Airbnb

[Liar]

Anyone got experience with that sort of thing?

Is it worth it? Legit or dodgy? How do I make sure I don't get smothered in my sleep and harvested for organs?

Might give it a go when I'm in LA this winter on business. Because hotels stays longer than two, three days kind of sucks.

 

[PoppingTom]

I'm more into booking.com, made really good experiences with, and I think prices are better.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

It's a good idea on paper. However, I'm still iffy on how it all works smoothly without things going to absolute crap. You're basically trusting that the person you're letting in isn't going to fuck shit up or trusting the person you're giving money to for shelter isn't going to be a secret weirdo. I have area in my apartment that I could make work for me with this, but I have to weight the checks and balances of this process first. I'm also a person that pays extra for the ultimate convenience of my own space without having to worry about other people's shit fucking with my shit. I like that.

But I also like having more money. Hmmmmm...

Also, it seems it might be illegal in certain spaces to do so. There have been social problems with the process, one of the main ones being that people living in urban spaces and apartments who do it routinely have irritated other people in their complexes who aren't so keen on seeing strangers and transients frequently coming and going in and out of their building, making noise, sometimes excessive partying, etc.

Dunno. Heard good and bad stories, but I'm going to have to research more because it may be something I dip into next year to possibly augment my finances as the cost of living gets more strenuous for us middle-class plebes.

 

[PoppingTom]

It's a good idea on paper. However, I'm still iffy on how it all works smoothly without things going to absolute crap. You're basically trusting that the person you're letting in isn't going to fuck shit up or trusting the person you're giving money to for shelter isn't going to be a secret weirdo. I have area in my apartment that I could make work for me with this, but I have to weight the checks and balances of this process first.

Airbnb or booking.com are both international platforms, not only used by Americans (no offense, but i won't trust such). If the hotel fucks up, people can write about it. Nobody would go into a hotel with shadowy responses.

 

[about_average]

I'm more into booking.com, made really good experiences with, and I think prices are better.

Yeah, I've gotten some really great deals with booking.com, particularly in England. I've only used it once, I think, in the US.
I've found the deals can be better booking shortly before the day(s) I want to stay. Obviously you may end up with fewer options though.
I've never tried airbnb

 

[Liar]

I'm more into booking.com, made really good experiences with, and I think prices are better.

Yeah but that's hotels, isn't it? I hate hotels. The point of Airbnb is that it's not hotels. It's people renting out their private digs.

If I can find a short term serviced apartment, that would be best, but I haven't found anything in the area that looks good and doesn't suck my account dry.

 

[PoppingTom]

Yeah but that's hotels, isn't it? I hate hotels. The point of Airbnb is that it's not hotels. It's people renting out their private digs.

Booking is both, though airbnb may have a bigger supply on its topic. But prices may be better at booking.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[Sunshine]

Anyone got experience with that sort of thing?

Is it worth it? Legit or dodgy? How do I make sure I don't get smothered in my sleep and harvested for organs?

Might give it a go when I'm in LA this winter on business. Because hotels stays longer than two, three days kind of sucks.

LOVE IT. I recommend you spend a lot of time reading through reviews of a potential place. Look at the ratings critically.
I have had nothing but stellar experiences. I just booked a two week trip to Italy and will be staying at 4 BNB listings.

 

[Hypoxia]

We use booking.com for short-term (4 days to 4 weeks) house and condo rentals as well as motels+hotels when we travel. We are very satisfied.

 

[planetqueen]

Use both booking.com and airnb a lot. Have rented some beautiful apartments from both. Both sites have reviews on them so that gives you some idea before you go.

Not sure I would rent a room in a house with strangers though.

 

[Hard_Rom]

As an occupant I might feel safe with Airbnb but not as one renting out their place. I saw a news item says Airbnb has picked up insurance for renters.

Girls as usual beware. There have been reports of girls being sexually abused staying in dodgy places.

 

[Liar]

I love that so done else is making the bed, often every took leave the room, even though you tell them you are not so high maintenance as all that. That the room is vacuumed for you when you pop out, as if there really is a housework fairy after all.

That's what gives me the creeps about hotels. The lack of privacy and "don't get any ideas, this is still our space" attitude that permiates them.

The breakfasts are nice though.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[Hard_Rom]

I have stayed in some fancy hotels, got an escort or two, banged her or them on top of the sheets and comforter and then seen maids only change lower sheets. This is in an expensive hotel too.

Go to any hotel/motel toss the comforter in a corner wearing gloves. Rent out your place to Airbnb, buy new sheets after or have bedding exclusively for guests. Towels too.

 

[Not Normal]

I just got home from a weekend in an Airbnb in Nashville. This is the second year in a row me and my friends did this for a conference we attend annually. I think its pretty great having a living room and a kitchen.

 

[jomar]

Know some folk that have had great experiences. That said, you've read the cons. So, pepper spray and a thingy to jam the bedroom door shut seems like reasonable precautions...the hosts are probably doing the same.