We love to stay in homes when we visit new places. Something about it makes you feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local. We also love having more space than the average hotel room. With the advent of Airbnb, it is easier than ever to find and book a home stay.
We have figured a lot of things out over the years, and I am happy to share my best Airbnb tips and tricks with you!
One great plus is that Airbnb can be found all over the world from New York City to exotic spots like an airbnb in Chania, Crete!
We have stayed in over 50 different Airbnbs over the last 5 years and have learned a lot through trial and error. The vast majority of our experiences have been positive, but there have been some surprises that could have been avoided. We have learned–sometimes the hard way–what look for when checking out a new homestay.
How Airbnb Works for Guests
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
While some of you may already know the premise of Airbnb, understanding how it works is important. If you don’t have a firm grasp on it, it is harder to ensure you will have a good experience.
Airbnb Basics
Airbnb is a fairly recent addition to the home rental market but has grown to be the largest homestay business in the world. People who have a home or a spare room to rent out can do it on the Airbnb website. Photos along with details of the home are presented on the site.
As a renter you can peruse through homes in a certain area and choose a good place for you to stay. Start by choosing your dates and number of guests. Then add filters for price, number of beds, parking options, etc. Once you have found a property you like, you can easily book it by clicking the Reserve button. Some renters want you to write a little about yourself, but you will generally hear back within a few hours if you have the rental.
Airbnb Requirements to Book
Before you can book a home on Airbnb, you need to create an account with the following information:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
- A short message to introduce yourself
- Payment information
Sometimes when you book it will ask you for additional information like a government-issued ID (I have only had this happen once when I was booking overseas.).
The entire process to become a renter on Airbnb takes less than 5 minutes and is one of the easiest sign ups ever.
Airbnb reviews for host
After your stay in an Airbnb you will be asked to review the property and rank it between 0-5 stars. They want you to rank it based on cleanliness, accuracy, check-in, communication, location, and value. In addition, you will be asked to write a short paragraph about what you liked and disliked. You also have the opportunity to give private advice to the host.
These reviews are posted at the bottom of the listing under each property. Make sure to read them!
Airbnb reviews for renter
Similar to the property/host reviews, Airbnb has a way for hosts to review you as the renter. Each time you request to reserve a property through Airbnb the host is able to see your renter review(s). Those reviews are not accessible to the general public, but you can view your own reviews on the website. Click your picture in the upper right of the screen and then click on profile.
Want to use Airbnb and not sure where to start? Or want to learn how to get great deals on Airbnb?
Download my ebook “Airbnb Hacks even the Pros Don’t Know.”
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
How to Get a Discount on Airbnb
First timers coupon
If you are booking for the first time on Airbnb you can use a coupon worth $40 off your stay.
You can download the free coupon here.
Buy gift card at less than face value
- There are Airbnb gift cards for sale on sites like Amazon. When someone has no use for a gift card they make often sell them on sites like Cardpool or Ebay.You can often find gift cards for 10%-15% off the face value.
- You could also buy an Airbnb gift card with a rebate at places like Gift Card Granny.This generally only yields 2%-5% off, but it is still worth looking into.
If we missed your favorite tip, please let us know and we will try it out!
Want to learn the difference between Airbnb vs. VRBO?
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