Accommodation bookings through Airbnb have been available for almost fifteen years, but sometimes, when it comes to booking, the question still arises: “Is Airbnb safe?” Can you imagine arriving at your accommodation only to find it doesn’t exist, or that it’s completely different from the photos? Nobody wants to start their holiday like that! So, in this post, we’re going to share six tips to help you book safely on Airbnb and avoid any surprises at check-in.
Airbnb offers several advantages, with the main one being the cost of accommodation, which is cheaper than on other booking platforms. It’s not just on accommodation where you can save money, but also on meals, as the majority of Airbnb properties are apartments equipped with kitchens.
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1. Check the accommodation reviews
The first step is always to check the reviews from previous guests and, in particular, compare the guests’ photos with the ones in the listing. There are usually comments about the host’s behaviour, which can help you avoid unpleasant or risky situations. It’s also important to look closely at the guests who gave five-star ratings (there aren’t that many) because sometimes they are other hosts “helping” each other.
2. Look for other reviews of the host
Click on the host’s photo to see if they have other properties and check what guests have said about those properties. Sometimes, hosts with poor reviews relist the accommodation under a different name to avoid showing bad feedback. If the listing is new, it may have few reviews, so by checking the feedback on the host’s other properties, you can book more safely and with greater confidence.
3. Be wary of very low prices
New, well-equipped homes in prime locations usually come with higher prices. So, you should be cautious if you see an offer like this at a low price. Typically, we look for accommodation with these features, and dishonest hosts know this and take advantage to scam people. You should always research the average price of accommodation in the city you’re visiting to understand whether the price being charged is reasonable.
4. Always communicate through Airbnb
All communications with the host should be made through Airbnb’s chat, as having a record of the conversation allows Airbnb to mediate any conflicts more easily and potentially process a refund if necessary. Use the chat to clarify any questions regarding your booking, such as the amenities offered, the location, or the check-in and check-out times.
5. Photograph and report any issues immediately
If there is a problem with the accommodation, send a message via the chat and, if necessary, take photos of what is wrong. For example, if the apartment is not clean as advertised, you should report it immediately to avoid being charged extra cleaning fees at check-out.
6. Make payments through Airbnb
All payments for Airbnb bookings should be made through the platform. Never make payments via bank transfer or any other method. This applies both at the time of booking and for any additional charges during your stay, such as payment for extra nights.
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