travel tips
10 Things A Former Airbnb Host Wants You To Know
Before it’s time to book your next trip with airbnb, check out our guide on the 10 Things A Former Airbnb Host Wants You To Know.
Traveling and exploring the world is wonderful. Some people do it for pleasure, some for family, and others for business. Picking a place to stay in can be challenging sometimes.
With Airbnb, a whole new world of possible places to stay open up for you. In fact you can find almost any type of lodgings, from tree houses to cabins, airbnb has it all. It can be a great alternative to hotels.
So here are 10 things a former airbnb host wants you to know!
1. Have A Real Picture For Your Profile Photo
Airbnb host love animals, slogans, and other interesting pictures. What they do not love is when they can’t see a picture of what you look like. It can be a safety issue not only for you, but for the host as well, if they do not know what you look like.
Plan on being denied listings if you do not have a clean picture of you. In fact, the same can go for the host. Make sure they have a good picture of themselves as well.
2. Check The Host Profile, Rules, Photos, And Reviews
Checking out the host profile should be the first thing you do after finding a potential listing. If the listing is a shared one then you especially want to know who you will be staying with in the same residence.
Rules and photos are placed so that you know what to expect. If certain rules are posted online, then it is considerate to follow them. It can mean the difference between a good review and you continuing to use the site.
Additionally, you should look closely at the photos. Sometimes they can be a little deceiving for some listings. Other times they will show you exactly what you will get.
For example, if you see a picture of a dog, then more than likely there will be a dog present. So, don’t be surprised when you see one! Ask questions if you are not sure of something.
Lastly, the most important part is reading the reviews. Lack of reviews or rating can say a lot about a host. Read all of the reviews to see if it is a good fit for you. In fact, the reviews can paint a better picture of the listing then the photos or details can.
3. Send A Detailed Message To The Host
As a prior airbnb host, a good portion of what we used to determine if a person was approved or not was based off of their message.
Honestly, most host want to know a little about why you are staying in the airbnb, what you are in town for, or what you expect from the host. You should try to communicate as best as you can, they can make your stay that much better.
This dose not mean that you have to give every detail. Host need to know your arrival time, departure time, or any other important information. This will make your stay hassle free.
Another good reason to communicate with your host is they are more than likely locals. This means they know how to get around, where to eat, what to do, or what to see. Utilize their knowledge of the area and what you should know.
4. Don’t Ask For A Discount
That listing you are looking at and really want but just can’t afford, well sorry but keep on looking. If you want to be declined right away, then go ahead and ask for a discount. It is not lets make a deal and you asking for one is just rude. Host do not want to spend even more time having to haggle with you.
Prices you see on the internet do not mean the host gets all of the money. Airbnb takes 3% of the cost. Additionally, they also are holding your money ever since you booked the listing. Host do not get paid till 24 hours after the scheduled check in time.
The host is gaining wear and tear on their resident as well as supplying an ideal listing. Time is also another factor that host have to manage with that listing. So the booking prices are set for a reason.
5. Communicate With The Host
Once again, make sure to communicate with the host. They will be able to help you with booking, what to expect from the location, what is offered, and how to get into the residence.
For example, we had a coded keypad so prior to arrival, the guest would get detailed instructions on directions, entering the house, and check in. Love food then ask for recommendations from the host. They can help you try the local food or understand the culture.
6. Book With A Superhost For Your First Time
See that superhost next to the listing, that’s a good sign. To achieve this, a host has to have 5-star ratings 80% of the time, respond to inquiries at least 90% of the time, and have hosted 10 or more times.
Host usually go above and beyond to make a stay perfect. They want that 5-star rating and a good review. Both of these factors help the hosts listing to be featured higher in search results or to get bookings. So for your first time, go with a superhost, since they are proven to be reputable.
Related Travel Guide
Planning on traveling then check out 10 Airport Travel Tips To Follow Before Your Next Flight.
7. Never Ask Or Agree To Pay Offsite
Ever come across a host offering for you to pay off the site, then be warned, it is a scam most likely. Booking through the airbnb site will help to guarantee you protections with the money and the stay.
As a former super host, we encountered a few inquiries on if someone can pay in cash because either their credit card got stolen or they didn’t have a bank account. Never will a host allow someone to stay without a guarantee they are covered for any unforeseen problems.
