Airbnb and other short-term homestay sites have changed the hospitality game. For years, traditional hotels and motels were nearly the only players, but no longer. This newer spin on accommodations comes with tips and tricks to make traveling easier. Knowing what to look for could get you a better deal and lead to a more enjoyable experience.
Airbnb offers an overwhelming number of choices, so pay attention to listings that include your must-haves and lack the basics. These details might be easy to miss if you’re only used to staying in hotels. Here are six things to keep in mind when booking an Airbnb.
1. Easy-to-Overlook Essentials
When booking your stay, don’t overlook the small luxuries and taken-for-granted amenities. For example, reserve somewhere with a coffee maker if you can’t get out the door without a caffeine boost. If you’re used to the comfort of air conditioning, you’ll want to ensure your rental includes that temperature-control feature, whether it is through a mini split system or window unit. Keep in mind that AC is not necessarily as common abroad as it is in the U.S.
If you prefer sleeping in a king-sized bed every night, you might skip the listings that only offer smaller options. Wi-Fi, free parking, and a washer and dryer are other amenities that will make your stay feel more like home. So pay close addition to the perks and features you can’t live without and adjust your search accordingly.
2. Reviews from Previous Guests
Before you click “book now,” take the time to read feedback from previous guests. Airbnb gives reviewers a 1,000-character limit to express their true thoughts and opinions. You can usually count on people to be vocal about their good or bad experiences. Be on the lookout for reviews that mention your top concerns, like safety, convenience, and comfort.
Hosts can respond to reviews, so you can see how they react to feedback. Airbnb awards each host a star rating, giving you an overall idea of what other visitors think of the place. The ratings have specific categories for accuracy, cleanliness, communication, check-in, value, and overall experience.
3. Pricing
Your budget has the ultimate say in what Airbnb listing will work for your trip. You don’t want to splurge on a luxurious listing only to be strapped for cash for the rest of your vacation. Set a minimum and maximum price limit when conducting your search. It might also be worth surveying the going rate for hotels to see whether going old school makes more sense.
You will need to consider the fees typically tacked onto the price per night. Airbnb will give you the full total, including fees, before you complete your reservation. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on the time of year. So if you’re flexible with your trip schedule, it is worth exploring what dates might be cheaper than others.
4. Location
You will need to get realistic and specific about your priorities for the location. For example, do you value a quiet space removed from hectic traffic and crowds? Or do you prefer to be in the busy center of everything? Are you comfortable staying in a rental with close proximity to neighbors? What about somewhere near a busy highway or the airport?
Location will likely have a significant influence on pricing. When you book a spot in a big city, the price will be higher for places next to popular attractions. If you’re willing to stay out of the way, you may save a few dollars. However, your transportation plans should also influence your decision. If you’ll be on foot or taking public transit on your trip, take that into account when choosing a place.
5. Privacy Level
The varying privacy models are among the most significant factors that set Airbnb apart from typical hotel stays. Hosts can rent out the entire place, a private room, or a separate part of the home, like a basement. If you are struggling to decide, consider how comfortable you would feel having breakfast with your host.
Convenience and comfort might also differ if you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a family. Your budget dictates how much space you’ll call your own. Renting one room is cheaper than the whole place, so you might have to make concessions based on what you can afford. Whatever your preference, be sure to adjust your search so that only the type of listings you want will appear.
6. The Fine Print
As with any agreement you enter into, you need to read the fine print when booking your accommodations. The cancellation policy is the biggest one to understand before signing the dotted line. Pet, smoking, parking, and cleaning policies are also essential to review before making a reservation. Overlooking these details could lead to fines from your host or a hit to your user rating on Airbnb.
Paying close attention to all the listing details will help you avoid any unwelcome surprises when you arrive. A listing might say it sleeps six, but that could factor in shared beds and someone sleeping on the couch. Review how many bedrooms and bathrooms the rental includes and what amenities will be available. This attention to detail could save you from future disappointment.
Your Perfect Stay
The accommodations you book can really make or break a trip. With the numerous selections on Airbnb, it is sometimes tough to dig through and find the perfect place for you. Luckily, knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and being realistic about your wishlist makes the hunt easier.
The short-term rental model isn’t going away anytime soon, and Airbnb’s impact on the hospitality industry is impossible to deny. The company has listings in over 190 countries. The total number of listings is around 4 million, which is more than the top five major hotel brands combined. With all these choices at your fingertips, your biggest challenge will be figuring out where to go next.
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