topic Re: Airbnb in Community Chat

Airbnb

beach-mom — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 04:27:24 GMT

Have you had any experience with this? It's becoming more popular in our area. A lot of people are opening bedrooms and whole second floors. I guess it's almost like a regular B&B without the complete hot breakfast.

Two young girls bought an apartment, fixed it up, and rent it out. One widow not far from us opened up her second floor. She does not interact much with her guests. Sometimes she doesn't even meet them. She doesn't fix them food, but she will leave snacks and cold breakfast foods out. She is always booked, and she will allow guests, even when she herself is in another state visiting someone! Would you do this? IDK if I could.

Have you ever stayed at one? I've stayed at B&B's before, but we always had breakfast with our hosts. Aside from the meals, is there much of a difference in how you, as a guest, feel? I'm just curious. I'd never heard much about these before.

Re: Airbnb

libbyannE — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 04:31:56 GMT

Look up all the news stories about crimes associated with air bnb.

Re: Airbnb

devalen — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 04:42:12 GMT

I live in the San Francisco area - the home of AirBnB. Lots of controversy politically speaking as hotels feel the rentals are taking business away from them. So it is highly regulated with constant new rules. But a wonderful opportunity to see a City from a more intimate viewpoint.

My daughter has a unit she rents and it is great fun to meet people from all over the world. Just yesterday when I was picking up my grandchildren I met a new couple that had just arrived. So much fun sharing information back and forth and it is a pleasure to see how happy they are with their little home away from home. These rentals are here to stay and are a lot more economical than staying in a hotel. My daughter's unit has an intimate garden, regular size kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and washer/dryer. Not to mention the opportunity to pet a very friendly dog named Finch who loves everyone!

Re: Airbnb

feline groovy — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 04:51:07 GMT

@devalen wrote:
I live in the San Francisco area - the home of AirBnB. Lots of controversy politically speaking as hotels feel the rentals are taking business away from them. So it is highly regulated with constant new rules. But a wonderful opportunity to see a City from a more intimate viewpoint.

My daughter has a unit she rents and it is great fun to meet people from all over the world. Just yesterday when I was picking up my grandchildren I met a new couple that had just arrived. So much fun sharing information back and forth and it is a pleasure to see how happy they are with their little home away from home. These rentals are here to stay and are a lot more economical than staying in a hotel. My daughter's unit has an intimate garden, regular size kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and washer/dryer. Not to mention the opportunity to pet a very friendly dog named Finch who loves everyone!

The best part of any B&B.

Re: Airbnb

millieshops — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 05:01:37 GMT

I'd stay in one, but it's very doubtful I'd ever open my house up to paying guests.

I'm sure the cities where they are so popular are very worried. All the taxes the hotels have to collect pay for lots of tourists services. What will pay for those services as revenue decreases? Or should I ask who will pay? Probably not the BnB owners who also are unlikely to pay taxes on their earnings - and don't kid yourself. While each person is not earning millions like a big hotel chain, w're talking huge tax dollars, so it's not just hotel execs who are concerned.

Somehow, someone needs to figure out a way to make this work, but right now it's sometimes great for owners and guests, and sometimes every bit as dangerous as calling for Uber or some other taxi service where the drivers are not known to any authority.

Re: Airbnb

Chrystaltree2 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 05:45:11 GMT

Hubby wants to try it it, we're thinking San Francisco next April or May. We've explored the website a bit. It's popular in this area. People with rental units are hosting Airbnb travelers and I have not read any stories about safety issues or crimes. I'm not concerned about safety but I'm more reserved and not as social as hubby. I like the idea of an economical home-like place to stay but I don't want hosts who will intrude on our privacy and independence. Which probably doesn't really happen. I use Uber and Lyft fairly often when just a couple of years ago, I didn't think I would ever do that.

