To Airbnb or Not to Airbnb

[VPS]

I have used AirBnB quite a lot and am very careful when I choose. I won't choose anyone that doesn't have at least 10 good reviews. I have had 2 poor experiences (not bad). One where I just didn't feel comfortable because of some electrical malfunctions so I moved out (and the host refunded whatever AirBnB gave her) and the other was just a plain misrepresentation and uncomfortable even though she had got lots of good reviews

 

[VPS]

I often google the place after I've found the name to see if another site has got it cheaper

On short stays, airbnb take around 15% of what the guest pays. (less for longer stays). We recently listed our holiday house on airbnb and also have a facebook page, that appears no 3 if you google the name of the house (behind stayz and airbnb) with a booking link which gives cheapest price - but no-one has even sent a query that way. Either people don’t think they way I think, which is googling a property name to see if cheaper ways of booking - or more likely they trust airbnb more. We didn’t go with agents in our area as they had restrictive rules and charged 20%.

 

[BriarFlyer]

I'm a long way past my late twenties but I agree with Saltywings. Hotels suit best, most times, when travelling with just my hubby or a friend but with a group I love an apartment with room to lounge about, to cook/prepare food, a washing machine, and preferably a terrace. Definitely works out cheaper than a hotel room each and you get all that extra space (and sometimes the terrace!)

We had a week in Rome earlier this year with family -- three bedrooms needed -- and a baby included, so the lounging area and kitchen were SO necessary and we loved the location in residential Trastevere. Our host steered us toward some excellent restaurants, some great value which we would not have found without his recommendation.

 

[BriarFlyer]

I often google the place after I've found the name to see if another site has got it cheaper

VPS, same. Many are listed with several services and the difference/deciding factor on where I book can be price or it can be deposit or pre-payment required or it can be cancellation policy.

 

[Cassie456]

I've successfully used VRBO for skiing trips in the USA, as they were cheaper than hotels and being able to cook our own food saved a lots of $$$.

On short stays, airbnb take around 15% of what the guest pays. (less for longer stays). We recently listed our holiday house on airbnb and also have a facebook page, that appears no 3 if you google the name of the house (behind stayz and airbnb) with a booking link which gives cheapest price - but no-one has even sent a query that way. Either people don’t think they way I think, which is googling a property name to see if cheaper ways of booking - or more likely they trust airbnb more. We didn’t go with agents in our area as they had restrictive rules and charged 20%.

Dajop do you any advice finding the right agent to use to rent on Air BnB/holiday rentals?

I'm contemplating renting closer to work and renting my place for holiday letting during the week and when we are away in holidays.

I'd love to know about other peoples experience with holiday lettings/ Air BnB.

 

[UP4014]

I don't use AIrbnb, prefer hotels or motels.

I don't stay with friends or family when visiting them as prefer my own space and mess that I make. Hotels are set up for short stays with strangers everywhere people's private houses are not.

I also think it unfair on other tenants if it's an apartment or some sort of strata block. I don't want people doing it to me so won't do it to others.

 

[JohnK]

I've spoken to a number of AFF'ers who have used and continue to use AirBNBs and only have positive things to say.

For me I'm not keen on staying in some strangers house and even less desire to stay in a lock up room in someone's house while they are there.

I prefer cheap hotels. I have also stayed in bed and breakfasts. If we end up going to a place with expensive accommodation then we may consider AirBNB.

 

[v1nce007]

A few years ago there was a group of 6 of us (2 couples and 2 singles) in New York and we got a great 4 bedroom 3 bathroom apartment right near Union Square in Manhattan through AirBnB. It worked much better for us in a group situation than 4 separate hotel rooms would have, and it was significantly cheaper.
However, when travelling on my own I prefer a hotel.

 

[ozjuice]

I just got back from 2 stays at AirBnB's in Italy and have decided that I am definitely a 5* Hotel person, my wife agrees. Enjoyed one and hated the other. Just doesn't suit me.

 

[Denali]

I just got back from 2 stays at AirBnB's in Italy and have decided that I am definitely a 5* Hotel person, my wife agrees. Enjoyed one and hated the other. Just doesn't suit me.

What didnt you like?

 

[ozjuice]

What didnt you like?

The first one was a charming 2 bedroom apartment overlooking Positano. It was quant and beautiful, but not a hotel and was lacking in certain areas. But we loved it for what it was. The second one was in Taormina and it was huge but not nice. Dingey hallways, tired decor, horrible beds, kitchen spelled so bad we shut the door and left it shut, the AC didn't work so endured the mozzies. Shower was so small i couldn't hardly lift my arms up. Basically never felt comfortable there. If it was a hotel I would have made changes.

 

[RooFlyer]

On short stays, airbnb take around 15% of what the guest pays. (less for longer stays). We recently listed our holiday house on airbnb and also have a facebook page, that appears no 3 if you google the name of the house (behind stayz and airbnb) with a booking link which gives cheapest price - but no-one has even sent a query that way. Either people don’t think they way I think, which is googling a property name to see if cheaper ways of booking - or more likely they trust airbnb more. We didn’t go with agents in our area as they had restrictive rules and charged 20%.

