In a typical hotel you will be confined inside a 20 square meters room with your kids. While, staying in a more spacious Airbnb apartment or house at a lower price will certainly appeal to many travelling family.
“With Airbnb, you don’t go there, you live there” – that is what Airbnb’s website says. For those unfamiliar: Airbnb gives you a list of holiday rentals, from a single room in a shared house to a whole private apartment for travellers seeking a place to stay. And just like hotels, it includes basic necessities such as WiFi, bed sheets and towels. There are countless options as to the kind of accommodation you can rent; including castles, houseboat and caves!
Through friends we have heard both good and bad Airbnb experiences. The purpose of this article is so that you are aware of both the pros and cons that come with booking a family travel accommodation through Airbnb.
The good things about Airbnb
It’s simple. Book the property you want. Meet your Airbnb host on the first day for key handover. Your host may also be give some info on sights to see, where to eat and shop. And that’s it! The place is yours for a few days.
If you’re staying at an apartment building sometimes you can even access amenities such as a pool, gym access, free parking and children play area.
Mullti bedroom Airbnb accommodation will also suit larger family travel group. For example if you have 2 or more kids, or you are travelling with an entourage of relatives.
Those who are picky eaters or wanting to save money by not eating out, Airbnb will usually have kitchen facilities.
The not so good things about Airbnb
Consider what happens IF for whatever reason your Airbnb host doesn’t deliver? Say when you arrive.. the rooms are nothing like the photos, they double book, or worse still – your host didn’t turn up?! In a hotel there will be someone at the reception you can talk to, with Airbnb ultimately it is up to the host. You can leave bad feedbacks and eventually can get a refund after you appeal.. but in the meantime what’s your backup plan?
Not all Airbnb welcome travelling families. Hosts can decide whether or not to welcome kids in their property. If a host marks: Family/Kid Friendly (as an amenity), this means families are welcome. Yet be aware that kids friendliness is subjective.
Airbnb is someone else’s house. It is not specifically built to be child safe. So consider your own kid’s safety needs – think: electrical points, steep staircases, slippery tiles and safety pool fence.
If you want room service and concierge as part of your family travel, then Airbnb is not for you.
For us, our Airbnb experiences to date have been nothing short of amazing. However, we still prefer staying at hotels we find via Booking.com
If you have set your heart on booking an Airbnb, Sign up for AirBnb here and get money off your first booking.
Here are Letsgobeartravels Ultimate Guide to choosing Airbnb:
BEFORE YOU BOOK:
• Stay ONLY at a Superhost property. Filter your Airbnb search to “Superhost” only – these are experienced hosts who are well and truly trusted. Superhosts will have a badge symbol next to their profile so you can easily identify them. Our previous Airbnb hosts were superhosts and they were VERY prompt in replying emails and WhatsApp messages.
• Go through property description carefully, and read the fine prints. Know exactly what you will be getting. How many bedrooms and how many beds? Is it the entire place? Or a private room in a shared house? Will you be sharing a common area like the kitchen and living space?
• Research the location well. Stay in a family friendly location. Make sure it is centrally located within close walking distance to sights or train station.
• Read other traveller’s reviews as these provide the most up to date insight of the property and what you can expect.
• When travelling with a baby, check beforehand if your host have a baby cot.
• Have a clear idea of amenities you’re getting such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, laundry and kitchen facilities. If you plan to cook, will the property have all the equipment you need?
• Review property photos carefully
• Note any additional charges, such as cleaning fees, service fees and occupancy taxes.
• Is the apartment on ground floor? 5th floor? Is there a lift? Your host maybe kind enough to help carry, but lugging a stroller and luggage up multiple flights of stairs is not fun. Unless you have a strong and willing husband! LOL
• Read the cancellation policy and property rules.
• Unsure of anything? Email the host directly PRIOR to booking
• Consider your options and check out our favourite booking site Booking.com for comparisons.
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL:
• Ask the host of any queries you may have. Never assume they can accommodate your needs.
• Set a time to meet up with your host.
• Note down the property address and contact details of your host. A good host should provide clear instructions on getting to the property for key hand over.
• Toiletries usually are not always provided, so bring them with you. Towels though are usually provided.
WHEN YOU STAY:
• Be respectful of the property. This is someone else’s home. Treat it like you would with your own house. Wash up the dishes after use, put away the rubbish. Don’t leave trails of messes for your host to clean up.
• Become a 5 star guest. Remember your host can also leave a rating for you.
• If there is a problem with the property, notify the owner. Most will do their best to make it right. Don’t keep quiet only to rant about it in your post-stay review.
• If things are terrible and clearly NOT as stated in description and photos, contact Airbnb immediately. Airbnb will hold on to your payment and will not release it to the host until 24 hours after your check in. Take photos to support your claim and a refund will be processed after going through the resolution center.
AFTER YOUR STAY:
• Leave a review for your host within 14 days and share your experience. Be honest!
Have you used Airbnb for your family travel? Where abouts and what was was it like?
