Thinking about using this for our vacation to Va. The thing is I know nothing about them. The price for the week is ok but I would guess there is other fees. Could I get some insight as to how this works? Pros, cons or what to look out for. Thanks all

I've used Airbnb numerous times and never been disappointed.

Read the descriptions and reviews. Some places are entire houses some are rooms attached to a house, some are tiny homes on someone's property. Just know what you're getting. If the reviews are good and you understand what your getting you will be fine.

As far as fees some have cleaning fees and there may be some other fees I'm forgetting. Some are higher than others. The host sets the fees. It will all be disclosed before you pay though so nothing should be a surprise.

We used them on a trip out West a few years ago and last year used Airbnb and hotel mix on a trip.

I've met some nice people staying in them. Sometimes you meet the hosts sometimes they are not around. It usually depends on the type of combinations.

I used them twice. Once in Mexico and once in St. George Utah. Great Experiences both times.

Booked numerous places in Iceland through AirBnb on two different trips, and we've used them in the US as well.

All were positive experiences, including one not being able to make a stay because we were stuck in a blizzard.

I used Airbnb last summer for a trip to Colorado Springs and everything worked well. A female friend of mine has used airbnb on more than one occasion and from what she told me everything worked out well. The best advice I can give you is to read the entire add for whatever home you are thinking of renting. Different renters have different house rules like not suitable for children, no pets, available parking, access to laundry facilities, kitchen, if AC is available, if you'll have the whole space to yourself, no parties, etc. There are also financial penalties that can range from 10-50% of your down payment if for some reason you have to cancel another reason to read the entire listing before making a reservation. If you have any questions you have the option to email the renter and ask.

Once you do your search and select the property you are interested in you will land on the page for that particular property. On the right side of the page will be a pricing area showing:

the rate per night x # of nights selected
Cleaning fee
Service fee
Any occupancy taxes & fees
Total for your stay

That's it, the total of these rates and fees is what you pay. No hidden fees. Once you accept and submit you will get contacted by the owner or their agent directly with check in instructions. It couldn't be simpler.

I have used them a dozen times and never had a bad experience and it beats the pants off a hotel when traveling with a group or for more than a night or two.

Look for several reviews on the place you are thinking of renting. Also don't forget VRBO either. Look at the fees and restrictions....they list cleaning fees, booking fees (if there are any), as well as restrictions like minimum of 3 nights (although I believe the search filters ones out that don't match your number of stays). But generally you get a very good place at a very reasonable price. It really works out if traveling with several people where you'd need 2 hotel rooms or more, many times you can get a VERY nice house for the same price.

Mrs.BurtonRW and I use AirBNB or VRBO exclusively (to the exclusion of hotels) if we’re going to be anywhere for more than a couple of nights.

Only one bad experience with a first time owner and AirBNB made it right with us and promptly kicked him off the platform.

Nothing to worry about.

-Rob

I use VBRO, just because I didn't like the idea of providing my driver's license to Airbnb.

Thanks for all the replys so far.

Used it last fall to rent a place in northern NH for a short break. Booking was simple, you can filter to make sure you get what you wanted (I was looking for a cabin and not some attached/shared property). The place I stayed had no cell service (part of why I picked it) but did still have a landline which the owner called to check in at a pre-arranged time and that was the last I heard from him. Kinda nice not to see or hear from another soul for 4 days. Plus he had this on the outside so I knew he'd be cool. haha

This place was one of the coolest places I've ever stayed. Cool building, great views, clean. Close to Sequoia National Forest.




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/pUpYTxDOJ2Q

We have used them 15 times. Was dissatisfied once. Read the reviews. Even then there are some bnb hosts that are plain dishonest. Most are good hearted and give more than you pay for.

Our one dissatisfying experience was an overnight wherein the active railroad at an intersection was not described nor discussed in the reviews by anyone. That night no fewer than ten horn blasting trains went by about 300 ft. from the room. We did not sleep a wink that night. We gave up and left about 4 in the morning. Drove to a rest area and slept in the car.

Bottom line is you have to do your research.

^^^lol

One of the places we stayed in Iceland was also a yurt.

I guess AirBnb is full of yurts?

Wife found us a three bedroom place in Pismo Beach, about two blocks from the water.

We read the rules (main one being to only park in driveway or directly in front of house). We came home after dark and a strange car was in front of the house. We parked behind it and neighbors politely asked us to move it (car blocking space was gone by then). Literally a few hours later the neighbor's six year old fell and broke her wrist.

I just happened to see the whole thing and, put together a quick splint then carried the young girl to her house. To say the least, parents were very grateful. The next morning we found a thank you note and basket full of wine, cheese, and fresh baked bread on the door step from the landlord.

A few days after we checked out, my wife received a check and card, from the neighbor and via the landlord, thanking us and paying for our whole stay there.

A year later the landlord contacted us directly with a free five night stay.

So yes, as noted, just know what you're getting and be cognizant of the area where the place is located (Atlanta ghetto might be a little different than Pismo )

They are virulently anti-gun, and donate money to their cause. F AirBnB.

Airbnb donated $300,000 to the Canadian gun confiscation plan.

We are linked with VRBO, but I would say, do your due diligence in checking out your place, reviews, etc. We have had an excellent outcome for our first year.

I use them a lot when vacationing overseas and attending Spring Training, as everyone's pointed out, do your research, look at the photographs and descriptions carefully. Get familiar with the area your host is generally located in. Make sure you understand what you're getting; are you renting an entire home/condo/apartment? Do you need an oven? Does the kitchen come with a microwave? Do you have a designated parking space? Is the unit located on the ground floor facing the street, facing a courtyard or, on the top floor.

Utilize the filter function, I almost always rent with Superhosts, they're focused on hospitality, and have received positive reviews in a short amount of time, which means they're geared on service. We rented a place in Rome, it came fully stocked with breakfast brioche bread, fruit, snacks and candies. Another place the host left us a bottle of wine.

Upon arrival make sure you understand what to do with dirty dishes, bedding & towels, where the garbage goes upon checking out, where the fusebox is (just in case), where to park your car, contact number for emergencies, where to leave the keys upon leaving and how to reach the hosts with any other unexpected questions. I heard of two friends who got their place and realized after the 2nd day of a week long stay, that the place didn't have any extra toilet paper. Another friend had a place that didn't have any soap. A little pre-trip prep will help not derail your trip.

They helped us this spring after we left Cape Canaveral early due to the covid19 shut down. The land lady didn't want to give us a refund (under their special virus "extenuating circumstance"). We left the first week in March and contacted the HQ and discussed it with them, They refunded us $600 because the land LADY WASN'T ANSWERING THEIR MESSAGES.