Whether you’re a seasoned hotel professional or someone who has never booked accommodation online before, the prospect of staying in a stranger’s home can be daunting. Knowing what to expect and keeping a few things in mind can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Here are some tips for making your first Airbnb stay a success.
- Narrow Down Your Initial Search
- Before Booking, Send A Message To The Host
- Lean Toward A Property With More House Rules
- Check For Reduced Extended Stay Rates
Narrow Down Your Initial Search
There are a lot of listings on Airbnb, especially in larger cities. If you search for all listings in, say, San Francisco, you’re going to have more results than you possibly can process. A better approach is to start with specific searches.
Before Booking, Send A Message To The Host
When you find a listing that meets your basic needs, it’s often best to begin by sending a message to the host asking pertinent questions about their residence, expectations, and perhaps whether there are any hidden costs for utilities, parking fees, and so on. Feel free to be direct! A good host will quickly and without hesitation answer your questions.
Lean Toward A Property With More House Rules
For your first time on Airbnb, we recommend choosing a property with many rules. This may seem counterintuitive since extra rules can feel like a hassle. But having detailed rules can make booking easier for new travelers: it gives you clear expectations for the stay and how the host expects things to go. And though these kinds of properties tend to cost more than others, they also tend to provide a better experience and are less likely to be unexpected.
Check For Reduced Extended Stay Rates
One of the best ways to save money on your stay is to look at extended-stay or weekly rates. Many properties offer a lower rate if you’re staying for a week or more, and if you don’t see a weekly rate, try messaging the owner about their rates for longer stays. Most owners are happy to negotiate a better price with you in exchange for a longer-term stay.
Please be courteous and respectful of the host’s property and belongings. Treat it like you would your own home without hanging out in your skivvies on the couch. Second, when you leave, clean up a bit before you go. Put things back where you found them and leave home in reasonable order. And finally, be reasonable with your request for help or interaction with the host. They may not respond to everything right away, but they can help if they know they will not receive a barrage of demands.
