AirBnBing this Summer?
Since we’re coming up on summer vacay season, and many of you (including me) will be renting AirBnB’s instead of traditional hotels, I thought it might be worthwhile to go through some basic AirBnB etiquette. AirBnB’s are NOT hotels, so you shouldn’t expect the same level of service that you would receive in a hotel. No daily towel service and you’ll have to make your own bed - or not, your choice. One of the benefits of staying in an AirBnB as opposed to a hotel room (besides cost - they are generally a little cheaper than a hotel room) is to immerse yourself in the city/countryside and give you that ‘one of the locals’ feel, instead of that ‘look at me…I’m a tourist’ thing. When booking with AirBnB you can choose a room in home, an entire home (condo, apartment) to yourself, or if you’re really tight on cha-ching - you can even share a space. I’m going to assume that you, my dear followers will be staying in an entire home/condo. Follow these simple suggestions and upon your return you can sit back and revel in positive reviews from your host.
AirBnB Etiquette
Read through the entire listing carefully. The listing contains all of the information you need about the home. They are detailed and well written. Look carefully through the list of amenities to see if they match your needs. If there’s a question you have that’s not covered in the listing…contact the host. Host’s will generally return your email very quickly.
Read the reviews and ratings. People don’t lie about their stays. If there are negative comments, the host usually tries to clear things up quickly.
Pay attention to the AirBnB calendar. While most standard calendars run from Sunday to Sunday, for some reason AirBnB runs Monday to Sunday.
Do not ask to pay in cash. You pay for your rental through the website, it’s like that for many reason including your security and that of the host. The service fee is set and collected by AirBnB. Both host and guest pay a fee. Respect the process.
You are NOT in a hotel…it’s someones home, and as such there may well be personal items around . Respect the space.
Contact your host after you check in to let them know you have arrived. It’s nice for the host to know that they’re home is now occupied.
Check out on time. I cannot stress the importance of this. There is usually a cleaning team ready to get in and turn the home around. Respect the clock.
If you weren’t charged a cleaning fee - keep the unit tidy. Gather towels in the bathroom, strip the beds, wash the dishes or load the dishwasher, empty garbages and place bags by the front door.
BRING YOUR OWN TOILETRIES. Some AirBnB’s will offer some toiletries in the bathroom, but it’s nice to have your own.
Don’t host a party. If the host asks for the names of the guest staying in their home with you - provide them. It’s their home, they deserve to know who is sleeping in their bed. I know that sounds creepy, but it’s true.
And lastly…
Leave a review. This helps both the host and future guests, and it’s the best way to show your appreciation to your host.
If you have any suggestions on how to make your AirBnB stay fabulous…leave them in the comments!
Happy travels!
P.S. The pics included in this post are of the AirBnB I stayed at recently in Ottawa. Amazing location and great host. If you’re heading to the Capital this summer and want to stay in The Glebe…I highly recommend it.
