using airbnb for the first time...

Old Aug 31st, 2014, 05:13 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
using airbnb for the first time...

I have used vrbo but not airbnb. We are finding more available apartments on airbnb than vrbo. Any words of advice or caution? How many reviews would you need before booking an airbnb place?

Thanks.
Nosy is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2014, 06:17 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,139
Received 26 Likes on 4 Posts
I look at the following in a listing:

1. I read the hosts's description of what's offered very carefully, to make sure I'm not just being romanced by the pretty pictures.

2. I only book accommodations with "flexible" or "moderate" cancellation policies, just in case I have a change in my itinerary.

3. Regarding the star ratings, I look for 5 full stars for "cleanliness". You can see the style of a place in the pictures but you can't see how clean it is. This now brings me your question about reviews. I believe it takes several reviews for the star ratings of the various criteria to appear. I pay more attention to the stars than to the verbal reviews because they're anonymous and I'm certain guests are more truthful in the ratings than in the reviews. Yes, read the reviews but look at those stars too. But if I like the look of a place and the host, and the price is right, I may take a chance on a new listing with no reviews. It's the sum of the parts, not any one factor, that guides me.

4. While you won't know the precise address before you book, you will know what neighborhood it's in. Go onto Google maps Streetview and have a look, make sure you like what you see.

5. I want to do business with a host that answers 100% of inquiries in a reasonable amount of time. If they don't answer their mail, will they do what they say they will after I book?

I think that about covers it.
MmePerdu is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2014, 07:24 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Look carefully at the 3-D maps that show street and location.
Sassafrass is online now  
Old Aug 31st, 2014, 07:44 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have used AirBnB twicw now, and have been happy both times..And, have just booked again for Amsterdam. Read the descriptions carefully..and yes, the star reviews are important too...Happy Hols
paulapan is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2014, 09:22 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The main things have been covered, i.e., due diligence in reading the entire listing carefully, checking both stars and reviews, asking lots of questions of the hosts even if you don't really have any concerns. If they do not answer fully and swiftly, look elsewhere because it is important to have a host the is contactable and responsive in case something goes wrong during your stay.

That leads to the most important thing in my book, which is to beware of hosts who have multiple listings and/or are absentee hosts. We got semi stung in Paris in May by renting an Airbnb apartment that had an owner who lived in some other place and who only had a rep who changed sheets, greeted guests, etc. That person had neither the authority or ability to correct any deficiency or actually do anything but either not answer the phone or pat us on the head with false promises.

We are Airbnb hosts ourselves in the States and know what we should have done, which was to protest to the Airbnb 24/7 hotline within the first 24 hours to stop the bucks being transferred into the host's bank account. That would have got his attention, and some action, I am sure.
nukesafe is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2014, 09:43 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Everything good about a rental will be detailed in the listing. If it does not say it has an elevator, for example, it does not have an elevator.
And never communicate with the hosts outside of the Airbnb site. Never. That is how renters get scammed. The only protection a renter has is paying through Airbnb, which does not forward the payment to the host until some time after the renter arrives and has been given time to notify the agency if there are any problems.
cynthia_booker is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2014, 06:58 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We're in the middle of an airbnb journey to Prague, Hvar (Croatia) and Madrid (with a few hotels in Andalucia mixed in). So far the first two places, both three-bedroom apartments, were stellar with few surprises, but I did do a fair amount of research and always looked for at least 4-5 reviews. I did have considerable vrbo experience renting villas in Mexico for a group of three picky families, and we've rented other places in Europe through agencies. For airbnb, I used similar precautions:

1) Remember both guests AND hosts are being rated. I did a dry run in the US and rented an airbnb studio in Portland, which happened to be in my son's building. The place was fine, but I discovered that previous guests had left out key information, possibly to get good reviews (unlike vrbo, where renters are not 'rated'). For example, the Portland studio looked out on a wall with no view, but nobody mentioned that. A friend had a similar experience - she rented a place in Barcelona that was supposed to be air conditioned, but the A/C was in only one out of two bedrooms.

2) Ask the host lots of questions about everything that matters to you: wifi, a/c, light, view, distance to landmarks, groceries and public transport. Restaurant recs are enlightening as well - you'll get to find out your potential hosts' sensibilities.

