Airbnb is an amazing platform for all kinds of travelers. For instance, you can find anything from lavish villas to cheap shared rooms on the Airbnb website.
However, there are many different ways in which you can choose the very best Airbnb according to your preferences. For example, I always choose Airbnb over Hotels or Hostels for the comfort, affordability, and amenities. In addition, you get to live like a local and make friends with the hosts. So, in this post, I will talk about the 9 easy steps that I follow to choose the perfect Airbnb.
Contents
1. Set the Search parameters
Step 1: Input the name of your main destination.
Step 2: Enter the exact or tentative dates of your stay.
Step 3: Choose the number of guests. If you skip this step the results will show you a price and it may drastically change later.
2. Set the filters
Step 1: Choose a price range. Keep it 10-20 Euros over your budget.
Step 2: Choose the type of room you want to stay in. For example, a private room, an entire apartment, shared rooms, etc.
Step 3: There is an option for instant booking, but you don’t need it if you are booking well in advance. However, this option helps in case of a late booking.
Step 4: Check the cancellation policy. This is only important if you are unsure about your plans and if you check this option many relevant stay options may disappear.
Step 5: Finally, hit Search
3. Shortlist your choices
Step 1: You will see a map on the right side of the screen with the locations of places to stay in. Choose the exact location you want to stay in and set the distance as close to the centre as possible. Use the zoom in and out button.
Step 2: If you see the prices way above your budget in the centre start zooming out slowly. As a result, you will start getting more options.
Tip: If you see a place at the centre which costs 10-20 Euros more than your budget consider it because you will save money on travelling with public transport everyday if you stay in the centre.
Step 3: Shortlist a few options and open them in new tabs.
4. Research your options
Step 1: Sometimes a beautiful place may not look impressive or a tiny place may look spacious because of photography tricks. Therefore, look at the pictures of the property but do not let this be the only factor in deciding.
Tip: Do look at the image of the bathroom. Bathrooms are a very important factor, especially for longer stays. Sometimes the properties are great, but the bathrooms are tiny and nonfunctional. My husband is 6’4″ and he has a lot of problem with small bathrooms so I always check them beforehand.
Step 2: Check the note from the host and the description. There might be some information or special restrictions written which may affect your decision.
Step 3: Make sure you read the house rules clearly and ask yourself whether you will be able to follow them. Also, check the Check-in and Checkout times and whether they suit your timings.
Step 4: Check out the bed arrangements and the amenities provided to see if you have the basics.
5. See the reviews
This is a very important factor. For me, the reviews of previous guests determine whether I want to stay in a property or not. You will get to see the perks and minute problems that may affect your stay, but not mentioned in the property description.
6. Check the location
If you scroll down in the property page in Airbnb, under the reviews you will see a Location section with a Map. This is very important. Most of the time, it is mentioned how the place can be reached with public transport or how far it is from the airport and center.
Sometimes, there is a generic location and you find out later that it is actually situated in the outskirts. However, if you are unsure, follow the next step.
7. Contact Host
This is an amazing option and I always make sure I use it to get exactly what I need. The above rules are not set in stone and you can actually just contact the host to make sure you convey your requirements. Most of them are polite and will let you know straight away if it is possible or not.
They are usually not very flexible when it comes to the Check-In and Check-Out times but there is no harm in trying if you really love a place.
8. Choose a favourite
Follow the above points for all the properties that you shortlisted, and I am sure you will have a favorite. After that, go ahead and book it.
There are two ways to confirm your booking. Instant booking lets you reserve a place immediately while Request to book needs the approval of the host. You usually get a confirmation or rejection within 24 hours.
Voila! You are ready to book an Airbnb like a pro.
You may also like: Solo Female Travel in Europe – 10 Budget-Friendly Tips with Destinations
