Anybody used AirBnB Before?

PaulReso

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Hey guys,

Recently booked a flight to New York with my girlfriend for September and I've been looking for hotels in Manhattan and the prices are crazy. Well, what I expected but still more than I'd like to pay.

Anyway I came across airbnb.co.uk and it looks amazing, great idea and the people on there look like they know what they're doing. Prices end up at half the price and there are some great locations. Just wondering if anyone has used AirBnB before?

I'm looking to stay in Manhattan, maybe SoHo or East Village, any suggestions?

Cheers guys :beer:

Alan_Bowen

They are beginning to get some seriously negative press in the US with accommodation either not existing at all or being very different from that promised. The contract is with the 'owner' and the company appear to deny liability if things go wrong. I also seem to remember that New York has some of the tightest rules on short term letting of property, no doubt to protect legitimate hotels, so it might be fine but if its not and you have to find accommodation on arrival be prepared to pay

Vikki_74

Have a read through or search on the New York thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2230655

I'm pretty sure M4RKM has mentioned using them before and may have some recommendations or advice on the legalities.

Louise.H

My parents and I used it for our holiday in DC and NYC, both apartments were even better than the pictures. Although saying this in terms of NYC there is some sort of new legislation about sub-letting for less than 30 days there. Anyway this is the one I used and was very happy with though seeing as there is only two of you it may not be worth the price:

http://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/14314

I would recommend always booking one with a few reviews, the site operates a policy that only legitimate guests who have stayed there can leave reviews, therefore cutting out the possibility of their friends leaving bogus ones.

cfw1994

I had a friend who had used it for a fairly nice looking stay they had in a loft apartment in New York recommend it to us.

We have used it to book a bunch of "interesting sounding" places as part (most!) of a big family US trip later this year. The ability to exchange some email banter with the owners gives you at least some chance to 'vet' them (as do previous reviews). In our case a few nice emails !

Only problem so far is the *UK* place we had booked for before we fly out: they cancelled only this week :-( I *think* because they have dropped out of AirBnB (no reason given). Inconvenient, but at least in plenty of time for us.

Hoping for a fun experience: places vary between a "hippy park" to MGM Suites in Vegas as well as nice-sounding homes.....

bluestarlight

I've used them to rent several places and always had good experiences. Check out the reviews carefully and ask the owners plenty of questions.