3) Remember that beds in homes and apartments are rarely as comfortable as hotel beds, so look for reviews that mention mattress quality.

4) Check other sites for the same listings - I discovered most European airbnb listings appear elsewhere - flipkey, homeaway and even booking.com and tripadvisor. If there weren't dozens of reviews for a listing, I googled the name of the apartment to see what else came up.

4) Don't limit your search to airbnb - By going to a local website mentioned in the host's bio, I discovered our Madrid apartment was also listed on an agency's site and I was able to rent the same apartment for 25% less (with a much smaller deposit) directly through the agency.

4) Look at the hosts' other listings on airbnb and see how booked up they are.

5) Don't trust the airbnb approximate location - ask the host for the exact address (or range of addresses), then do google map searches.

6) If there is an issue, contact your host. Our bathroom in Prague had a mildewy odor which we thought would be hard to fix, but a housekeeper came within a few hours and remedied the situation.

Good luck...and report back. At one point Mr. Crosscheck said he craved the amenities of a hotel, but now we're back in a hotel and we miss living like locals.
crosscheck is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2014, 01:59 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't agree with the remark about how you shouldn't trust someone who isn't there and has a manager handle the apt. Every apt. I've rented has been that way (not through Airbnb but other agencies). IN fact, that is exactly when people may rent out their apt., when they aren't there and gone for a while. Not that many people will be living there while you are, but also happen to have only one place for rent. You shouldn't need babysitting, anyway. If something is wrong with the place, that's misleading advertising, although that's the risk you take when you do things like this and rent from private owners, in general. Sure, you can have some problems with agencies, but they may be easier to contact and get to do something.
Christina is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 07:38 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Excellent tips, thanks. That makes me feel more comfortable. Off to research more...
Nosy is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 11:32 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In some European locations the apartments are meant to be registered with the authorities. So choose carefully what/where you rent.
ribeirasacra is offline  
Old Sep 3rd, 2014, 01:08 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Agree with Christina - a management company could be superior/more professional than a random host and will be equally concerned about providing good service.

I just noticed three #4s on my list. When do we get an edit function?
crosscheck is offline  
Old Aug 6th, 2015, 06:31 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Airbnb in my opinion and experience is a HORRIBLE choice. I made the mistake of booking with them. My experience: their customer service is arrogant and they are in my example untrustworthy. I was planning a South American vacation in June and heard about Airbnb. I went to their website and thought it was a cool concept. I could save money and try something new. What a mistake. After booking and paying for my room some 35 days in advance I thought everything was set and cool. At the last minute, practically on the eve of my departure, they suspended my account and canceled my paid reservation without explanation. I only found out through a private message from my chosen host as I was packing to leave. When I tried to correct Airbnb over the matter they demanded a copy of my passport, access to my Face Book and Google accounts and reconfirmation of my cell number. I didn't want a last-minute derailment of my plans so I unwisely complied. After all that, they wrote that my already 30 days ahead paid reservation was illegitimate and that my account was suspended. Attempts to receive a reason were ignored and I was repeatedly told that they didn't have to give an explanation and were not liable in any way for the mess. Subsequently I had to revoke their permissions, change passwords and accept their corporate hubris / insulting customer service as the "final word". I am now very committed to telling the world of my wretched experience in hopes of sparing other trusting travelers a similar big steaming pile or Airbnb treatment. The good news is, my money was refunded (they had no choice really), I didn't add to their profits and my host of choice understood and received me with a nice welcome. Beware of Airbnb. They might jerk you around as you're in departure as well. I am glad to say that already 4 other friends have now dumped their plans to use Airbnb and I will continue on a righteous mission to share my experience honestly as a cautionary tale regarding Airbnb. The exponential result should make it worthwhile. Choose wisely and seek accommodations elsewhere.
Alamojo is offline  
Old Aug 6th, 2015, 10:08 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Poster signed up today just to bash Airbnb, and has added his venom to all Airbnb threads. Sorry he had a bad experience, but I'd like to hear the other side, as our experience has been positive.
nukesafe is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2015, 12:48 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In Berlin, it also pays off to also check vrbo and local listings as short-term rentals started to take off long before Airbnb got into the business.
Last week the central Mitte district published a study which showed more than 20,000 units from that district alone are on the market. With only 6,600 units being registered as required by law.

