So, we have all heard about Airbnb, the online rentals agency that is now worth $1B. Great idea, first mover that has spawned off other similar platform ideas. Is it worth an experience, read on.
Recently, I took a short trip to San Francisco and considering I wanted to stay in the ‘local’ neighborhoods, try the amazing restaurants, avoid touristy stratospheric hotel prices, and well try the latest tech trend, Airbnb was the perfect solution.
For those that don’t know, here’s how Airbnb works as a guest. You sign up, create a profile as detailed as you want, enter your dates of interest and can peruse the city, neighborhoods and apartments/rooms you’d like to stay. Then there’s the opportunity to message hosts as you see places that you like. Usually if a place is available, it will give you a total price with a green button to book it. However, just because you see a place that you like, and there is a green button to book it signaling availability, does not necessarily mean you will get it.
The common rule of thumb is to message the host first, wait 24 hrs or less and confirm that their accommodation availability “calendar” is up to date. So for my trip, went through all of the steps highlighted above and started getting responses. I sent approximately 4 messages. 1 declined and within seconds, he had raised his nightly rate by 20%. Another responded with a pre-booked acceptance, and two others messaged me through the site with questions which went on for a few hours (no other way to communicate). Apparently, besides a possible omission with respect to updating availability in their calendar, hosts can look at your profile and arbitrarily decide if you are a fit. So after a long chat on the site (where personal contact details are masked) with a particular host, a decision was made, I chose a place. At that time, I got a receipt from Airbnb with the entire amount charged upfront, the exact address (this is also masked pre-booking) and I was ready to embark on the exciting experience. Arrived at my first place, nice techie folks, small room, my newfound friends in the Mission/Delores district yay! Barely saw them though, perhaps I was too busy, so much to see and do. After 2 days, it was time to leave, an interesting experience indeed, the room was too small (couldn’t tell from the photos on the listing) and well I haven’t shared a bathroom since undergrad.
Afterwards, back on Airbnb, I need another place and new friends. Back to perusing, messaging, waiting for replies, and eventually deciding. This time around I realized that the address was further from what I had anticipated/stated on the hosts description (Priceline style but without the “Name your Pricing feature”). And on arrival at the hosts house, I am asked for a cash security deposit to receive a key for a couple of nights which might have been on the terms but I’m wondering why the hassle. So after a long interview session (I already had the booking, including my credit card charged), I am being reminded about the various rules of the house while observing the strong personality of the host. It doesn’t work out.
In summary, here’s what you need to know.
Pros
Acquaintance: You might make a friend or perhaps even get a tour guide
Cool Factor: Its kind of cool – great for dinner chatter
Community: Great to discover local and trendy neighborhoods in big cities
Cons
Hassle Factor: Be prepared. The messaging back and forth, timing spent to coordinate, the arbitrary selection process, and well you never really know what to expect
Inconsistency: Largely variable from one host to the next – check-in time, deposits, minimum stays, costs, map info vs actual location
Communication (Pre-booking): Only via Airbnb e-chat system. Inconvenient, leaves much to be desired
Cost: You will pay more for the “benefit” of staying in someone’s house than perhaps in a similar quality hotel. Unlike the hotel industry, you will pay the entire cost of your stay upfront.
Customer Service: Limited, room for improvement
Rules: If you love them, you will love Airbnb
Verdict
Yay or nay. You be the judge!
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