I Want to Stay Here!People frequently approach Airbnb with hesitation. How will I know it’s clean? How will I know it’s safe? I frequently tell remind them Erin Andrews probably felt safe staying in the hotel she chose before her privacy was disgustingly violated in 2008 in a Nashville, TN Marriott. No one can guarantee totally privacy and safety at any hotel, but I will say choosing an Airbnb is no worse. And it saves money, time and is frequently cleaner.
Airbnb has more rooms than any major hotel, and the they don’t actually own any rooms. Innovation! I’ve stayed at airbnb homes from one coast to the other, and it is a great solution for business travelers. However, there are certain factors to consider when choosing an Airbnb home.
Pictures – The first thing I want to see is the room / apartment / home. If I am going to stay in a private room, I want to see the room and the furniture therein. I want to see if there is going to be a television, night stand and desk in the room. In addition to the bedroom, I want to see the common area. I don’t use the family rooms or kitchens, but I want to know they are clean. IMPORTANT: What does the outside look like? I chose a room once without seeing the outside, and the home looked like a crack house. Pictures are critical when choosing an Airbnb.
Just Got Fired? Best. Day. Ever!
Location – Use Google Maps or Google Earth to see the general location of the home. The home is no good if it is 50 miles away from your work for the day or week. Similarly, insure it is close to restaurants, highways or the night life you crave (even on business trips). Renters also want to know if it is in a safe location. Whether you are choosing an Airbnb for business for personal use, know the neighborhood. You may want a location with unique architecture, diners and personality. As with real estate, one of the keys to choosing an Airbnb is location, location, location.
Reviews – Renters and rentees need great reviews. When your stay is complete, you can review the home, and they can review you as a renters. I never stay at homes with less than 4.5 / 5 stars. Don’t just look at the stars. Read at least five reviews – the good and the bad. Read the recent reviews. If all of the reviews are for 2 years ago, and there is nothing recent, that’s not a good sign. Reviews are the currency in today’s “sharing economy.”
Amenities – Some homes offer breakfast, wifi, shampoo and a desk workspace. Be careful when selecting free wifi (in homes, restaurants or hotels). This can be a way for people to watch your web activity or steal your passwords. I always choose homes that give me a TV and desk / workspace. For personal travels with a family, select homes that provide you the comforts of homes. Kitchens are also great for an early cup of coffee or saving money on eating out. Choosing an Airbnb with personal amenities will help you sleep soundly at night.
Price – Don’t stay in cheap hotels or homes. Choosing an Airbnb based solely on price is a recipe for disaster. Consider the price of the homes in which you will stay, but do not let it be main factor in your choice. I price hotels in an area (using the Hotel Tonight app), and then I compare those rates to an Airbnb home with similar amenities. As Sara of Simply Sarah Travel says, “You’re looking for savings, not a steal.” If seems to good to be true, it is. That four bedroom, two and a half bath home you found for $45 / night is not going to live up to your standards.
I actually enjoy choosing an Airbnb. It gives me a true taste of the city I’m in and a story to share with clients and coworkers. As with hotels, I normally don’t talk to my hosts a lot. I go to my room and work the rest of the night. While hotels give you rusted old gyms and stale donuts, my Airbnb rooms give a different personality in every city.
Scientifically Speaking, of course…
