Airbnb has been popular with travelers and homeowners because it makes things so easy! If you’re looking to make some extra money by renting out your home, Airbnb is a great start. And for travelers looking to skip a pricy hotel, Airbnb can offer some great options that fit your tastes, needs, and budget. We’ve been both guests and hosts and after so many friends asking us for tips, I figured it was time we just put it on the blog! So, here are my Airbnb tips for you consider before before you book your stay or list your space!
If you’re new to Airbnb, head to the bottom of this post for a link to sign up and get a credit toward your stay or a hosting bonus!
Airbnb etiquette
There are some universal Airbnb etiquette tips that you should always follow, no matter if you are the guest or the host! I’m not going to go too into them because they are pretty universal. Don’t be a jerk and be polite is a good start. And the most important one is to understand that Airbnb is NOT the same thing as a hotel. That being said, the rest is pretty easy! Just remember to always always try to communicate via the Airbnb platform – either the website or the app – as much as you can. Calling for directions isn’t a big deal but if you are canceling, need to make reservation changes, or are having issues keep the communication on the app.
Guest Airbnb tips
Being a guest with Airbnb is a great way to see a city through the eyes of a local. I love being able to stay in some pretty spectacular places and amazing neighborhoods I might not have otherwise explored if I wasn’t in an Airbnb. Over the years, here are some things I’ve learned.
Always check reviews
As a guest, you’ll want to check reviews. Other travelers will be honest about what some of the issues they might have had, which I tend to take with a grain of salt. If the power went out, there is really nothing the host can do about it. But if there is a review that says that the host was unreachable or helpful and the hot tub didn’t work or the internet was down the whole time, then that might be an issue – especially if it is a reoccurring theme. You can also look at reviews to see if the description matches the listing in terms of location and transportation options.
Safety should come first
It is tempting to book a place because it is cheap or within your budget, but don’t ignore sketchy neighborhoods. And that isn’t just true for pre-check-in! If you’ve checked in and you aren’t feeling comfortable, don’t stay. Call Airbnb and see if they can find you a new place to stay. Even if you lose money in the end, your safety is always worth it.
It is totally OK to ask for discounts
If you are booking last minute or for an extended stay, it is totally okay to ask for a discount. What’s the worse thing that happens, they say no? Keep in mind that its good for the property owner to have their space rented out rather than it sitting empty so many will offer some kind of discount if you ask.
Be on time
Hosts don’t always live on the property so be respectful and show up on time. If you need to check in earlier or later, contact your host as soon as possible.
Treat it like your own home
As a guest, always treat your Airbnb as if it was your own home. Be mindful of any other guests that might be staying in the home with you and keep common areas nice and tidy. If there are rules, make sure you follow them too!
Don’t be afraid to speak up
If there are any issues, make sure you bring them up to your host. It is only fair you give them the opportunity to fix it before you write a review. Don’t be afraid to bring up concerns or if the description doesn’t match your space.
Don’t expect hotel-like accommodations
Sure, Airbnbs are lodging options but that doesn’t mean you should expect the same type of accommodations or amenities as a hotel. In many cases, you’ll find them to be better than some hotel stays. But make sure you are carefully reading the description of the space, what is included, any house rules, and be prepared for what to expect.
Airbnb tips for hosts
Hosting on Airbnb is a great way to make extra money and meet some awesome people. But it can be hard work. Here are some Airbnb tips that will make hosting much less stressful for you!
Have the right supplies
Make sure you have adequate supplies for your guests. Things like basic kitchen necessities if you have kitchen space for use and have enough towels for guests during their stay. Having a decent coffee machine with coffee for guests is also something many guests will expect. If you want to go above and beyond, consider having snacks in the kitchen for guests on the go, area maps, and a transit guide to help visitors get around.
Splurge on WiFi
WiFi is a huuuuuge must in Airbnbs! Make sure you have a good, fast, and reliable internet provider so your guests can stream Netflix or get work done while they stay.
Hire a housekeeper
It might seem like overkill, but having a housekeeper makes it really easy to get your space ready for the next guest, especially if you don’t always have time. You can work out a schedule or plan with whoever you hire to ensure that every guest has clean sheets and towels as well as tidy common areas.
Don’t overhype
Don’t overhype your place because I promise you will get called out in it in reviews. Be truthful in your home description and give accurate information about your location/neighborhood. Don’t say you are blocks away from Times Square if your place requires taking a bus to get there.
New to Airbnb?
If you’re new to Airbnb, here are some referral links to get started:
To be a guest: sign up for Airbnb with this link will get $40 off your stay booking. And you’ll get $15 to use toward an experience worth $50 or more.
To be a home host: Sign up to be a host with your property with this link and get started making some extra cash while meeting cool people.
To be an experience host: Airbnb offers experiences which are ways for travelers to see a city through the eyes of a local. Tim and I use to host our Whiskey and Moonshine History Walking Tour and Tasting in Tennessee and it was so much fun! If you think you have an idea, I’d love to help you! Sing up using this link and leave me a comment below! I’ll help you in any way I can.
Airbnb is a great way to travel, make friends, or make extra cash. We love using Airbnb and I really hope that these Airbnb tips for guests and hosts will help you. If you have any questions, too, please let us know in the comments! We’d love to answer your questions and help out in any way we can since we’ve been in every Airbnb role you could be in.