AirBNB

[Queen]

Looking at them for the big March trip (because I'm not that keen on the accommodation option my mother came up with)

any good? things to watch out for?

and apologies in advance - if you're my friend on facebook and airbnb found you I might have asked you for a reference. I'm trustworthy, clean and house trained.

[treehugger]

I'm very happy to provide you with a reference and have seen you in your natural environment so know you are trustworthy

As a host, I love airbnb. I have two lovely airbnb guests in my house right now. Almost everyone that has stayed with us (I would guess over 30 people) has told me that their experiences have all been really positive.

Trust your instincts and read reviews and response rates carefully. You can tell how much a host cares about their guests quite easily through these. I think people are generally quite loathe to write a bad review, so neutral means stay away. Look for reviews where the guests rave about quietness/cleanliness/location/whatever it is you care about.

[Queen]

Awww, thank you - we cleaned up before you arrived ;D

I kind of know locations that will work, and there's a lot you can tell from how they describe themselves... one that looks good asks for people to have a full profile so I'm trying to fill it out and collect a couple of references.

But the site isn't co-operating for some reason so I think I will try again tomorrow...

[treehugger]

hmmm, I just had a request from you but when I clicked through to complete a reference it disappeared. Can you request again? I'm off to bed now but will do it tomorrow x

[Queen]

OK I've repeated the request - try again tomorrow!

thanks

[kaya]

I've also had positive experiences both ways, hosting and being a guest. Gut feeling from reading a profile / email is what I usually follow. And agree, those with a neutral review are probably worth staying clear off.

[Queen]

well, how about that. My first booking already!

A tiny apartment near Newton, so close to city and to brother's house.

Perfect!

[HalcyonDaze]

Yay, sounds good. And not too far from Sydney Park, an excellent place to go with small people

[janeyd]

i love airbnb, and I now use it 80% of the time going through singapore, and would be more than happy to use it elsewhere. here's my tips:

- make sure you know what you are happy with. eg, do you want a whole place to yourself? are you happy with a spare room in someone's place? If so, do you need your own bathroom? Or are you happy sleeping on a couch in a common area?

- be careful about what type of bed is offered. Eg is it a real bed? or is it a sofabed, airbed or something else

- read the comments. they tell you a lot about things like cleanliness, location, attitude of the host etc.

I must admit I get a bit picky when it comes to professions etc of hosts (eg if I want time to myself, I try to find someone that has a job that means they wont be home while I'm there etc).


And yes, I should have gone with my instincts and taken the airbnb for christmas eve, instead of succumming to family pressure that ultimately ended in a massive family disagreement.

[treehugger]

Good to hear Q, really hope you like the place. Incidentally, the reference work? I couldn't see it on your profile, but I'm a bit mystified as to some of the stuff works on there.

I've got my first guest experience as an airbnber next weekend in London, I really can't wait

[portreeslim]

Our first experience was in Portugal, I can't recommend it highly enough. Host was great, very helpful. I used an airb&b in Newcastle for a short contract, and it wasn't in the best neighbourhood, shared bath, but clean and comfortable enough and at £8/night, a bargain. We are staying in Dublin in March, have a whole apt to ourselves. We're not really set up to host, and I can't think of why anyone would come here anyway.

[Queen]

Jan 19, 2013 5:34:23 GMT -5 portreeslim said:

We're not really set up to host, and I can't think of why anyone would come here anyway.

Nope - can't think of a single reason.

This is for me plus parentals so we wanted an apartment to ourselves, it's cheaper than a hotel and I know my parents would rather make breakfast than have a hotel breakfast every day.

Thanks for your help everyone