Discussions

Heading to Mesa last two weeks in March to watch some spring training baseball and some side trips. Usually stay in hotels but maybe Airbnb is the way to go economically ? Have never done this how does it work? Any recommended locations? Will be 1 couple maybe 2.

We stayed at an Sorbonne in Vancouver in August. We are never going to stay in hotel again. It was everything plus that we expected. The site is easy to navigate. We specified an area and were given many choices, many prices. We chose one they promptly replied that they had someone extend their stay before we booked. 2nd choice was quickly agreed on. If all hosts were like ours, it will be a great experience

Do you pay up front? What about cleaning fees or taxes or any other hidden charges? Would like to go for two weeks in March and a month next year.

My parents use Airbnb and FRBO all the time when they travel in the winter. They've had great success and love it!! My brother and his finace also took a trip to Victoria this past summer, had a gorgeous condo right on the waterfront for less money than a hotel.  
 
Generally the charges are listed up front. It varies according to the host. Sometimes too you can get a "reduced rate" if you contact the host directly so they can avoid some of the fees. You also have to watch cancellation policies as they vary according to the host, although most seem to be fairly generous.  
 
I had booked an Airbnb last summer, but about 2 weeks before our trip the host contacted me and had to cancel due to family emergency. Other than being disappointed, they were easy to work with and I got all my money back within a couple of days. So there's that risk - a hotel is unlikely to cancel your reservation like that - but I would attempt it again next time we're going somewhere.

You pay upfront. All of the charges are well laid out. Cleaning fees were a one time fee and clearly defined. We had to pay a deposit for potential damage. We walked through the host and when we got home there was a credit to our charge card. If we were to return to Vancouver we would stay in the same place. It was fully equipped. Shampoo, conditioner, coffee, tea was supplied

To add to my post, the rental was fully half the cost of a hotel. We paid 141 per day for 4 ppl. 100 for cleaning. We got a 3 bedroom 2 bath appt. With a full kitchen, and living room. We were 10 minutes to downtown. All decent hotels were 325 and up

We’ve done a couple bookings through it this year. I put a lot of work into review reading first. Personally wouldn’t trust enough unless a place has quite a few reviews to comb through and contrast positives vs negatives. You can find quite a few deals on places that have 1 or 2 reviews, I let someone else take that risk. In both cases of my bookings this year we ended up places that for the money and amenities were better than hotel options that were available in the areas that we stayed. In both cases the hosts were awesome with with answers when we needed them, though I imagine there are also stories out there to the contrary depending on the host (hence reviews).  
 
On top of reviews, when sorting through places I pay attention to cancellation policies. Some have strict policies that basically say if you have to cancel you don’t get a nickel back, others are more flexible. On our last trip we rolled the dice on a place with a strict policy because we loved the look of it, but 9 times out of ten I wouldn’t.  
 
Don’t be afraid to connect with hosts before making a booking request. If they know you’re considering them some will offer further deals over and above their posted rate if you seem like a low maintenance tenant. Or in our case we negotiated a late checkout to better lineup with our flight.  
 
Good luck... dont hesitate to chime in with more questions as you’re browsing and connecting with hosts. Maybe folks can offer more tailored advice once you’re further down the path to possibly booking!

So what is the difference between Airbnb and VRBO ?

When does the host take your money? Do you set up a time and place to meet up to get the keys for the place u rent?

How far in advance can you book a place on airbnb?

We have used it several times in different cities. All have been exactly as advertised. Agree with Adam, would not book one that has no reviews.  
 
All transactions done electronically. On our most recent experience even the door lock was electronic and they sent a code at the check-in time.  
 
All fees have been clearly laid out from the beginning. My credit card was charged on the date that I made the booking.  
 
We would definitely do airbnb again. We have had nothing but positive experiences.

I've used it once and it was great. The hosts were awesome and helpful when we had any questions. It was a great first experience and would definitely use again. I read a lot of reviews before choosing somewhere, and then I was sure to leave a positive review afterwards so others would stay there to!

We paid using a credit card. Once our application was approved by host, Airbnb put the charge through. We received an email from the host giving us a security code to enter the first day. Keys were on the counter. Host when asked said that he resets the code every time so that it can't be accessed by even us!!! Our host's reviews were very honest and truthful. They augment their income with this and are conscientious about giving great service. I don't know if airbnb vet the hosts but when we were searching it seemed like the people with positive references had a lot!!

Skinny Moon said "So what is the difference between Airbnb and VRBO ? "

Two different sites that do that same thing. You sometimes see places listed on both sites too. I found Airbnb easier to use and it provided more details.

Skinny Moon said "So what is the difference between Airbnb and VRBO ? "

With airbnb, you need to search "whole house", unless you want to share a place with the person that owns it.