Only point I was trying to make is that AirB&B may not be the cheapest option for renting a particular property. Many people regard that service as they do with hotel chains - just go to the web site and book, without shopping around.

But on management, when an owner doesn't live nearby and/or cleaners aren't readily available, then management is essential. In the area I formerly owned in (one of Tas' most popular holiday spots), I would say 90% of the holiday rentals in the area were managed and most of them are now also on AirB&B. Getting cleaners (and maintenance) always was a problem, both because of the volume of cleans needed in the area, and the fact that permanent workforce couldn't afford to live there! I owned it for 20 years - my goodness, how the market and people's expectations changed during that time!

I was quite happy for them to charge AirB&B punters double commission, as it then didn't affect my income. Didn't appear to deter people, either!

On other comments, I too am a hotel person, and I like my private space, but often there are no hotels in a particular area, or maybe only very expensive resorts. In those cases B&Bs come into their own - rural Scotland, many remote places in Tas etc.

Here in Tas AirB&B is getting bad press, as it has sucked a lot of lower-cost accommodation out of the market and there are quite a few lower-quality places listed.

 

[get me outta here]

Removing rental properties from the pool and adversely affecting rentals available for locals is the main reason it becomes illegal in most cases. Eg SFO and NYC etc it is illegal under most circumstances.

And, of course many unit owners do not want a steady flow of strangers and ensuing problems.

However, if you want an apartment with a lot more facilities to yourself for less than a hotel, as I do in Toronto, it works well. I have also had very good places in other expensive places in peak season such as Anchorage, and Reykjavik coming up.

 

[Denali]

..... because of the volume of cleans needed .....

One of the B&Bs we stayed out said she was changing to min 2 nights stay because the one night turnover was killing her and she only has 3 rooms. But will say, an extra night here is not wasted at all, 3 nights wasnt enough time for us.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I'm not a fan of AirBnb. The thought of staying in someone else's house doesn't appeal. Nor does the potential to have to meet someone to get the key (etc).

But I also understand the appeal of staying somewhere with a more local 'feel' rather than a sterile hotel room (for all intents and purposes you could be anywhere in the world rather than the city you're in). For this reason I will often pick a boutique hotel with that 'local' feel. It might be an historic hotel, or one of architectural significance, etc

 

[Lynda2475]

For a city like New York, which is all about neighbourhoods I prefer AirBNB but am very particular about the property and hosts (and I only book the legal ones where the owners are also in residence). For longer stays having ready access to in-apartment laundry (so you can do it over night while you sleep without paying crazy hotel per-item prices or spending hours sitting in laundromat so your clothes dont get stolen), unlimited boradband wifi, easy access to non-tourist priced supermarkets and restaurants outweighs the hotel experience (and avoids the tourist traps).

That said AirBNB isnt my first choice for other cities especially when travelling on my own in cities with security concerns or when Ive really limited time so a hotel location suits. It depends heavily on the type of trip.

In Cuba majority of nights were spent in Casa Particulares (like old school BnBs where the host makes you breakfast) and it was a lovely way to meet locals - maybe i was lucky but all our host were wonderful inviting us into their homes. I always had a private room and private ensuite and wonderful meals.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Dipping my toe in the AirBNB water in Nashville and Louisville in September/October. Hotels in Nashville are ridiculously expensive, and add the extra cost of parking for the rental car, it was easy to convince me to give it a go. 1st weekend near Vanderbilt University, 2nd weekend in Hillsboro/West End.
Louisville is in the heart of downtown, there for 4 nights, end up saving around $500 over the hotel (still holding the booking in case something goes wrong). Louisville was the first time I had ever booked an AirBNB, quick reply from the host introducing herself and giving me some details. Couple of minutes after first contact, a message comes through from her 'Pissed Off!' My thoughts - what have I done, composed myself and thought, surely is a mistake. Phone rings 30 seconds later, Louisville, Kentucky showing up on the screen, and a very apologetic host assuring me she wasn't 'cussing me out', message was meant for her husband. No dramas I told her, all good. Told me her dog had chewed through a door at her house, again no dramas I told her, all good, she insisted on sending me a photo of the damage done the dog. Dog did a good job.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Louisville is in the heart of downtown, there for 4 nights, end up saving around $500 over the hotel (still holding the booking in case something goes wrong).

Sorry for going a bit OT here but I am regularly in Louisville. The Brown Hotel (city landmark) has some very good rates for about AUD100 a night at the moment. Might be worth keeping an eye on.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Cheers for that, had a check on their site and 3rd party sites, nothing less than $270 a night for my dates, will keep looking throughout the next few months. Don;t think i'm going to let my host down though, she's got me in with that gorgeous southern accent. Will head to the Brown Hotel for a Hot Brown though. Currently holding a booking at the Galt House.

 

[dajop]

I'm not a fan of AirBnb. The thought of staying in someone else's house doesn't appeal. Nor does the potential to have to meet someone to get the key (etc).

I don't mind staying in someone's "house". I don't like the idea of staying in someone's "home". There's a difference. Many airbnb's are set up as holiday houses or apartments specifically for short term rentals, thus you don't feel like your intruding in someone else's home. These also tend to have systems in place for managing key collection.