It will be probably a different story in other locations but in Berlin it more the norm that your "host" is actually the owner and manager of several units (apartments were dirt cheap to buy till 10yrs ago) and will have reps and cleaning staff to handle the daily chores.
This does not mean that the quality of service will be less than at a place which is taken care of in person by the owner.
But it does mean that these short-term rentals are nothing more than money-making real estate with the normal desire to maximize profits (like any hotel or pension). At least here in the city - not making a general statement.

So it does not have necessarily have much to do with the romantic image of an Airbnb host who does not want his spare room to sit vacant and likes to meet and chat with people from around the world to share his local wisdom while sipping a glass of red and nibbling some cheese with you.
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2015, 06:56 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The link you posted, Snooz, tells it exactly how it is. We are Airbnb hosts and the advice to both hosts and guests is spot on, IMHO!
nukesafe is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2015, 08:05 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,963
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Looks as if someone didn't like Snooz's link & had it removed. Pity, because I'm interested in what experiences people have as Airbnb hosts & guests. I haven t used it yet, but 3 sets of friends who have, have all had good experiences. One, and a Neighbour have both put their houses up as Airbnb properties and their experiences have been positive, too.

I imagine the main thing is to do our research, ask lots of questions & make sure we know what we're getting ( as guests and hosts) before we hand over/ take the keys & $.
Bokhara2 is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2015, 02:22 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd like to apologize for bombing in here and on numerous other treads. I should have just started my own. I also realized that I didn't do as good job of stating my case as I would have preferred. I'd like to close out with some clarification as follows below. Please note that there is no "other side" because Airbnb would and will not offer one. This is the main reason why I was so irate with Airbnb and hold them in contempt. Yes, I mainly joined this Forum and others to state my case against Airbnb and warn others. I will also use it as a general travel resource just as most do. I end it here with this:

Okay. I admit that I was venting (ranting). I further admit that I take the point that posting on several threads here was inappropriate. I thought I had already addressed this moving forward, but I see that as my error. I lead a busy life and don't actually spend much time on Forums, albeit good ones like this. This is an "anomaly" for me.

Every group has a culture and style which I did not take time to appreciate in this forum. I should have been more objective. Allow me to attempt to amend any misunderstanding. I mean no insult to anyone personally. I do mean to call Airbnb into question with the sincere hopes that no others experience a similar situation.

Please consider the facts I presented. I should have done a better job of it and not undermined my criticism of Airbnb with what is perceived as "weird" and emotional diatribe. I offer the following as an alternative submission in hopes that I can correct my presentation and more appropriately address my grievance against Airbnb.

I mistrust and disparage the use of Airbnb because:

1. In planing a trip to South America, I heard about Airbnb and thought on examination I'd give it a try. It seemed there were (and are) many happy customers. I did not do my due diligence and look for negatives. I simply whet to their site. This was my first mistake and a rookie one at that. My bad.

2. I opened an account and communicated with a host who appeared to be (and was) a good fit for my visit.

3. Over 30 days prior to my departure, everything was set and paid for. I had fulfilled all the requirements that Airbnb set forth. I was confirmed by my host, had paid the bill in full and as far as I was concerned, my booking to my new first time visit to the country in reference was as perfectly in place as a booking could be. At this juncture, all was okay and Airbnb was of value to me.

4. Roughly 24 hour prior to my departure, I was contacted by my host to inquire if I was still coming. It happened for reasons unknown to both the host and myself that Airbnb deemed my booking as illegitimate and canceled everything. I was both shocked and bewildered.

5. On learning of this I placed a call to Airbnb, but the operator informed me that the matter was handled by a separate department and could only be reached by email; a dead end.

6. On emailing Airbnb, I was the asked to prove that I was who I said I was. I was asked to send a copy of my passport, give them access to my Face Book and Gmail account and reconfirm my cell number. I did this because I was complaint and wanted to work the kink out. The various requirement were fulfilled but to no avail.

7. Airbnb still did not relent their decision to cancel and I was momentarily stressed out by this last minute derailment. I asked them to please explain their position to which I received the following reply.

