Over the last seven years, I’ve spent roughly seven months living in other people’s places through the Airbnb platform alone.
We’ve also used other platforms like VRBO, and of course, we stay in hotels at times, but the majority of our travels, especially the slow travel variety, involves a stay at a home listed on the Airbnb platform.
Over the course of dozens of stays, I’ve taken mental notes on the best and worst aspects of the experiences we’ve had on various trips around the world.
When visiting any place for more than a day or two, it’s really helpful to have the amenities of an apartment or house. Like a kitchen or kitchenette.
If a property has less than about 4.4 stars, there are probably some serious problems with the place or the people running it. It’s not worth your consideration. If the place is rated less than 4.6 stars, I’m going to be hesitant.
Pillows are the number one culprit. Too many places offer one flat or lumpy pillow per person. Please, if you’re an Airbnb host, take a cue from the hotel industry and offer decent pillows.