Any experience with Airbnb?
Feb 7, 2015, 3:36 pm
#286
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: BNE
Posts: 8
Feb 17, 2015, 6:08 pm
#288
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SAN/TIJ or under water.
Programs: Club interjet; Airbnb
Posts: 1,882
I'm in an AirBnB in Playa Del Carmen. I am here doing a cave diving course, so just wanted a crash pad. It's a bedroom and bath in a 2bd/2ba apartment. $35 a night. All that is cool.
However, the owners aren't here, and they left their dog, a pug. A neighbor drops by to feed it and let it out. She told me to keep all the doors closed all the time, and when I lagged and left my bedroom door open, "Gizmo" went in and peed on the floor.
I am pretty sure it was personal.
However, the owners aren't here, and they left their dog, a pug. A neighbor drops by to feed it and let it out. She told me to keep all the doors closed all the time, and when I lagged and left my bedroom door open, "Gizmo" went in and peed on the floor.
I am pretty sure it was personal.
Feb 21, 2015, 7:44 pm
#289
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 4,002
I read the blog post mentioned in the previous post. I agree--definitely don't use AirBnB if you have a hotel or hostel option that you like better. It's true that some hosts do cancel, but this will show up on their profile, so if you book a property with a lot of reviews that has had no cancellations, your odds are pretty good. I'd be happy to use a hostel in many cases if they were in the same locations as the AirBnB options, but usually that's not the case. That said, next week I'll be staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel, right by Pike Place Market, for one night, as I want exactly that location and the price is right.
Feb 21, 2015, 8:21 pm
#290
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
I used to fly into SEA at night, stay at IHA hostel near Green Tortoise location and catch morning ferry to Victoria. Pier 69 (IIRC) was (well, still is) walking distance, alas I'm guessing lease went way up with area becoming more popular and that hostel is no more
To bring it around back to Airbnb, I've found some OK locations in the area on the website, but so far haven't used any of them.
Feb 21, 2015, 9:49 pm
#292
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Mar 19, 2015, 7:18 pm
#293
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Land of Enchantment!
Programs: Southwest RR, Alaska Mileage Plan™
Posts: 341
I have tried AirBnB twice.
First time was a new host, it was fair - House with 3 guys in it, bathromm was not clean, room had a bed and no other furniture. I left an honest review, and since it was just me, it was still ok for $22.
2nd time was FANTASTIC, stayed with older couple [70's]. really nice, nice room, and a great breakfast. Even went out & bought whole wheat bagels for me! They had numerous excellent reviews, & I added mine as well. This was in Phoenix area.
First time was a new host, it was fair - House with 3 guys in it, bathromm was not clean, room had a bed and no other furniture. I left an honest review, and since it was just me, it was still ok for $22.
2nd time was FANTASTIC, stayed with older couple [70's]. really nice, nice room, and a great breakfast. Even went out & bought whole wheat bagels for me! They had numerous excellent reviews, & I added mine as well. This was in Phoenix area.
Mar 23, 2015, 11:44 am
#296
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
Added a few more experience, now in Bogotà.
Personally I'm starting to hate the increasing trend on Airbnb to list hotels, dressed like condo apartments, giving a spoiled Airbnb feeling.
At the point that the booked room is different than what is assigned upon check-in, due the multiple renting the X company has in the area or in the same building.
In less developed markets nearly half of the listings belong to organized groups or local business, which is something annoying and well far from what the Airbnb user expects.
If the Airbnb's fee-hunger won't adjust I will remind them booking.com does the same job better.
Personally I'm starting to hate the increasing trend on Airbnb to list hotels, dressed like condo apartments, giving a spoiled Airbnb feeling.
At the point that the booked room is different than what is assigned upon check-in, due the multiple renting the X company has in the area or in the same building.
In less developed markets nearly half of the listings belong to organized groups or local business, which is something annoying and well far from what the Airbnb user expects.
If the Airbnb's fee-hunger won't adjust I will remind them booking.com does the same job better.
Mar 24, 2015, 3:55 am
#297
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
Creepy. The reason I wonder how many hosts enable the instant booking option, allowing a reservation without even glance at guests references, one of the main Airbnb feature.
In your case I wouldn't let him stay one more minute at my place.
Ps. Your link doesn't lead to any review.
In your case I wouldn't let him stay one more minute at my place.
Ps. Your link doesn't lead to any review.
Mar 24, 2015, 5:49 am
#298
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I never even considered using this option. The review system isn't perfect, but its better than nothing. I would guess that the only hosts who use instant booking are the ones who run their apartments like hotels and have several of them.
Mar 24, 2015, 10:44 am
#299
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
As a heads-up, pretty much any AirBnb rental in NYC that's for an entire apartment (rather than for a room in an apartment while the host remains in residence) is illegal.
Mar 25, 2015, 6:39 pm
#300
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 4,002
I don't have a solution to this possible problem, but if I were an AirBnB host who had a problem with a scary and obnoxious guest, I'd actually be a bit nervous to leave a negative review. After all, he would certainly know where I lived.