Another example was the time someone wanted to pay in cash for a whole month. Clearly, a big red flag for us. In the U.S. if you stay in a residence for more than a month, then you are a tenant. Then when they become a tenant, it can become difficult to evict them, with a long process through the courts.
8. Airbnb Is Not A Hotel So Don’t Expect One
Hotels are great and if you want what they offer, then book one, not an airbnb. With airbnb, you are either in a whole house or sharing a persons residence. Like any house you would enter, you should show respect for it and they’re things.
Some will have more amenities then others and if this is a deal breaker then make sure to use those filters. Do not pick a place if the rules are too strict for you.
The host is responsible for cleaning up after you to a certain extent. Of course they do not want to be scrubbing that carpet or fixing things after you broke them. In fact, if you do make a big enough mess that will cost money, then airbnb will come after you to pay to have it cleaned or replaced.
9. Leave A Review
Host live off of reviews. It is almost like the backbone to our listings. Without great reviews, host won’t get bookings or they can even be deactivated for bad ones.
Others who are planning on staying at the place you picked want to know if they should book it. I believe you need to be as honest fas you can so that others can know if the listing is accurate and worth the pick.
For instance, the host will also look at the reviews of guest to see if they want to accept or decline them. Personally, I think this method is important for accepting guest.
10. Ask Your Host For Recommendations
Host are full of information on the local culture, area, and foods. Go ask them questions or suggestions for things. We loved to direct people to our favorite Sonoran Mexican food and each time, people came back thankful we did. Wondering which place we are talking about? Ever in Phoenix then try Rosita.
The internet and reviews can only go so far. Your host can give you better advice most of the time, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. Consider them as your guest services for the booking. Don’t miss an opportunity at making your booking more enjoyable!
Bonus Tips
- Do not try to bring extra people if you haven’t paid for them. Most host will charge per person. If you bring more than what was on the listing, then they can cancel your reservation or send an invoice for the extra cost.
- Not a good move to bring an escort into your airbnb and then try to claim she’s your wife. Sadly, yes this has happened to some host.
- Be prepared for your airbnb listing to have cameras. More host are putting up cameras like the ring or nest. Check the listing to see what they claim for security cameras. It is not okay for one to be in room you are staying in, but can be allowed in the main living room with prior notice.
- If your break or stain something, then speak up right away. Most host want to help you and any situation you are in. What they do not want is to see, is stains on the couch, that’s days old, after you leave. There is a good chance that waiting makes the damage worse and you will have to pay for it.
- Check the listing for all the fees. Some will have cleaning fees, extra person fees, and security deposits.
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Have you used an Airbnb before and have something to add? Let us know in the comments. Have any other activities or places we should see, let us know in the comments section. From Phoenix? Hi neighbored! Thanks for taking a look at our site and don’t forget to subscribe for future articles and tips.
The information on this website has come from research and by experiencing it ourselves. Opening hours, closures, prices, etc. are always subject to change. We try to keep up to date on any new information, or tips to help make your adventure more enjoyable.
AdventuresofWifeSquared
My name is Shannon (37) and I grew up in the Los Angeles area, moved to Las Vegas for a few years and finally made my way to Phoenix, Arizona. This was the city, Camilla, lived in and thus, where we ended up living in. Since a child, I have had the pleasure to travel to 44 of the 50 States in the U.S. for summer vacations due to awesome parents who loved to travel.
From these trips, I grew a love of adventure and exploration. This increased to flying to different parts of the world when I met my girlfriend and future wife, Camilla.
With a B.S. in Biology (emphasis on environmental conservation), my wife and I try to travel with ecotourism and the protection of the countries environment being factor when choosing places. In the past I have worked with rescuing marine animals, like Horn Sharks to a juvenile Black Sea Bass from Power Plants to be rehabilitated and released. Another was hiking the hills of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, looking for the Western Grey Squirrel.
We would like to help other traveler's with inspiration and information on how to make unforgettable memories when exploring what the world has to offer. With over a decade of experience traveling, we can offer stories, advice, guides, and more. There is never a trip that doesn't involve some change of plans when you also have Tourette's Syndrome. Makes for a fun conversation or interesting changes of events.
Along with the travel blog, Adventuresofwifesquared.com, I shares as many photographs on Instagram, pins on Pinterest, and vlogs on YouTube. If you ever see us in the world, come say hi!
Adventures of WifeSquared 
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