Airbnb can be a significantly cheaper, more convenient and more comfortable option than getting a hotel, but it can also seem risky for someone who has never used the app before. Well, with these tips for a first-time Airbnb user you can avoid any drama when reserving your personalized stay away from home.
Navigating the App
If you have never used the Airbnb app before, there are a few things you should watch for. Namely, you’ll want to specify what you’re looking for in a stay.
Set the city and country you’re looking to stay in then set your dates or browse monthly stays. Many places will offer a discount if you stay for a month or more.
Then set how many people will be staying and start seeing what’s available on the map. Generally, the easiest way to find something that’s the right price and location for you is to go off what’s displayed on the map.
But of these tips for a first-time Airbnb user, the most important is to filter your search results. Looking for Wi-Fi, air conditioning and the entire place to yourself?
Make sure you have these filters checked otherwise you’ll see listings without these amenities.
And if you’d rather not stare at a tiny phone screen when viewing important details, feel free to load up Airbnb on your computer. The Airbnb website works just as well as the app and can be easier to navigate.
Choosing a Listing
Next up on this list of tips for a first-time Airbnb user is how to find a good listing and avoid potential problems.
You should always browse the ratings and reviews of a listing before reserving it. Reviews on Airbnb are less susceptible to fake or bot reviews than something like Google reviews, so for the most part they can be trusted.
Check the reviews to see what previous guests said about a listing and how highly it’s rated. If you see repeat negative comments or low ratings then you should consider another listing instead.
It’s also worth viewing the reviews for the host of the listing. When you view a host’s profile you can see reviews for other listings they manage, whether or not their identity has been verified by Airbnb and other details about them.
If somewhere seems promising but the listing and host don’t have many reviews, you might want to steer clear. You would be taking a gamble on a place that hasn’t been vetted by previous guests.
Lastly of this list of tips for a first-time Airbnb user, look for any listing that has been flagged as a rare find or hosted by a “super host.”
Either of those flags will mean the listing is popular and in high demand, or that the host is experienced and highly rated.
