Airbnb Guide

I’ve been using Airbnb since 2012 and it’s an absolute gift to travellers. We live in a time where hotels are finally not our only option anymore. Finally, affordable accommodation is on the table, and it’s better than it’s ever been. This is my guide on my process of choosing the right Airbnb.

Check out our ridiculous Airbnb story too. Some have called it a horror story, but it honestly depends on how you look at it…and how much you like Harry Potter.

Read it here.

New to Airbnb? Sign up with our unique code here to get up to £40 off your first trip.

SO HERE ARE 9 HELPFUL TIPS ON HOW TO USE AIRBNB WELL. 

I always start with my dream location and then if it’s not going to work budget-wise I amend accordingly. You may as well dream big!

1. WORK OUT EXACTLY WHERE YOU WANT TO STAY 

You want to know what you want to be close to at your chosen destination before you start searching. The area that is ‘Sydney’ in Australia could take you days to walk from one side to the other. Use a significant point of reference to narrow your search to the perfect area and type this specific location in the Airbnb search bar.

Do your research (or read our other articles if we’ve covered your destination) and search the specific area in which you want to stay. I use google maps alongside Airbnb when narrowing down my options. I’ll search the street name or point of interest surrounding the location of the Airbnb and then map out directions to the locations I know I’ll be wanting to go.

2. SET YOUR BUDGET

Airbnb will tell you the average nightly price of the area you’re looking in once you’ve searched. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have to pay this amount. If you need to lower it or if you’re up for staying somewhere nicer, then decrease or increase your nightly price as you like but it’s good to know the average because ultimately that will be your reference for what accommodation costs around that area and if you need to change your search.

For example – you want to stay in the West Village NYC but the nightly average is out of your budget and the places you can afford don’t fit your requirements. You’ll need to consider a more affordable area in New York.

3. SELECT EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard of people who have turned up to an Airbnb thinking it was an entire flat when it was just a private room – meaning the host lives with you and you live in their flat or home.

To confirm 
Entire Flat - means you have the entire flat to yourself. 
Private Room - means a room in someone's house or potentially a room in a boutique hotel – it will say on the listing. 

A private room is good for cheaper prices usually (but not always). Check both options before you decide.

Select exactly the amount of bedrooms you require. Airbnb will show you places that can accommodate your guests – but this doesn’t mean you will have a bedroom each. If you want bedrooms and not a pull out sofa in the living room then select the appropriate amount of physical bedrooms. Take note of every detail.

Take into account what kind of trip you are taking. Are you a female traveling alone? Maybe consider a private room in someone's house if you don’t like being alone. Are you having a weekend away with your loved one? Then maybe you’d prefer an entire place to yourself! On an adventure and just need a place to crash? Go for the cheapest option! Always weigh up what you need! Wifi? Hot shower? Location? Select all of it.

4. SUPERHOST

Personally, after I have done the three points above I select ‘Superhost’ to narrow my search. This is where it really begins. Now, a Superhost pretty much means you will have a good experience. Superhosts are held to a very high standard and accountability so it’s always safest to go with them. Some people who are new to Airbnb won’t have this status yet so I’m not saying don’t book a room that isn’t run by a Superhost but a Superhost status is just an easy confirmation that this will be a fantastic place to stay regardless of price. It’s confirmation of cleanliness, a good host and that everything they say they have – they have. Dream big.

5. CHECK YOU’RE CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR THAT PARKING IS AVAILABLE 

Cars are a pain to hire for most city breaks, therefore you want to make sure you’re close to a train station, bus stop or within walking distance of where you’ll be exploring. The same goes if you have a car and will need parking. Check on the listing that there is parking and to be extra safe, check with your host. You can get caught out and then have to pay huge fees in parking or taxis.

6. CHECK THE CLEANING AND SERVICE FEES

Depending on the country you’re visiting these can be cheap and unnoticeable or sometimes you can be charged almost as much as one night accommodation in fees. Different countries have different laws and taxes and the service fees can vary. Just triple check before you put those credit card details in.

7. CHECK THE CANCELLATION POLICY 

Airbnb has a few different policies in regards to cancellations so we advise you read this every single time. I love accommodation that I can cancel because you never know what might happen and losing all that money because of something unforeseen angers me. Strict Airbnb cancellation policies I would always advise against unless you’re booking relatively last minute and are almost certain you’ll be going. I book things a long way out so naturally, I value flexibility.

8. READ THE REVIEWS

Read what people are saying, and see how and if the host has been responding. For example – it says Wifi on the amenities list but all the reviews are saying ‘Wifi doesn’t work’ – if you need Wifi then this isn’t a good option. Reviews could be saying ‘Beware, it’s a 5 storey walk up without an elevator’ and you are traveling with someone who needs a lift. Reviews will tell you what the host has left out in their description.

9. Take your time

Don’t give up. Take your time searching, evaluating, weigh all your options up and use your wisdom to select the best place. it’s not worth rushing if it’s going to ruin your experience of a city. Enjoy your holiday! Love your Airbnb. 

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Any questions you might have about a property – always get in touch with the host before you book. Tell them about yourself and why you’re visiting. Make them love you.

Always get in touch with your host a week out from arrival for your peace of mind and if you need to coordinate key collection or a meeting time then be organised and don’t be late.

Always add your hosts' number to your phone and be sure to adhere to their communication guidelines. Don’t forget to charge your phone for your journey!

Now go book an Airbnb! and don’t forget to read our hilarious Airbnb story here.

Pin this article below.