Re: Airbnb

Ifeelwicked — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 07:27:36 GMT

Not investigating the negative side of Airbnb is foolish. But thinking there is no negative side is just plain naive. There are tons of stories of people whose experiences have not been good. Do thorough research first.

Re: Airbnb

VaBelle35 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 11:16:39 GMT

I don't find the safety/security of Airbnb to be any different than the safety/security of a typical chain hotel or any other legitimate B&B.

There are positives and negatives to all 3 and horror stories with all 3. In fact, right after I had done a lot of traveling, staying in traditional B&Bs in a number of different states about 7 years ago, there was a horrible story about a B&B and that was the last time I stayed in one.

Honestly, I prefer hotels anyway. I enjoyed the B&B experience in some of the out of the way places I was staying, but not all B&Bs are created equal.

I can't imagine staying at someone's house, in their spare bedroom. I don't even do that with friends and family. LOL

But I don't feel there's any more danger staying in an airbnb than any other establishment.

Re: Airbnb

Witchy Woman — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 11:31:47 GMT

Four years after both my parents died, we converted their cottage/home into a B&B. It is connected to our home by a covered patio.

Because it is a free-standing house, we do not prepare breakfast for guests, but have lots of goodies for them including fresh baked goods, cereals, juices and such. Many adults prefer NOT having to show up at a specific time for breakfast.

My husband and I have stayed in a lot of B&Bs and decided we were not the type to sit and have a big meal early in the morning. We both like quiet at that hour. Our guests seem to value that same privacy.

Having said all that, I considered registering our place with Air B&B, but decided against it. While it sounds attractive, the "fun" aspect of having folks stay wears off quickly. We enjoy having guests, but a one night stay incurs as much cleaning/preparation as a multi-night stay.

In a nutshell, it can be a lot of work. We didn't need the money and I didn't need the extra work!

Re: Airbnb

VaBelle35 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 11:27:46 GMT

When I was staying in B&Bs, I really like carriage houses or guest houses vs staying in the main house with other guests and the owners.

If it was a large place with lots of rooms and guests, I liked having a group breakfast and talking to everyone from different places.

I met some really wonderful people at those breakfasts that I still remember fondly.

Re: Airbnb

Sooner — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 11:41:07 GMT

I will stay in a highly rated B&B, but not in stranger's house NOT in this lifetime. No way, no how.

Re: Airbnb

SilleeMee — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 11:55:07 GMT

Television show..."Adam Ruins Everything" was recently aired featuring airbnbs. Gave me a whole different view of the business. This show was worth watching. TruTV.

Re: Airbnb

Chrystaltree2 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 12:59:49 GMT

Why answer if you don't anything about Airbnb? I do not understand that. If you go to the site instead of thinking you what something is, you will see that staying in someones guest room is only ONE option. Good grief. I wouldn'd do that either but I would stay in a private apartment listed on Airbnb. I would stay in one of the many high end hotels that listed there too. That surprised me, I had no idea that hotels were part of that. You sound like the only options are a cot in a basment apartment. Discussion is nice but good heave's , take some time and do a little research before you jump in talk foolishness. As for the option of staying in a host's home....duhhhhh.....that's been going on for probably 200 years already....lol It's called a bnb. For those who are curious about Airbnb, visit their website. You'll be pleasntly surprised. Sometimes....you just don't know what you think you know.

Re: Airbnb

Mominohio — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:09:15 GMT

@Chrystaltree2 wrote:
Why answer if you don't anything about Airbnb? I do not understand that. If you go to the site instead of thinking you what something is, you will see that staying in someones guest room is only ONE option. Good grief. I wouldn'd do that either but I would stay in a private apartment listed on Airbnb. I would stay in one of the many high end hotels that listed there too. That surprised me, I had no idea that hotels were part of that. You sound like the only options are a cot in a basment apartment. Discussion is nice but good heave's , take some time and do a little research before you jump in talk foolishness. As for the option of staying in a host's home....duhhhhh.....that's been going on for probably 200 years already....lol It's called a bnb. For those who are curious about Airbnb, visit their website. You'll be pleasntly surprised. Sometimes....you just don't know what you think you know.

