Airbnb Review

Wednesday, December 4th

2024 Vacation Rental Site Reviews

Airbnb

• Over 6.6 million listings across more than 220 countries and regions
• Offers a wide range of properties, including shared spaces and entire homes
• Safety measures such as the Airbnb Safety Center and Urgent Support Line
• Transparent about costs and fees, providing a detailed breakdown at checkout
• Rebooking and refund policies in the event of host cancellations or travel issues

Airbnb, the renowned online marketplace for short- and long-term homestays and experiences, has revolutionized the way we travel. Founded in 2008 by roommates Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joe Gebbia, Airbnb started as AirBedandBreakfast, a creative solution that emerged from a simple air mattress in a living room transformed into a bed and breakfast. Today, Airbnb boasts an impressive 6.6 million listings across 220+ countries and regions, offering an unparalleled range of accommodations and experiences for adventurous travelers like yourself.

Choose your adventure: shared spaces or entire homes

In the early days of Airbnb, sharing a space with the property owner was the norm. However, times have changed, and now you have the flexibility to choose between shared spaces and entire-home vacation rentals. If you're a backpacker seeking a cheap place to crash and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, living with a host might be just what you're looking for. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional vacation experience, complete with privacy and the comfort of an entire home, Airbnb has an abundance of options to cater to your needs. Simply use the convenient filters to specify your preferences and find the perfect match.

User-friendly browsing experience: your window to the world

Airbnb's visually appealing browsing experience is a true delight. The homepage presents an array of cool listings from various categories, allowing you to explore options that suit your preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a lakefront retreat, an extraordinary treehouse, or a cozy cabin, Airbnb's curated categories make it feel like you're browsing on Pinterest. And with the ability to filter results based on accessibility features, amenities, pet-friendliness, and more, you can tailor your search to find the perfect home away from home. One of Airbnb's most unique features is the ability to choose "experiences". You can go on a walk with goats in Michigan, have an Instagram-tailored photoshoot done on the coast of Greece, or take a Caribbean cooking class with a certified chef in Aruba.

Distinctive designation: Superhosts

Airbnb recognizes exceptional hosts through the Superhost designation. These experienced and highly-rated hosts are committed to providing exceptional stays for guests like yourself. By identifying Superhosts at a glance, you can be assured of an outstanding experience without the need to delve into countless reviews.

What is Airbnb Plus?

The Airbnb Plus label on listings introduces a special category of homes that have undergone meticulous verification for quality and comfort. With each home meeting specific standards and guidelines, you can expect top-notch amenities, easy check-ins, quick host responses, and unique designs that create unforgettable memories.

Fees are not as straightforward as they could be

Upon checkout, you'll receive a breakdown of costs and fees. This overview includes the per-night cost, total nights, cleaning fee, service fee, and the full amount before taxes. The fee charged to guests for vacation rentals typically does not exceed 14.2% of the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and additional guest fee (if applicable) but excludes Airbnb fees and taxes. The exact fee amount varies depending on different factors. For some stays over three months, the Airbnb guest service fee is reduced after the third month. In this regard, Airbnb is in the middle of the pack: we've seen better, and we've seen worse.

Growth challenges

As with any vacation rental service, Airbnb is not without its downsides. Some users have expressed concerns about declining service quality, difficulties in accessing customer service, and scripted responses from representatives based in India. These challenges may arise due to the exponential growth of Airbnb as a platform. However, most experiences on Airbnb are positive. Many users have had outstanding stays by carefully researching and selecting properties with high ratings.

Read the reviews

One reviewer and their wife, who have stayed at over 100 Airbnb properties, have had consistently excellent experiences. Their secret? Meticulously reading reviews and selecting only places with A+ ratings. They also utilize Google Street View to explore the neighborhood and communicate with hosts solely through Airbnb's platform. Even in the rare instance of encountering a minor issue, Airbnb responded promptly and de-platformed the host, ensuring a positive outcome. This reviewer's experience showcases the potential for exceptional stays on Airbnb with appropriate research and communication.

Airbnb is committed to your well-being

Airbnb understands the paramount importance of safety for both hosts and guests. That's why they have introduced the Airbnb Safety Center, a centralized hub offering an array of resources to promote safety. From security checklists and emergency contact forums to safe travel tips and one-touch emergency services contacts worldwide, Airbnb goes the extra mile to ensure your peace of mind. With the Safety Center easily accessible within the Airbnb app, you can feel confident in your choice of accommodation. In addition to providing these safety resources, Airbnb also runs background checks on its USA-based hosts when they create a listing.

Round-the-clock support: urgent assistance when you need it

Airbnb's Urgent Support Line is a great feature available 24/7 during your active reservations. Hosts and guests alike can rely on a dedicated team of safety specialists to provide swift assistance for pressing issues. Need to rebook accommodations or request refunds? Require immediate support due to unforeseen circumstances? The Urgent Support Line is there for you, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience. With access to insurance programs and expert guidance, Airbnb prioritizes your well-being throughout your journey.

Rebooking and refund policies: your safety net

Airbnb's Rebooking and Refund policy serves as a safety net to protect your interests. In the event of host cancellations or travel issues, Airbnb has your back. Guests receive a full refund for host cancellations prior to check-in. For cancellations within 30 days of check-in, Airbnb offers refunds and assistance in finding comparable accommodations. Moreover, if you encounter travel issues like undisclosed hazards or inaccurate information about the listing, Airbnb stands ready to assist you with partial or full refunds and alternative accommodations.

Looking ahead: Airbnb's progress

Airbnb's journey has not been without challenges. At the time of our last review, the Better Business Bureau had given them an "F” rating. However, Airbnb has made significant strides in improving their services since and currently holds a "B” rating. At this rate, we expect they'll reach an "A+” rating soon.

A great choice

Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel, offering a vast selection of listings in over 220 countries and regions. Whether you prefer sharing space with a host or having an entire home to yourself, Airbnb accommodates your needs. While some negative experiences have been reported, they are not the norm, and there are things you can do to prevent them. With robust safety measures, round-the-clock support, and distinct designations for outstanding listings and hosts, Airbnb provides an enjoyable and secure platform for travelers worldwide. They earn our highest rating when it comes to vacation rentals.