"Please understand that we are not obligated to provide an explanation as to the action taken against your account. Furthermore, note that we are not liable to you in any way with respect to disabling or canceling your account. Airbnb reserves the right to make the final determination with respect to such matters, and this decision will not be reversed. Your payment method has been refunded in full and that should be reflected on your payment method by this time.

Moving forward, we will no longer be able to assist you with this or any other issues. Please see our Help Center for further information:

8. I found this reply to be corporate hubris and completely unacceptable. That's why I "ranted". I find this behavior unacceptable. If one is accused of doing something wrong or illegitimate, one should at least be told why in my opinion. This is why I could offer no relevant facts as to why Airbnb did what they did. They refused to offer any.

9. In researching this, I have found I am not the only one who has been treated in this manner. Perhaps I am spoil;ed as seasoned traveler, but honestly, I find Airbnb's attitude appalling and unacceptable.

10. I agree that there were no financial damages because my monies were refunded. Please note that because I had in fact done no "wrong" Airbnb had no defensible position to keep my payment. I was indeed lucky to have already established prior good communication with the host. Otherwise, I would have had to find accommodation in a major city during a major industry gathering in less than 24 hours. Airbnb's action would have in fact left me without any accommodation... or left me with no option but to pay top rack rates for a hotel costing me multiples of my budgeted amount for accommodations . It was at the least highly unpleasant and I remain of the opinion that Airbnb was unprofessional and unfair in this instance. Posting my experience is my only recourse apart from ignoring it which were I not currently in sabbatical, would be the case.

11. Therefore, anomaly or not, I deem Airbnb in this instance worthy of disapproval for their behavior and continue to recommend avoidance of them as a traveler's resource for good cause. Thus, it is a cautionary tale for any wishing to take it as such.

I hope this clarifies the matter somewhat... and some ruffled feathers are back in place. The onus should be on Airbnb and not me. I see that I should have presented it better.

There is simply no justification for Airbnb's position as they have obstinately refused to offer any. I am a good citizen and considered by major airlines and hotel chains to be a preferred valued frequent flyer and guest. Obviously, not by Airbnb. On the road of life they are a mere pebble that temporarily nested in one of my traveling shoes. It annoyed me greatly for a moment. I am done with it now on this forum.
Alamojo is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2015, 02:40 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,139
Received 26 Likes on 4 Posts
I figure I'm about as experienced with Airbnb as anyone, host & guest, and have never heard of such a thing. The company wants the fees from as many guests as possible, so something has made you IM-possible. I can't imagine what that might be but I suspect you know. A rambling rant followed by a rambling apology plus restating the rant does nothing to convince me otherwise. If you decide to let us know the rest of the story, I'm listening.
MmePerdu is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2015, 07:34 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,139
Received 26 Likes on 4 Posts
Good Morning pariswat. I think we can ignore this ridiculous creature, but I appreciate the kind words in my defense. If he's still so angry after posting his rants on, it appears, 12 threads just on Fodors, then he's his own worst enemy.
MmePerdu is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2015, 09:40 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
he may have had a legitimate complaint and perhaps some issue of identity theft/fraud or who knows what, that caused Airbnb to cancel the listing. I also suspect he knows what the reason could be. But if not, stuff like that can happen, I've had an issue of identity theft and have no idea how this person had my info. But the CC company at least told me what the issue was when I inquired why this other person I had never heard of was on my account.

Sometimes companies are opaque, however, they do that just because they don't want to get into arguments or maybe they do have bad customer service or it's just a legal posture, I don't know. But it is true that they have terms in their policy that allows them to cancel it if they want, for any reason. If it was totally a confusion/unwarranted and they won't say why, I can understand not liking them, also. Unfortunately, bad consumer experiences can happen, you have to just move on as it isn't really good for you to dwell on stuff you can't change.
Christina is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bma2825
Europe
5
Apr 18th, 2016 02:43 PM
marie2020
Europe
10
Mar 31st, 2015 10:21 AM
duhhitsdina
Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
4
Sep 19th, 2014 07:20 AM
roamer
United States
4
Feb 19th, 2012 11:05 AM
nanabee
United States
7
Jun 12th, 2011 05:02 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -