AirBNB?

[fidgiegirl]

Anyone ever done AirBNB (http://www.airbnb.com/) or a similar service?

I'm mainly interested in renting out a room in our place but would also value your perspective if you were a renter.

I'd love to hear about it . . .

[Birdie]

I used AIRBNB to rent 3 different places while I was in Hawaii recently. It worked very well for me. When I requested a reservation, they ask you to write a little about yourself and why you want to rent the room. The credit card is billed but not paid to the owner immediately. After I left each place, I was asked to provide feedback and the renter was asked to provide feedback on me too. I would absolutely use it again when I travel.

[fidgiegirl]

Thanks, Birdie.

Did the homeowners stay at the place, too, or were you there by yourself?

I appreciate the response!!

[Birdie]

One place was a small cottage on the same property of the homeowner.

The second place had the homeowner and other guests in the house. A 2 bedroom house with a loft, 2 rented out with the homeowner onsite in the loft. The third was a house down the street from the owner. It was an old plantation house that his grandparents had owned, the whole upstairs had 3 bedrooms and was a whole house which we rented. They also had multiple bedrooms downstairs (sort of a basement area) with a bath between them. Those were rented individually and shared that bath.

The house with the other travelers and the homeowner was small. We all shared one bath, but the price was cheap. It was $40 a night on the big island of Hawaii. So, the price made it worthwhile for me..

[nocar]

I traveled to California last month with a friend who used AirBNB to find us a sweet place in San Francisco. It was a very positive experience for all involved!\


Unlike Couchsurfing (which I've also done--as a traveler and a host & highly recommend), the homeowner (in this case, renter) went out of town while we stayed in his place.

[Gardenarian]

Hi - I'm considering listing my cabin on AirBnB and so resurrected this thread. Has anyone done this as an owner? It looks pretty straightforward (as compared to VRBO, another rental service.)

[Float On]

I've used it several times and each time was above and beyond what I expected. All you are responsible for is a bed and access to a bath. Every time we used it the homeowners were very welcoming, ended up feeding us lots and one is still a friend to this day (kind of helped that in the middle of the night she asked for a ride to the ER).

[reader99]

I'm renting out my master suite on airbnb. they have been very helpful and professional. They sent a photographer to get good pictures, no charge, and helped me with my ad. I have a renter staying 2 months, she's a student intern here. It's hard to find a place to rent for just two months, most appartments want a 6-7 month lease.

[CatsNK]

I've done AirBnB twice as a guest - loved it both times. Fantastic experiences - much cheaper than a hotel and 100x nicer. Both times we had full use of a small house in great areas. Privacy and low cost - fantastic. We haven't tried renting on AirBnB - but I am listed on couchsurfing - we have our first surfer coming in December. We can't really charge for our space - or I don't want the hassle, anyway.

[Gardenarian]

I was really impressed with the photos on Airbnb - now I know why! I'm surprised they sent a pro - but, cool!
I heard that airbnb was used free of charge to all to find emergency housing after the recent hurricane.
I think I'm going to use them to list my cabin - I'll link back to my listing when it's done!