airbnb experiences

brokenbad

Hi all,

What's your overall experience of using airbnb compared to hotels - particularly in foreign countries?

Looking at going to Paris in July for 3 nights - but i see a lot of the reviews on the airbnb site are very mixed......

Was the experience worth the few euro you saved?

Interested in hearing "unbiased" views....

AngryLips

Poor value compared to hotels unless you're traveling as part of a group. More inconsistent service due to the nature of the 'sharing economy', more likely to get left in the lurch.

Montage of Feck

Stayed in a old parisien style apartment on Airbnb, for not a lot of money, last summer it was grand except for the miniscule toilet facilities. Something to be aware of if your large.

endofrainbow

When Air bnb started out, it was designed to be a bit more upmarket than couch surfing. It worked quite well for a number of years but taxes, cleaning fees, administrative costs, owner's fees etc can soon add up and it's not that bargain it used to be.

While it's nice having your own space, you have to factor in food costs as most hotels would provide a breakfast.

It's also nice to have a hotel receptionist in case the unexpected happens or you just need local advice. All depends on the Air BnB too.

DownByTheGarden

We used to do Airbnb all the time. Always do hotels now rather than AirBnB for reasons already given by others above.

Airbnb cost has got to be much the same as hotels now, so hotels win there. Also its very annoying looking at airbnb and seeing a price and then when you go to book the price jumps because of huge airbnb fees and cleaning fees added on making it even more than a hotel.

AirBnB is just not what it used to be.

spurious

I have found booking only with superhosts cuts out a lot of the dross.

I prefer to stay in the original AirBnB type place, someone's spare room.

finbarrk

My number 1 worry is the host cancelling at the last minute.

brokenbad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120666506#Comment_120666506

Thats what i'm afraid of - have heard so many stories of last minute cancellations and also of rogue hosts advertising non available ineligible prosperities.

Discod

I prefer hotels if it's about up 10-14 days, if more maybe airbnb

Greg81

Used AirBNB number of times.

Different countries in Europe also Asia and US.

My reservation was cancelled once (in Dubai, 3 months before my trip, full refund issued immediately).

Never had an issue (hope it stays like that)

I have one reservation for early July in Scotland. Will share my experience after.

PoisonIvyBelle

I've used it quite a lot in the US and Europe without issue. After getting a bedroom with a desk/office too in Brooklyn on it for 9 nights for just 356euro in a lovely communal space shared loft, compared to 1000s you'd be paying for a hotel.

Dipsomaniac

Use it for most holidays these days and never had an issue.

I have a young family and would need two bedrooms in a hotel, so hotels arent worth it.

Its also great having a kitchen to make meals for picky eaters and plenty of space.

witchgirl26

I've used it in Italy & here in Ireland. The Italian experience was a few years ago when it was only really picking up & we found it really good. The host was great & everything was as it said it would be. None of the fees were overpriced for the area. That said, when we asked to stay a couple of extra nights (as we loved the area & the apartment), the host did ask us to just leave cash for her instead of it going through airbnb.

The experience in Ireland was good when we booked but we did have to filter through a large amount of overpriced ones. What was worse was not the price of the accommodation but the cleaning fees were sometimes ridiculously high for what it was. That said, once we picked a place that worked for us, it was brilliant. Exactly as described & no issues what so ever.

I think the most important thing is to understand what the legal standing of the booking is where you're going. On a group trip to New York a few years back, some of the group booked an airbnb but laws in Manhattan prohibit rentals under 30 days unless it's a hotel. Someone reported it while they were there & the police were apologetic but had to kick them out. Took months for them to get their money back.