You Asked: How To Find The Best Airbnb

Looking for Airbnb options for my Jamaica trip (last-minute), I stumbled on THE most beautiful cottage. Located on private property near a golf course, tastefully decorated, complete with a hammock in an outdoor space that could inspire the next best seller. It was affordable too!

As of December 2018, I’d used Airbnb in 21 countries! I’ve rented private rooms in homes (saving $$), I’ve rented full apartments alone, and I’ve rented homes to share with my family and friends. Thanks to Airbnb, I’ve stayed in beautiful unique spaces, and I’ve also stayed in simple but clean/functional spaces. I did a poll on my instastories last month and 99% of people voted for a post on how I filter through and find accommodation on the platform. Here are nine of my best tips on finding the perfect Airbnb for you:

1. Set A Budget Range Before You Start

The worst thing is falling in love with a space that’s out of one’s budget. To avoid this, make sure to put in your price range right away before you search for homes. If you don’t find spaces to your taste within your price range, then you may consider adjusting your budget.

2. The Map Tool is THE Plug – Use It!

Once you have an area of the city in town in mind, use the map tool to look at available options in your preferred part of the city. I typically use forums to find out about different areas and decide on a preferred location. Its an easy way to focus on options that suit your location preferences!

3. Filter For ‘Must Have Amenities’

This is important. Must have amenities differ from place to place but when I’m going somewhere tropical, I always look for places with an outdoor area to relax, beautiful landscaping/views. A hammock is icing on the cake. Important ‘basic’ amenities include Wi-Fi, Heating/AC, hot water, and parking. Think about the amenities that are important to you for the specific trip and look for those in the listing description.

4. Go Through Pictures

I make sure to go through all the images the host has shared for the listing. As you do so, look to see if the accommodation is well-lit with great natural light. I personally do not like poorly lit spaces and will eliminate based on this. Sometimes a nice modern space is exciting to me and other times, I want a space with a homey feel to it. I look at the bedroom, bedding choices (Yes, I care), views, etc.

5. Save Your Favorites

Chances are you’ll find a few favorites that you really like as you search. I suggest saving them and them going back to then look closely before booking. Thankfully, Airbnb allows you to save items onto a list. I typically would make a list for each city I’m visiting. For example, for Jamaica, I made a list for Ochos Rios and Port Antonio (my two locations). I’d search for accommodation on my commute to work and save them to my lists (you get to name the lists too). You can invite friends to view the list with you if you’re traveling in groups. Your saved listings remain on your account so you can refer to them later. I have stunning villas in Thailand I’ve saved for years ;).

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6. Read Reviews

As a personal safety measure, I never book an Airbnb that doesn’t have any reviews. This helps you bypass potential fake listings. The only exception to this rule is if I can see the host has other properties and those properties have reviews. I look for properties with reviews averaging 4.5 or 5 stars preferably. I don’t bother with listings rated lower than 4 stars because it means the customers were not satisfied. Also pay attention to when the last review was written, if it was a year ago, then it raises questions in my mind. Like why hasn’t anyone reviewed in a whole year?

When I read reviews, I’m looking for comments on things that aren’t already advertised in the listing: the neighborhood, safety, proximity to public transport (if it matters), parking options (if it matters) or specific locations like a convention center if I’m in town for a convention, parking (if it matters) cleanliness of the property, the host’s responsiveness, and whether the property actually matches the pictures. I look for places people say were the best or places they’d love to return to. That’s the standard!

7. Message The Host

Several Airbnb listings can be booked without contacting the host, but there are a few that require host contact. Regardless, I always message hosts before I make a reservation and I do this for a few reasons: to get a feel of the host, and to ask questions before I book. The questions I ask depend on the level of detail already in the listing or in the reviews but here are some examples:

1. I introduce myself and let them know what exactly I love about their space (decor, lighting, outdoor space, and location are some examples)
2. I ask if f they allow for early arrival/late departures (If I need extra time) and if its free
3. I ask about getting there from the airport if I need specific information
4. I ask about street noise, elevators or stairs, and ease of access to restaurants and public transportation
5. I ask about the number of keys I’ll receive (when traveling with friends)
6. If a listing I really like appears to be partially available for my dates, I shoot my shot anyway. It’s worked in the past!

8. Read The Fine Print

Important items to look for are: House rules and the cancellation policy. Some Airbnbs have a ‘strict policy’ while others are more flexible with cancellations. Keep this in mind when you book. If you’re unsure about going on a trip, then make sure you book one with a flexible policy.

9. Book It!!!!

Remember that amazing cottage I found in Jamaica, well I didn’t book it right away. I knew I wanted to stay in that space as I rang in the New Year but I stalled. I came back to book 24 hours later and it was gone, I was so bummed! I messaged the owner just in case but it was booked. I didn’t find a space in my budget that came close to that one but I went back to my saved items for alternatives (see number 4). So, If you’ve done all the above and you love a space, book it or someone else will!

The best thing about all of this is that it easily be done on your mobile phone using the Airbnb app. If you will be traveling during peak travel season, then do yourself a favor and book in advance. In general, the earlier you look, the more choices are available to you.

Now, you’ve got everything you need to find that amazing Airbnb that you want. Let me know/tag me in your next airbnb booked with these tips.  If you’re new to Airbnb and sign up using my referral link here, you get $40 credit and I’ll get $20 Airbnb credit after you’ve booked your first trip. This incentive is available to all Airbnb users.

Any other Airbnb fans here? Please share additional tips and tricks. If you’re new to the blog check out this post where I compare hostels, Airbnb, and Hotels! If you’re unsure and have questions, leave your questions in the comment section below and I’d be happy to respond!

Till Next Week,

Ms.Heels

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