Some tips when using Air BnB

Old Apr 21st, 2017, 02:41 AM
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Some tips when using Air BnB

Obviously the best tip for using Air BnB is to check that the reviews are top notch but what happens when you arrive and find you should have asked your host more questions when booking. I recently used Air BnB in a small city in French Polynesia. On arriving at the property I found it was at the bottom of a very steep hill. The place had no phone and each morning I struggled up this hill and generally just about wore myself out. It pretty much spoilt my holiday. I was there for a week. The apartment was only adequate, the host had not made provisions for it being let out to guests and it had old rough towels that were past their use by date, kitchen items that were old and not very clean and bed linen that needed replacing. The host told me it was a temporary arrangement, that they were not using it for a few weeks and had decided to make some extra money. They did, at my expense. My advice especially to older people like me if you have no car is to ask if the area is easy walking and flat, is the place set up to accept guests and does it have quality appliances and facilities. I was disappointed that I got caught and will be asking these questions and more next time I use Air BnB. It's only redeeming feature was the air conditioning which was a must in a very hot climate.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 05:34 AM
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Also check the number of stairs!

I have used AirBnB a few times, but prefer proper B&Bs, guesthouses, small hotels, etc. I think AirBnB is a real problem in some cities, and I would be very upset if my apartment building became an informal hotel.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 12:05 PM
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Not sure if Google Street View would have shown your French-Polynesian location, but since you are suggesting tips in general, this is a main one:

Google the address, find it on the map, zoom i gradually until business names appear, and see what's nearby. That alone can be a help - if you see lots of auto workshops and tow-truck operations and rubbish dumps, or other less-than-desirable outfits, no matter how nice the property itself looks on the website, you may not want to stay there.

Then switch to satellite view and inspect the neighborhood some more - bridges, hills, highways, factories...?

Now switch to Street View and "walk" around the neighborhood.

Then think of all the things that might matter to you, make a list, and ask. Check off the answers, keep track - it's your money, your comfort level, so be pro-active.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 02:05 PM
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Hi there, I do study the google maps etc but the street view is another good idea. I had been there before and knew it was very hilly in parts but did not think to ask about this specific address, even cars struggled to get up it.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 08:56 PM
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I love these googling the address hints etc. I haven't used airb&b but a friend I am traveling with next year is keen on them so may give it a try.
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Old Apr 24th, 2017, 11:00 AM
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Ann, you'll soon get into the habit of using those few Google Maps techniques for all kinds of situations - looking at hotels and their surroundings, at entrances to train stations (is there a plaza in front, can the cabbie drive right up, where is the taxi stand you need o arrival, are there stairs? etc), "walking" around the block looking for nearby cafés or shops, and on and on. And the satellite view gives away lots of details that you might want to know about, like railway yards that, on the ground, are hidden by a row of trees but that can produce noises at night, etc.
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Old Apr 24th, 2017, 07:51 PM
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Streetview is fairly useless prior to booking an airbnb accommodation. Addresses aren't given and unless you already know the neighborhood in question, since the map locations given are general, you likely won't find it, even if the photos include an exterior shot.

You will, however, get the address once you've booked and paid. And with the new policy of refunds, including fees, after booking is the point at which you can use Streetview and then cancel if you really don't like the location. Keep in mind cancellations are allowed in varying time frames according to the policy chosen by the host. So know that critical bit of information first, before you book. It's on every listing.
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Old Apr 24th, 2017, 09:59 PM
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Not useless at all, I got the address before I booked my latest stay and did just what I suggested.
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 07:21 AM
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How did you get the address michel?
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 07:57 AM
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I personally would never (ever) book an apartment without knowing the exact address in advance. Others can faff about w/ booking, canceling IF the location isn't what one wants, and then waiting for a refund.

There are so many options out there, why settle for a blind booking?
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 02:21 AM
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janisj I think you misunderstand, I knew the address in advance of course but did not know it was down a steep hill and the reason for my comment was a reminder to others to ask that same question or as one other person put it about steps also. Of course we know the address in advance.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 08:03 AM
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golfernz1: >>janisj I think you misunderstand,>You will, however, get the address once you've booked and paid.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 09:35 AM
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Well, certainly silly if one did it on a regular basis, not silly as a one-off last resort. Doing one's homework before booking is the logical way to proceed no matter the source of the accommodation. After dozens of airbnb experiences I've only walked away from one, the reason noise, not location. Maybe streetview could add a soundtrack and I'd have avoided even that one.
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Old May 16th, 2017, 02:44 AM
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Yes, i once booked very cheap accomodation just to find out i had to climb a steep hill guarded by vicious dog to reach the bungalow!
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Old Jun 14th, 2017, 12:52 PM
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I ask questions online with the potential Airbnb hosts. I've had a lot of Airbnb stays in various places and they all have been great and my hosts and I have become friends and are still in touch. Two hosts even drove 5 hours to see me on my last trip as I didn't have time to fly to them to meet up again. When, I book a place, I hope for the best, but if it doesn't turn out, I can then move on. However, they have all worked out along with non-Airbnb places that I have booked.

Happy Travels!
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