Do you Airbnb?

[Anonymous]

I want to, but it sorta creeps me out.The thought of being in someone else's home is weird for some reason. If you have used Airbnb, did you have concerns similar to mine?

[Anonymous]

Just pick carefully. Many of the rentals on Airbnb are mostly used as rentals, so they aren't creepy like that.

I used it once overseas and once in obx.

[Anonymous]

I am using it for the first time in Spain in August- will report back! But I knew exactly where the place was and the overall condition since I lived there last summer. I tried to use it for other places but didn't feel comfortable since I didn't know the area well. In addition, it only works out if you rent over a week or so since many owners add cleaning fees and other things- definitely not short term. I am renting for 10 days in August.

[Anonymous]

Used VRBO 2 summers ago. It was great. As PP mentioned it was 100% a rental property so no different from a hotel except a lot more space.

Using AirBNB this summer. I am hopeful it is the same good experience.

[Anonymous]

I tried to rent for the first time and a host wouldn't let me rent from him because I wasn't verified. Ugh. Makes it feel hard to get started if hosts are seeking verified people only.

[Anonymous]

I used it twice in Europe last year. I had never used AirBnB before, read all the reviews of the places I chose, and crossed my fingers. Both places and hosts were fantastic, very helpful, kind people, and I would certainly stay with them/ use AirBnB again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tried to rent for the first time and a host wouldn't let me rent from him because I wasn't verified. Ugh. Makes it feel hard to get started if hosts are seeking verified people only.

I'm the other 22:49 who just posted. I became verified the first time I booked, because the place I really wanted in Geneva (very close to the UN, where I was going to be for the week) wanted verified only. I just had to make a short video of myself saying who I am, why I'm joining AirBnB, nothing too specific, and then they made me verified.

[Anonymous]

We use Airbnb as much as possible when traveling and rent out a condo through Airbnb. If you do your homework, it's a great experience and the places we have rented were in excellent locations with a great host. Use the reviews and how the host responds toward your request. It's basically the only way we like to travel.

[Anonymous]

We are about to AirBnB next week for the first time. The house we will be renting is this family's second rental unit. Their primary residence is within 10 minutes of the rental.

I didn't have concerns like OP because we selected a home that had a lot of good reviews from other folks who had rented this place. The owner also got good reviews and so far, with the communication that I've had with him, I can understand why he got good reviews. All good so far. I'll report back in about 2 weeks after we return from our trip.

[Anonymous]

We used it recently, and it was really awkward at first. We literally rented someone's guest room in their house while they were there. (Some cities/counties require that the host be in the home to avoid them becoming de facto businesses). It was crazy awkward the first night, but then it was totally fine. It was clear they did this a lot, they were very friendly, and it was fine. We stayed three nights, and it was really nice by the end. But I wouldn't have agreed to it unless they had a lot of stellar reviews, which they did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We used it recently, and it was really awkward at first. We literally rented someone's guest room in their house while they were there. (Some cities/counties require that the host be in the home to avoid them becoming de facto businesses). It was crazy awkward the first night, but then it was totally fine. It was clear they did this a lot, they were very friendly, and it was fine. We stayed three nights, and it was really nice by the end. But I wouldn't have agreed to it unless they had a lot of stellar reviews, which they did.

I'm a PP, and both the AirBnBs I've done have been renting someone's spare room (with one I had my own bathroom down the hall from my room. In the other, I shared the bathroom with the host couple and their other AirBnB person). What was awkward about it? Did you not know they would be there?

[Anonymous]

I think there's a huge difference between whole home rentals and guest rooms. I find the multi-rental spots a bit strange because you never know who's renting the other spaces.

I know someone who rents out his one-bedroom place. The "visitors" have complete privacy. Since he's a Super Host, he's very highly rated and almost always booked, so there aren't personal items around.

Do your research. Find something that feels right for you.

[Anonymous]

I'm in one right now- totally charming cottage in England. I like B and Bs generally anyway - this is just a good way to find them.

[Anonymous]

I did in Seoul. Did lots of research and also plan Bs since it was the first time. It was as described. Will do it again.

[Anonymous]

I always wonder if there are creepers with inappropriately-located nanny cams.