Airbnb is one of the world’s leading homestay platforms, giving users around the world comfortable places to stay on their vacations.
The platform became popular mainly because it saved travelers money on hotel rooms, which before its inception, were extortionately priced. Average hotel costs have come down now, as hotels could not and still cannot compete with Airbnb’s prices.
Whether you are a traveler who’s looking for somewhere to stay or a homeowner trying to make money, learn about Airbnb before using the platform. This post will tell you a few things you need to know about it:
Available Properties
No matter where you want to go in the world, you will find an Airbnb room. Research shows Airbnb has more than 150 million users, making it one of the largest homestay platforms in the entire world. The vast array of properties available means that individuals can find somewhere to stay, regardless of where they are going. Traveling has, therefore, never been easier. Even in the remotest parts of the world, you can find Airbnb accommodations, making getting around in comfort much easier for backpackers and committed travelers; however, not all Airbnb rooms are of the same quality. Some in remote parts of the world are very basic.
Hotel Competition
Some hotels have had to drop their prices, as they are unable to compete with Airbnb. For example, in Tangier, a Moroccan port city, Airbnb rooms in riads, traditional Moroccan houses, can be found for less than half of the price of the city’s nicest hotels. These riads tend to be just as luxurious, and sometimes more comfortable. Staying in Airbnb rooms makes a lot more sense than staying in hotels, considering they are usually cheaper. Always read a specific host’s reviews before staying with them, however; there could be a reason they are cheap.
Multiple Channels
If you are a host, you will be pleased to know that Airbnb isn’t the only homestay service there is. Listing properties on multiple channels can increase your chances of making bookings. You can use the same photos and descriptions across your listings, saving you time. Pay attention to bookings and sync your calendars so you don’t end up booking multiple people at the same time, in the same room. It is important to note that different platforms charge different fees, some more than others.
Cleaning Service
Before letting rooms out on Airbnb, it’s important to hire a professional cleaning service. Until you hire a cleaning service you cannot let rooms out to new guests, as they will be staying in the last guest’s filth. If you are a professional host then you should have no trouble finding a cleaning service to work with. There are some services that cater exclusively to Airbnb hosts, meaning they will be able to give you a fixed contract, and good deals. Signing a contract with a cleaner will save you money in the long term.
Syncing Calendars
As mentioned earlier, if you are using multiple channels to list properties and rooms, you need to sync calendars. Unless you sync calendars you could end up overbooking properties. Overbooking properties can reflect poorly upon you as a host. Even if people continue to stay with you in spite of overbookings, you will gradually accumulate negative reviews. When a host’s reviews reach a certain point, Airbnb intervenes. Hosts with lots of negative reviews are not allowed to continue hosting until they have made improvements. Airbnb takes customer satisfaction very seriously, so sync your calendars.
Shared Accommodation
If you are a guest, you will be pleased to know that there are a lot of things you can do to maximize savings when using Airbnb’s platform. Some hosts give people the opportunity to stay in private rooms, while others allow you to stay in shared ones. If you want to save money, then stay in shared accommodation. Shared accommodation essentially just means that you will be staying in a room with other people, strangers. If you are going to stay in shared accommodation then do not leave your valuables lying around and keep your suitcases locked, so nothing gets stolen from you as sometimes happens in hostels and shared dormitories.
Self-Check-in
As an Airbnb guest, in most cases, you can check in yourself. The ability to check yourself into rooms you have booked saves time and effort. It also means you can arrive slightly earlier, or alternatively, later. Check-in times are usually very rigid, making traveling uncomfortable. You cannot always be on time when you are traveling. Sometimes transport is delayed, and other times you get distracted by other things. Having to check into a room at a specific time can make traveling unpleasant, which is why the vast majority of hosts offer self-check-in.
Catered Rooms
In some Airbnb accommodations, food is offered as part of the cost of the room. In others, food is offered but it is not included in the price of the room. If you are a traveler then you should make an effort to only ever stay in catered houses, as this will save you money. Food in other countries, especially ones that see a lot of tourism, can be very expensive. You also have to worry about hygiene if you are traveling to less popular places and poor parts of the world. When you get food provided by your host, you don’t have to worry about these things.
Guest Reviews
One of the very last things that you need to think about as a traveler is your reviews. The thing that makes Airbnb unique is that it’s possible for hosts to review travelers, meaning if a traveler behaves badly, they can receive negative reviews. Before accepting guests, hosts read their reviews. While it is of course possible for guests to evade these reviews by making new accounts, they can still tell you a lot about a person. Some hosts will not accept travelers that do not have any reviews. Try to get positive reviews on your account.
Visiting different countries, meeting new people, and experiencing foreign cultures can benefit you in many ways. Unless you take steps to experience new things in life, you will never grow as a person. When traveling, accommodation is always an important consideration. Airbnb simplifies finding somewhere to stay, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your travels.
