Re: Airbnb referral
Ive done 50+ stays mostly in Europe but also in places like HK, KL, Tokyo, NYC, Montreal /Toronto.
Advice is as above, read reviews, and ask for clear directions and pickup instructions. The only issues i have had related to those sort of things, ie in Prague i had to pickup keys from the other side of town as he (host) had to work that day, or Airbnb map having incorrect location and the place was several blocks away.
I also look for professional rentals as they are often cleaner, uncluttered and more streamlined - ie keysafes for selfserve "checkin /checkout". You can usually tell from feedback and pictures if its a professional rental as opposed to someones home.
Having said that i didnt mind staying at someones home on a semi private island in Croatia or rooftop apartment in Brooklyn given they are just inaccessible through hotels.
I used it for more of my travels previously as it was priced with much greater discount margin in prior years(2011/2012) however on my recent stint away this year i found some decent boutique hotels for a similar price and probably stayed in hotels as much as airbnb.
If Burmans doesnt mind id also be happy to refer - PM if interested.