places in Torquay, Mevagissey, St Ives, Windsor, Edinburgh and Bowness. All came with free parking - except EDI (where we didn‘t have a car).

 

[jb747]

We recently had quite a few AirBnBs touring around the UK. On longer tips, it’s quite handy to get a place or two with a washing machine. You can put a load on while out and about - none of that hanging around the laundromat shenanigans.

Reminds me of a couple of the less positive experiences. In Florence the accommodation was pretty good, but the washing machine ate, and totally destroyed, a bunch of clothes. And in NZ, an otherwise beautiful place was ruined by the fact that the owners had decided to lock out the laundry from guest use.

 

[SYD]

Reminds me of a couple of the less positive experiences. In Florence the accommodation was pretty good, but the washing machine ate, and totally destroyed, a bunch of clothes. And in NZ, an otherwise beautiful place was ruined by the fact that the owners had decided to lock out the laundry from guest use.

We did find that every front loader machine seems to be different and it does pay to read the instructions - in case you like wearing children's size socks and jocks…

It‘s also a good idea to message the host to confirm that the washer is in play and if they provide laundry detergent/powder etc. We bought a tub in London and after 6 wks and 4 places with washers, the unopened tub returned home with us . Had it been North America, it would have been BYO.

 

[Pushka]

We did find that every front loader machine seems to be different and it does pay to read the instructions - in case you like wearing children's size socks and jocks…

It‘s also a good idea to message the host to confirm that the washer is in play and if they provide laundry detergent/powder etc. We bought a tub in London and after 6 wks and 4 places with washers, the unopened tub returned home with us . Had it been North America, it would have been BYO.

That is the wonderful thing about this current place. Everything has been provided - even a small sewing kit. They have thought of everything. And it's better than the photos suggest. A Tesco is a two minute walk away. The oven is brilliant. All appliances are premium.

 

[Saab34]

Had a 2 weeks stay in a resort, neighbour (old Karen) kicked up a fuss when we cooked inside the apartment claiming the smell went into her apartment, she told us to eat takeaway. She then bailed up the resort manager and confronted us at the door one night while cooking. I asked for a refund from the host and vacate elsewhere which they did ‘but didn’t need to due Air BnB terms’ however they did I assume because they are decent people.

Refund arrived a few days post processing approval.

 

[OATEK]

We have several family groups converging on London for the school holiday/Easter break in 2023. Of the four AirBnB flats we tried to book, only one accepted. The other three came back with a variation of selling/not available. So listed, but until you try and book you don't know if available. I have not had this issue with booking dot com at all. If its listed I can see availability and book, no worries.

 

[RB]

Current stay in Kastleruth is through AirBnB. All as advertised, given early check-in, a short tour of the place & a guide to the washing machine. An excellent stay so far. Nice views as well

 

[Joolz49]

I was wondering if anyone has used AirBNB and what your experiences are? Or if anyone is a host and what you think about it?
I have heard of people both having great experiences and being scammed. Others being cancelled a day before arriving.

I have been a bit hesitant, but I guess its no different to a B&B.

I've used AirB'n'B for quite a few years, but find now that hotels are similar prices, once you've added the 'cleaning' charge and booking fees to ABB. Also more reliable, as I've had several overseas cancel on me at the last minute! (And it's true, in the USA it's illegal, so if they get caught you could be out on the street!) We liked the fact that we could choose somewhere with cooking and washing facilities, but often they weren't as appealing as the photos, or as clean as could be, although that has improved thanks to COVID. And locations are often not so convenient if you are using public transport. Nowadays we tend to look for hotels with apartment style facilities - less hassle!

 

[FrankMu]

I used it while I was travelling in Europe and had only a good experience. After all, I can say don't hesitate to write to the landlord and ask about anything you need to know.

 

[trooper]

We did find that every front loader machine seems to be different and it does pay to read the instructions - in case you like wearing children's size socks and jocks…

It‘s also a good idea to message the host to confirm that the washer is in play and if they provide laundry detergent/powder etc. We bought a tub in London and after 6 wks and 4 places with washers, the unopened tub returned home with us . Had it been North America, it would have been BYO.

Well, thats not been my experience. Excellent stays in both Clovis CA and Havana IL recently... where everything needed including laundry necessities was provided. Must have been lucky!

 

[burmans]

Just checked my AirBnb history, I’ve now had 28 stays, mostly really good, probably only a couple I felt were average (not bad but not top quality either) which is for me better than my hotel booking history. But really I think it a personal style thing, personally I like local experiences rather than hanging with a bunch of people just like me in a hotel that could be anywhere.
In my current Europe trip have had 3 amazing experiences and one good.
What made them amazing was the hosts and the personal service, met us personally and were so engaged in ensuring we enjoyed their city, could not do more with recommendations on where to go, what to eat, and advice on anything plus arranging taxis etc.
I do agree with the comment re price, these days I’ve taken to googling the description and frequently find cheaper, particularly (given I have level 2 Genius status) on Booking.com, sometimes a lot cheaper, particularly if you also use a cash back site. Current trip I’ve had 12 bookings via Booking.com so that sort of indicates the ratio.

