airbnb

Tipsntreats

Has anyone used airbnb? I have joined the site, but when I try to message the host, they ask for my photo. I am not happy to do this as no-one provides a photo for hotels. I am trying to find reasonable accommodation for 4 adults, my husband,myself,and my grown up twins. As one of my sons has learning problems and is NOT independent, I would like us to all be in one room. I have to do everything for my son, and would not like him in another room, for his own safety.
Airbnb seem to have exactly what I am looking for, but the only reviews I found were on there own site. I would welcome to hear from anyone that has used Airbnb, it seems very reasonable accomadation.

ariarnia

I've used it and rented an absolutely lovely place for a long holiday for a milestone birthday.

youre renting from people not staying in a hotel

That means different priorities than a hotel which has staff on site, business insurance, and a business man behind it.

the bloke I rented from insisted on a phonecall, and meeting me to hand over the keys - all to make sure I was actually who I said I was and not a stag-do going to trash the place

Tipsntreats

Thank-you for such a quick reply. I am looking to book Hyde Park. Would so love to find a postcode and check it out before hand. But it is all so secretive. So nice to find someone that has actually used airbnb.

jackyann

I haven't used airbnb - I've looked at it, but don't find it easy - it's never seemed to be just right. I guess that people letting you into their home do their best to protect themselves, but it can feel intrusive to you!
I do wonder if it is worth looking up the YHA? They have good value accommodation in London and might just suit you. We have stayed in their family rooms.

PS: You might get a few more replies on the UK holiday board

haras_nednats

I have used AirBNB once in Germany and had a positive experience. Everything was very simple, from paying to getting the keys and returning them. We were lucky in that the property was above the family restaurant so there was nearly always someone available if we needed anything. The thing with it is, that with each host, you will have a different experience.

I can understand why you don't want to post a picture, but it does help with security in a way, because the AirBNB host can identify you - and you them - from the picture.

If you are feeling insecure about the whole thing, try messaging the host again with your questions or misgivings and see what they say! It's always best to be honest with these things in my opinion. You could always ask for a contact number so you can talk to them prior to booking anything. Otherwise, I guess you'd have to look at a hotel.

purpleivy

We used two different airbnb properties last month in Germany. Each was different from the other.

The first one, there was a key safe at the front door, the apartment was ready for our arrival and we left the key in the safe when we left. I think it was owned by someone with a chain of rental properties.

The second was an apartment on a vineyard, with the owners living next door. A much more personal touch, e.g a bottle of their wine and some home made jam on our arrival. Hostess introduced hersself and showed us round not only the apartment but the rest of the grounds., which we were invited to use. We had a wine tasting of their most excellent wines.... and purchased a few.

Each was different, but we enjoyed them both.

pogofish

There has been so much Airbnb spam removed from these forums over the last year or so that simply I wouldn't use them on principle!

kremmen

I have used Airbnb twice now. Once for 4 months and the other time 5 days. I did have problems the 1st time as the owner hadn't validated his account despite being a top rated letter and I was immediately refunded by Airbnb but once he had completed the process all was well.
Paul

haras_nednats

Got back from holiday in Austria a few weeks ago, our Airbnb apartment was great and had absolutely no issues what so ever. Tipsntreats - hope you managed to find something suitable and had a good experience too!

katie_saver

I have great experiences twice with air bnb and my friends have too. I stayed in Paris for a weekend, we managed to get locked out and the lady came round within an hour despite it being very late on a Saturday night. Turns out the key was faulty so it wasn't our fault - phew! Also had a place on the costa del sol - 5 girls - immaculate place and great that they left us a welcome pack with basic things we may need as we arrived very late at night.