Be the Best Airbnb Guest

Airbnb has radically changed the travel industry and I love it. I cannot imagine traveling these days without first looking at Airbnb and VRBO to look for darling cottages or cabins available. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO have allowed for far a variety of types of accommodations as well as locations that are not commercially developed. But if you are not accustomed to staying at an Airbnb, it can be a bit challenging to find out information. Keep reading for my thoughts on Airbnb and tips on how to be the best Airbnb guest for a 5 star review every time!

Be the Best Airbnb Guest – The highs and lows of staying at an Airbnb

I particularly love Airbnb to find places that have a kitchen included. This allows us to save money by grocery shopping and cooking at home for some of our meals. I mean, how nice is it to have a slow morning with cup of coffee on the deck in your pajamas? Although the Airbnb’s that I book are not drastically cheaper than hotels, the added value of a kitchen is priceless. I also get a kick out of the fact that the space was hand decorated by a person. You never know what you’re going to get. This often leads to quirky bathroom decor, which I LOVE!

I understand how it could feel a little strange to stay in someone’s home or property. There is something freeing about staying in a hotel and knowing that someone else will clean up after you (sorry maids!). I don’t quite get this feeling in an Airbnb because I want to ensure the place looks decent when I leave. Also, each time you check into an Airbnb will be a little different. Sometimes it requires meeting up with someone, other times you walk right up and let yourself in. Keep reading for my tips for how to be the best guest, which will give you an idea of what to expect.

The Airbnb Debate

Before I get into the tips, I want to mention that in Santa Barbara (and other major cities), Airbnbs are hotly debated. Due to the limited housing available, each space rented out as an Airbnb is a missed opportunity for someone to rent it full time. As a renter who has moved a couple time in SB, it is super difficult to find a reasonably priced place (even worse in SF and other cities).

I’ve heard from friends how much work it takes to maintain an Airbnb and how it has provided supplementary income for a homeowner to be able to live in an expensive city. Also, not all spaces could easily be rented out full-time, in a legal sense. In SB there is a permitting process to become an ADU (additional dwelling unit). The permitting process can be expensive and entail structural changes. Each city and space are so different that I don’t know the correct answer, but I do know the joy of staying in an Airbnb. So, for now, I will try to respect people’s homes and be the best Airbnb guest possible.

Be the Best Airbnb Guest: Pre-Arrival

• This is someone’s home or property and source of income, so read their cancellation policy. If you cancel at the last minute, they might not be able to re-book those nights and lose that income. It is a risky game to wait, but I prefer to ensure my dates are solid before booking.
• Make sure to ask your questions well in advance, because the response time can be a little slow. If you know you are going to have a rental car a month in advance, why no ask about parking at that time? The chat feature in the Airbnb app is fantastic for this.
• Communicate your check-in time so they know when to expect you. Sometimes hosts like to walk you through the space (I like a walk-through, so I can ask how to work the shower!!) or the space might be connected to their home and they will need to unlock something for you.
• Read through the provided rule book or guidelines online or in person. Sometimes the host prefers that you remove all the sheets and put them in the middle of living room. Or maybe they want you to leave the door unlocked. I usually browse through the rules the day I arrive, so it is kind of in the back of my head and I don’t have to think has hard during the mad rush to get out.

BE THE BEST AIRBNB GUEST: Once you’re there!

• If there are any issues, let the host know as it is happening. I’ve had a few instances when the hot water or internet is not working. I let the host know as soon as I notice it to give them a chance to fix the problem.
• To be the best Airbnb guest, you MUST clean up after yourself. Even if it is not explicitly stated in the rules, do your dishes and clean up any big messes you left. Guaranteed this will get you a better review. My tips for this include:
• • Wash dishes right after you make them. I don’t do this at home, but it keeps them from adding when you are busy exploring a new destination.
  • Do half or more of the cleanup and repacking process the day/night before you leave. Cleanup always takes longer when I am trying to repack my bags and get ready for the day. By doing half or more the night before, it allows for an on-time departure.
  • Wipe down counters and dinner table – this is always a nice touch.
  • Put pillows back appropriately and roughly put together the bed (or pull linens off depending on the Airbnb).
  • Hang towels to dry (don’t leave them in a floor pile like a hotel!).
  • Sweep/vacuum if you tracked in visible dirt.
• Communicate your check-out time and say thank you. It’s natural to run a little late, if you’re doing everything above. Let your host know roughly when you are leaving, so they don’t barge in on you unexpectedly.
• Review your host promptly (within a few days) for others to hear about your stay.

I know this is a lot of things, but I enjoy meeting the hosts (some give AMAZING recommendations), with the added value of a kitchen, and the home-y quality of places I’ve stayed. To me, the effort is 100% worthwhile.

Do you have any other tips for being the best Airbnb guest? What’s the best Airbnb you’ve stayed at? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Travels,

Hanna

Links to the Airbnbs in the images (prices have definitely gone up since I booked at some of these places, sorry if they are on the expensive side).

• Akureyri Airbnb Iceland
• La Fortuna Airbnb, Costa Rica
• Glamping Tent Airbnb in Tulum, Mexico
• Paso Robles Airbnb, California
• Joshua Tree Airbnb, California
• Airbnb in Hella, Iceland