 

[LostRedditor]

Well, it happened. I just had a feeling the whole time since I booked that this was going to happen. The host cancelled our 6 week stay one month before departure. Allegedly, she (host) and her boyfriend split and now she needs her own place. It's a nice two bedroom apartment in the middle of town and we booked it 5 months ago. I'll be monitoring that listing as I don't buy her excuse. Similar apartments are now going for twice the amount and I just have a feeling she's looking to double her earnings. It's still listed for August and on...

Puts us in a difficult situation as we have a toddler with us and most of the availabilities now are single bedroom units.

 

[Rebus]

Well, it happened. I just had a feeling the whole time since I booked that this was going to happen. The host cancelled our 6 week stay one month before departure. Allegedly, she (host) and her boyfriend split and now she needs her own place. It's a nice two bedroom apartment in the middle of town and we booked it 5 months ago. I'll be monitoring that listing as I don't buy her excuse. Similar apartments are now going for twice the amount and I just have a feeling she's looking to double her earnings. It's still listen for August and on...

Puts us in a difficult situation as we have a toddler with us and most of the availabilities now are single bedroom units.

I am a regular user of AirBnb and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. However, the situation you describe happened to me once and I can empathise with how you are feeling. This outcome really shines a light on the fact that an Airbnb booking is simply an agreement between twos strangers which is facilitated by a 3rd party with the host holding almost all the aces. At least with a hotel you have the certainty of a confirmed booking.

All that said, Airbnb is perfect for us as we have young children and appreciate the ability to relax in the lounge area once they are asleep. The self-catering aspect also works well for us. I only book with Superhosts and aim for places with ratings above 4.5 based on at least 50 reviews.

 

[jb747]

I've been in Tasmania for the last couple of weeks, and we're staying exclusively in Airbnb. I'd have real trouble dealing with a hotel, they give so little value for so much ($).

Launceston: Beautiful restored terrace house on the edge of the CBD.

Coles Bay: Modern cottage, about 30 metres from the waterline, and 50 from the local shops.

Hobart: Awesome loft apartment right above the action at Salamanca.

Deloraine: Huge, restored, grand old lady of a house.

Stanley: Yet to come, but should be another restored old homestead.

Cost in all cases was about the same as a supposedly superior level of hotel room...as opposed to multiple bedrooms, our own kitchen and lounges, and decent off street parking (that isn't an extra as it is with all hotels these days). You do need to plan ahead, as the best places are always popular, and will be gone. Treat them like SQ awards...you need to book the better part of a year ahead. Worth noting too, that the cost of the Spirit of Tasmania is also a lot cheaper further out. Short term it's cheaper to fly and hire.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I've been in Tasmania for the last couple of weeks, and we're staying exclusively in Airbnb. I'd have real trouble dealing with a hotel, they give so little value for so much ($).

Launceston: Beautiful restored terrace house on the edge of the CBD.

Coles Bay: Modern cottage, about 30 metres from the waterline, and 50 from the local shops.

Hobart: Awesome loft apartment right above the action at Salamanca.

Deloraine: Huge, restored, grand old lady of a house.

Stanley: Yet to come, but should be another restored old homestead.

Cost in all cases was about the same as a supposedly superior level of hotel room...as opposed to multiple bedrooms, our own kitchen and lounges, and decent off street parking (that isn't an extra as it is with all hotels these days). You do need to plan ahead, as the best places are always popular, and will be gone. Treat them like SQ awards...you need to book the better part of a year ahead. Worth noting too, that the cost of the Spirit of Tasmania is also a lot cheaper further out. Short term it's cheaper to fly and hire.

Great views from your "office" too @jb747 enjoy!

 

[LostRedditor]

At least with a hotel you have the certainty of a confirmed booking.

Until they fail to hold the reservation

Silver lining, I guess, is that by making a new booking I instantly hit the minimum spend on the new credit card that arrived this morning

 

[burmans]

I am a regular user of AirBnb and have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. However, the situation you describe happened to me once and I can empathise with how you are feeling. This outcome really shines a light on the fact that an Airbnb booking is simply an agreement between twos strangers which is facilitated by a 3rd party with the host holding almost all the aces. At least with a hotel you have the certainty of a confirmed booking.

All that said, Airbnb is perfect for us as we have young children and appreciate the ability to relax in the lounge area once they are asleep. The self-catering aspect also works well for us. I only book with Superhosts and aim for places with ratings above 4.5 based on at least 50 reviews.

I agree, I have had 20+ good/excellent outcomes and 1 who cancelled (1 week out). The cancellation was a new listing, these days I read those last few reviews carefully .