Experiences with AirBnB

I know, I know, it is a weird name… I first came across AirBnB while researching for hotels in New York, which seem to be very, very expensive. Even just for a dumpy place with a shared bathroom. A friend suggested I try ‘AirBnB, as it could provide cheaper accommodation.

The basic concept is that your rent a room or an apartment from a private individual, at a reduced rate compared to a hotel. The site has a huge amount of listings, with up- to-date reviews which appear to be accurate. However, unlike my other favourite site ‘Trip Advisor’, I feel that some people veil the truth because the owners can also write a review on you, which is stored in your profile. The organisation covers all the insurance and other details, and manages the bookings, the money is not released to the ‘host’ until you leave. This gives a sense of security.

My first experience in Boston was terrible. I didn’t like the owner of the apartment, she left me standing outside in the cold after a 12-hour flight, and didn’t turn up for an hour, her apartment smelt, it was noisy and it was just a miserable experience. However, the other apartments I found on AirBnB were all very good. The lesson I learnt was to be careful when you book and check all reviews thoroughly.

There are different levels of comfort with the Airbnb, and basically you get what you pay for. My benchmark is to try to keep it to $100 a night. Some of the rooms for rent I would never stay in but then again, others just look stunning. My ’hipster’ daughter stayed in converted warehouse accommodation in London, which she loved although she did think I wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much as she did. I guess that’s showing my age!

My New York room, in oh so trendy Brooklyn was fabulous and so quiet because it was in the basement. In Hawaii I had an apartment all to myself, which was even better. I have had positive experiences in Australia, with the best ones being in Albury (does anyone go there?) and an amazing apartment in Surry Hills in Sydney.

I am pleased to say that, except for my Boston experience, I now have an excellent profile on AirBnB, for being a fabulous person! I am presently researching for my next trip to Granada and Cyprus! There are some incredible offerings in the old parts of the city, which are full of character and charm and obviously a lot cheaper!! However, it does not function in Cuba, but hey, you can get a casa for $25 a night in a private house, the same thing Cuban style.

So for your next trip, have a look at ‘AirBnB’.

Have you used AirBnB? What did you think of the service?