Hi OI647, I have used Airbnb - 3 times. All 3 were great experiences, once in Amsterdam and twice in London. Be sure to read the reviews and if you do use the service be sure to leave feedback. I also use google streetview to see whats around the area, and check local transport options. The properities were all clean and exactly as listed. It is great alternative to hotels!
I used it once in Sydney to be near relatives. You have to be comfortable with staying in a space that might not be exclusively dedicated to casual accommodation provision. I was not, and couldn't help feeling like an imposter of some kind.
Used Airbnb twice. Have to say that it is one of the best experiences we've had. The website is easy to use and navigate but may be unresponsive sometimes. You can easily communicate with your accommodation provider. I truly recommend it and it is almost always cheaper than hotels too!
I used it in Manhattan just before Christmas and couldn't have been happier with price(ultimately ends up being much cheaper than hotels), superb quality and location of the apartment (14th & 7th, directly above the subway) and the service/friendliness of the host. I was left right alone and stayed somewhere where this is virtually all the apartment is used for by the owners; to host AirbNb guests (hence the company's grey area problems with the law in New York City in particular). So that said, I didn't experience the 'alien' issues others have brought up, which I would otherwise have experienced in spades as well.
Despite having had a superlative experience, I am too scared to do it again. Ultimately, I prefer the environs of a hotel whilst away, unless staying with family/friends (even then, sometimes I would prefer a hotel!). I just think there are too many nebulous chances for things to go awry. Glad I did it once though, and it was such a great experience.
I've always had great experiences with AirBnB although I tend to only stay in places where you get a whole apartment to yourself to avoid the awkwardness. The only thing that can be a bit difficult is finding the place, and arranging to pick up keys etc. but for the minor inconvenience it is worth it. Cheaper than a hotel, and feels more like you are expeirencing the culture of a place when you can stay in a residential rather than commercial area.
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Has anyone used Airbnb?
Ol647
Ol647
Member since 09 Aug 2012
Total posts 21
Has anyone used Airbnb? If so, what was your experience like?
bctraveler
bctraveler
Aegean
Member since 24 Aug 2014
Total posts 3
Epic Airbnb fail http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/unexpected-sex-party-destroys-pricy-chelsea-apartment-article-1.1723825
bbc_au
bbc_au
Virgin Australia - Velocity Frequent Flyer
Member since 18 Apr 2013
Total posts 13
Hi OI647, I have used Airbnb - 3 times. All 3 were great experiences, once in Amsterdam and twice in London. Be sure to read the reviews and if you do use the service be sure to leave feedback. I also use google streetview to see whats around the area, and check local transport options. The properities were all clean and exactly as listed. It is great alternative to hotels!
SeatNextToYours
SeatNextToYours
Member since 12 Mar 2014
Total posts 115
I used it once in Sydney to be near relatives. You have to be comfortable with staying in a space that might not be exclusively dedicated to casual accommodation provision. I was not, and couldn't help feeling like an imposter of some kind.
SeatNextToYours
SeatNextToYours
Member since 12 Mar 2014
Total posts 115
That said, the website, booking process and review system are all quite user-friendly...
AlexT
AlexT
Member since 14 Apr 2014
Total posts 22
Used Airbnb twice. Have to say that it is one of the best experiences we've had. The website is easy to use and navigate but may be unresponsive sometimes. You can easily communicate with your accommodation provider. I truly recommend it and it is almost always cheaper than hotels too!
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
I wonder if there are any studies into the psychological and personality profile of Airnbn hosts and guests.
I'd feel extremely uncomfortable for strangers to be in my home, without me being there. And as a guest I'd be concerned that I am somewhat intruding.
How do hosts and guests be rid of their inhibitions?
nathanjordan
nathanjordan
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 21 Aug 2013
Total posts 47
I used it in Manhattan just before Christmas and couldn't have been happier with price(ultimately ends up being much cheaper than hotels), superb quality and location of the apartment (14th & 7th, directly above the subway) and the service/friendliness of the host. I was left right alone and stayed somewhere where this is virtually all the apartment is used for by the owners; to host AirbNb guests (hence the company's grey area problems with the law in New York City in particular). So that said, I didn't experience the 'alien' issues others have brought up, which I would otherwise have experienced in spades as well.
Despite having had a superlative experience, I am too scared to do it again. Ultimately, I prefer the environs of a hotel whilst away, unless staying with family/friends (even then, sometimes I would prefer a hotel!). I just think there are too many nebulous chances for things to go awry. Glad I did it once though, and it was such a great experience.
Aarondavis1986
Aarondavis1986
VA
Member since 01 Mar 2013
Total posts 29
I've always had great experiences with AirBnB although I tend to only stay in places where you get a whole apartment to yourself to avoid the awkwardness. The only thing that can be a bit difficult is finding the place, and arranging to pick up keys etc. but for the minor inconvenience it is worth it. Cheaper than a hotel, and feels more like you are expeirencing the culture of a place when you can stay in a residential rather than commercial area.