Why do you assume that because someone may answer negatively about one aspect of a topic, that they aren't aware that there is more to it than just the specific part they were commenting on?

Re: Airbnb

Plaid Pants2 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:15:29 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Television show..."Adam Ruins Everything" was recently aired featuring airbnbs. Gave me a whole different view of the business. This show was worth watching. TruTV.

I missed that episode. What did he say?

Re: Airbnb

Abrowneyegirl — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:19:08 GMT

Would I stay in one, NEVER.

I do not blame many of the owners of the properties for putting in cameras to help protect their property but I do not want to be 'on film.'

When we travel we stay in nice hotels with large rooms/suites that have small kitchens eating areas and sitting rooms. I like not having the stress of worrying about the quality of our lodging when traveling.

Would we list our home, NEVER EVER.

Maybe if we had a rental property, but I would think just having long-term renters would be easier then dealing with new people all the time and cleaning before each new guest.

Re: Airbnb

Plaid Pants2 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:25:09 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
Would I stay in one, NEVER.
I do not blame many of the owners of the properties for putting in cameras to help protect their property but I do not want to be 'on film.'
When we travel we stay in nice hotels with large rooms/suites that have small kitchens eating areas and sitting rooms. I like not having the stress of worrying about the quality of our lodging when traveling.

Would we list our home, NEVER EVER.

Maybe if we had a rental property, but I would think just having long-term renters would be easier then dealing with new people all the time and cleaning before each new guest.

I have never stayed at an AirBNB, but my concern would be:

A. Having the "guests" steal from me if I listed my place

B. "Guests" that won't leave (a.k.a. squaters)

C. My own personal safety if I stayed at an AirBNB, or had "guests" staying with me in my home.

Maybe my concerns are unfounded, I don't know, but I have them anyway.

Re: Airbnb

Chrystaltree2 — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:47:38 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
@Chrystaltree2 wrote:
Why answer if you don't anything about Airbnb? I do not understand that. If you go to the site instead of thinking you what something is, you will see that staying in someones guest room is only ONE option. Good grief. I wouldn'd do that either but I would stay in a private apartment listed on Airbnb. I would stay in one of the many high end hotels that listed there too. That surprised me, I had no idea that hotels were part of that. You sound like the only options are a cot in a basment apartment. Discussion is nice but good heave's , take some time and do a little research before you jump in talk foolishness. As for the option of staying in a host's home....duhhhhh.....that's been going on for probably 200 years already....lol It's called a bnb. For those who are curious about Airbnb, visit their website. You'll be pleasntly surprised. Sometimes....you just don't know what you think you know.

Why do you assume that because someone may answer negatively about one aspect of a topic, that they aren't aware that there is more to it than just the specific part they were commenting on?

Huh? Because when someone talks about Airbnb and only talks of spare rooms, it's apparent. They don't really know....they only know that they think they know. It's liike someone going into Macy's and walking aroiund the first floor and then leaving and complaing that Macys only sells cosmetics and handbags and fashion jewelry. So, don't go to Macy's! They dont' sell much....lol

Re: Airbnb

jackthebear — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:52:20 GMT

Not a fan of B and Bs

prefer a hotel where i know what to expect

Re: Airbnb

SilleeMee — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 14:29:51 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
Television show..."Adam Ruins Everything" was recently aired featuring airbnbs. Gave me a whole different view of the business. This show was worth watching. TruTV.

I missed that episode. What did he say?

@Plaid Pants2,

He talked about how they make a lot of money but the business of startup and the money-making is not legally backed up as one would see in the large corporate entities. The "we've got you covered" liability policies have loopholes and people who own the airbnbs are not protected. Also, tenants who live in them can risk their legal rights when other tenants engage in criminal activity...me casa, su casa. What happens next door is unfortunately your business, too.