This time let’s talk about the other side of the coin of Airbnb -the guests. Although most people especially Millennials and Gen Zs who are digitally literate know what Airbnb is, not many people still are aware of its existence and what benefits does it bring. So, for this writing, allow me to unbox some of the common questions and reluctance of potential guests.
First off, what to expect?
Sounds so basic question, right? I mean you probably thought “hhhmmm, well isn’t the same as booking a hotel?” WRONG! Home-sharing is a different kind of hospitality. Yes, hotel and home-sharing have similarities, but not the way you’d expect. For starters, hosts typically don’t collect security deposit. While some do, like my experience in Bohol, I personally do not. For me it is a barrier to entry for guests to book my Airbnb if I impose security deposit. While this may ensure proper handling of my furniture and appliances, but Air Cover (Airbnb insurance) is more than enough to reimburse any damages and losses done by guests. I’m quite satisfied with this since I rarely get rejected from collecting money. Of course, you will need to provide evidence like photos of damaged item, and the longest wait is 72 hours. Nevertheless, it is very reliable. Another expectation is the ability to cook in the room. Honestly not all my listings are allowed to cook especially the ones listed on old buildings because of uncontrollable cockroach infestation which I have declared in writing on my description. Most Airbnb listings you will encounter out there permits cooking and provides kitchenware. Making the home-sharing experience complete especially if you’re staying longer than 3 days with family members. This goes without saying guests are expected to clean and tidy up any mess they make throughout their stay, since daily housekeeping is not part of what you paid for. Hotels do clean up your room daily if you prefer and encouraged. In connection with room cleaning, hotels provide room services as well, such as food order and delivery at your doorstep and massage therapist if you like to relax after a long tour. Since I mention cleaning up the room, Airbnb host typically leave some cleaning agents and tools in the room. I make sure garbage plastic bags, broom and dustpan, Clorox, etc., are visible in plain sight. This is our way of non-verbal cue to guests that they should DIY housekeeping. For some this may seem disadvantages, and rightly so. I mean who goes on a holiday and do household chores, right? But these are the common stuff you’d be expecting booking on a home-sharing accommodation. Self check-in and check-out are common practice nowadays, thus it is important to know the instructions where to get the key and leave after.
Secondly, price and location
It’s not surprising that Airbnb remains relatively cheaper than hotel simply because hotels are multi-million-peso (or dollar) property investment located on a prime and strategic location, while Airbnb are on typical residential area, which isn’t so bad for travelers who might want to experience living like locals. Quite frankly, many Airbnb listings are posted as home-sharing only because it is hard to find long term tenants who will commit on 1-year lease contract. Hence property owners had no choice but to resort to shorter renters, this is where Airbnb hosts comes to the rescue. I am not saying Airbnb listings are commonly found in a far-off locations or inconvenient addresses, in fact, most of my listings are in the city centers. What I am trying to point out here is the contrast between hotel buildings versus condominium apartments and/or houses listed on Airbnb are marginally different and thus explains the nightly rates. There are some gems in Airbnb you can find like situated beside or across the hotel, stadium, church, events place, etc., but know that demand on that place is very high. You are better off getting a hotel room for that matter. If you are a frequent traveler and you want to squeeze every dime you have in exchange for reasonable value, I suggest you always open 2 tabs on your chrome browser and see side by side the price difference between the hotel and Airbnb. While I am not an Airbnb evangelist, 9/10 I chose Airbnb whenever I book my travels personally.
Last but not the least, room experience
Unless you are living under a rock, you wouldn’t know what hotel rooms typically looks like. At point in your life, you have checked in or visited someone checked in a hotel room. You noticed that upon entering the room, rarely you’ll find a division wall that separates living room to bedroom. So, you’ll see the bed, couch, and TV at first sight. Many hotels do carpet the entire floor of the room (except bathroom of course). Interior is well designed consistent to the brand or overall theme of the hotel building, often wallpaper used in the hotel lobby matched that of the one in the rooms. Also, there are no individual aircon unit in each room, rather it is centralized and shared through vent. Guests my adjust the thermostat via the control mounted on the wall. Overall, I’d say if does feel highly commercialized, but the comfort and coziness is vastly upscale. Airbnb on the other hand, is set up like a personalized home by the host. Some spent serious budget on interior design, while some just do the basics. Each room has their own aircon unit, hence every now and then, the aircon might experience malfunctions and this inconveniences both guests and hosts. Since there are no written standards regarding the provisions, you will encounter dissimilar ambience in room design and amenities each time you book different Airbnb. This is why the tradeoff is the affordable price. In some cases, you might be able to bring your pets and allowed to cook which is a huge plus for family travelers.
So, the next time you’re planning on a holiday, you might want to keep in mind things I mentioned above. After all it is in your best interest to have a pleasant time-off. Before you go, watch the link below and listen to the top 10 FAQ guests asks about Airbnb.