DORÉ

I’ve heard terrible stories about Airbnb, unless you’ll be around to check in with your guests, I would definitely not recommend to rent it. If you really want to do so, I’d suggest you move out all your expensive belongings.

Just had our first Airbnb experience in London and don’t think we’ll go back to hotels. Just be sure to read the reviews, they really help. And the other tip is to try to book far ahead which will give you more options.

I’ve done airbnb on both sides and I don’t recommend it anymore: it’s turned into a professional network for companies who don’t want to pay taxes… I gave up when a couple asked me where was my coffee machine (hint: I don’t drink coffee) and then complained that I wasn’t offering them coffee.
Plus, it destroys the rent market in big towns.

I have travelled all over Europe using Airbnb accommodations and have nothing but the best to say about them. I will use hotels only if I have to. As others said, do your research and use accommodations in good locations with tons of positive reviews. Trust your gut. Even if you have to pay more for better rentals, it’s still cheaper than hotels, especially if you travel with a larger group (or more than one person). Decent 2 bdr Airbnb in Europe is around $150. You can’t beat that for 4 people. The flexibility it offers, as well as great locations and access to local people (Airbnb host and their advice) are priceless for me. Will never travel any other way if I can help it.

I used to rent my older appartment (in Paris) and I’ve used airbnb in several cities including NYC and here are my ground rules for a nice airbnb:
– make sure to have good pics
– set your rules upfront in your ad : smoking/non smoking/ pets. Don’t hesitate to be soecific about your neigbourfs/ building (party / non party people / family etc). You can’t blame people to put some music on if you didn’t tell them that your upstair neighbour is a pain in the a**
– be ruthless when selectionning guests : ok it’s hard at first because there are lots of places available, but you’re basically invinting strangers at your place. So you should be confortable with them. I kinda “naturally” specialised with couples (with or without kids). Some stayed for the WE other for as long as 2 weeks, never had any trouble
– clear your “valuable” properties : jewelry / ipad etc. But you can leave any “massive” stuff. Not that I’m particularly worry about thieves, but just to clear everyone’s mind
– make a “how to” guide of your appartment : i made a little booklet with a how to us it (in pics) for every device in the appartment from the oven to the dishwasher including the coffee machine. I know how hard it is to use other people stuffs, especially when they don’t speak the same language
– if possible always do the check in yourself (or by someone you trust). Spend some time with them to insist on the house rules. It’s always harder to lie to someone face to face than via email

I use airbnb almost every time I travel now, and always recommend it to others as well. It’s especially great in bigger cities because you can usually find something much cheaper and much more interesting than a hotel, but I’ve stayed in a couple more rural gems too. You should do it–both ways–staying and renting your place!

Shoubbi has some great points up there about hosting on AirBNB. I also host my place on AirBNB and I think for the most part guests are respectful when staying in someone’s home. I would just add, if you have a closet that locks, you could use that to store things that you might not want guests to touch (personal items to more expensive things).

If you are in NYC you should be aware that the law currently prohibits prohibits New Yorkers from renting out single-family apartments, or rooms within them, for fewer than 30 days—unless the tenant or homeowner is living in the home at the same time. If you seek people for more than a week or two maybe try to get people through friends and family first, or professional networks. If you choose to do Air B and B have a designated local person that lets your folks in, vets them and who they can call if things go badly. Read reviews of the renters and don’t rent to first timers, people who ask you with very little notice, people who ask for large discounts. Yes, trust your gut. Once you have people emailing you, be sure to ask: Why are they visiting? What are their hours? Do they need it to be very hot or very cool? Do they smoke anything? Do they plan to host people in the apartment? Do they plan to cook? Do they need a lot of hosting or do they expect you to be hands off? Do they want coffee/ tea/breakfast/snacks? Do they have allergies? Are they into partying and coming home late or early rising sightseers? Also arrange a maid service or pal to tidy bathroom daily, and dust , vacuum, add new towels, and change sheets every 3 days I host Air B and B while living in my place and have found all the previous questions/issues pertinent. Be honest about the vibe of your place and who you are as a host. if you place has drawbacks make sure they know so the aren’t blindsided by anything. My best Air B and B people are couples on vacation who like to sightsee. Hope this helps!

You have to make sure it’s legal to post your apt on AirBnB. Most places in NYC/Brooklyn do not allow that. If you get caught, you could end up paying fines or your landlord might be charged and may pass those fines to you. Some management companies give bonuses to neighbors or doormen who ‘spy’ on others in their bldg who use AirBnB. Many new leases specifically clarify no airbnb.

We rent an apartment out on AirBnB and it’s easy and wonderful. No horror stories, great guests!

J’ai fait Air BnB au Portugal et a NY et c’était super. Tu peux choisir à qui louer ton appart, le site te permettant de voir le profil de tes hôtes potentiels ainsi que les commentaires de leurs séjours précédents.

Je conseillerais un minimum de 3 nuits voire plus, parce que si tu n’es pas là souvent, c’est mieux de favoriser les longs séjours vu que tu devras organiser la remise des clés, nettoyage etc. A Brooklyn notre hôte était également absente, du coup elle avait les clés de son appart dans une boîte à code accrochée à son vélo dans la cour, et c’était super car on a pu déposer nos bagages quand on voulait + les personnes qui ont fait le ménage avaient un double des clés.

Mais effectivement comme j’ai lu dans d’autres commentaires, mieux vaut éviter les TV, ordi etc ou tout autre objet cher, ne sait-on jamais!

Au moins avec Air BnB t’as vraiment l’impression d’être “à la maison” même si c’est chez qq’un!

We are renovating some historic apartments in Carcassonne, France, to rent via AirBnB and other sites. However, we have applied to the municipal authorities for permission, they will inspect the apartments and we have to pay taxes on the rent.
We used AirBnB during a trip to NY–it’s so much better than a hotel for a family. It’s also better when you want to experience a place more like a local, picking up food to cook, etc. rather than being waited on all the time.
I think in some ways, though, the online rental boom has hurt other residents, especially the property owners who don’t declare the income and who help drive up property and rental prices so normal people can no longer afford to live there (San Francisco).

j’abonde dans le sens de Caroline et Roelien… même chose à Berlin, airbnb fait pas mal de tort au marché de l’immobilier (bonjour la galère quand on cherche un appart pour y vivre, car des rues entières de quartiers sympa sont désormais des “apparts de vacances” parfois sous-loués par des gens eux-mêmes locataires qui ont ainsi trouvé un nouveau moyen de gagner leur vie – absurde…) et à la vie de quartier… c’était une fausse bonne idée, ce truc.

You might find this write-up interesting. http://www.clarkhoward.com/7-lessons-i-learned-as-an-airbnb-host