Airbnb Tips for Guests: How to Use Airbnb Effectively

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How exactly does Airbnb work? What Airbnb tips for guests should you consider? Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects travelers with hosts offering short-term accommodations, providing a personalized and often more affordable alternative to traditional hotels.

We’ve had many successful stays with Airbnb in the past, but these days, we prefer hotels, especially when we can save money using travel points. However, if hotels are costly or unavailable or if there’s a unique experience to be had, we still consider Airbnb a viable option.

Featured image with the text 'Airbnb Booking Tips' overlaid on colorful beachfront cabins.

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We’ve learned a lot from our Airbnb experiences—like the time in Florence when glowing reviews didn’t match up with reality. But that doesn’t mean Airbnb isn’t worth considering. For instance, when we spent a week in Princeville, Kauai, we found an Airbnb that cost half as much as nearby resorts, helping us stay within our budget without sacrificing location.

In this article, I’ll share how to use Airbnb effectively, why it can be a great choice, and provide key tips for guests to make the most of their stay.

Table of Contents

When and Why to Book an Airbnb?

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Everyone’s travel situation is different, and Airbnb can be an excellent option in various scenarios. If you’re traveling with a large group, planning an extended stay, or looking for the comfort of a home away from home, Airbnb offers flexibility and unique accommodations.

On the other hand, a traditional hotel might be more economical if you only stay 1-2 nights, don’t need the extra space, or prefer not to deal with tasks like taking out the trash or paying cleaning fees.

When Hotels Don’t Have Availability or Are Too Expensive

Airbnb is a great alternative when hotels are sold out or priced out of reach. Especially during peak travel seasons, Airbnb can provide a more affordable and comfortable stay.

When You’re Traveling in a Group

For large groups, Airbnb offers the advantage of more space and multiple bedrooms, allowing everyone to stay together in one unit rather than booking multiple hotel rooms. It’s a particularly good option for families, providing room to spread out at a fraction of the cost.

It Can Be a Home Away From Home

If you’re looking for a homier experience, Airbnb delivers. With access to a full kitchen, living area, and other amenities, you can enjoy the comforts of home while on vacation.

Location, Location, Location

Sometimes, Airbnb offers properties in more centralized locations than hotels. You can stay closer to the action and immerse yourself in the local scene. For instance, we booked an Airbnb in Girona when we couldn’t find a decent hotel inside the walls of Old Girona—it turned out to be the perfect choice. Similarly, in Modena, we stayed in a beautiful apartment in the historic center’s residential area. Airbnb also offers options in remote locations where hotels are limited or nonexistent, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Unique Accommodations

Airbnb is known for its unique offerings. From treehouses to castles and even planes, you can find accommodations that offer a one-of-a-kind experience—something you won’t find in a standard hotel.

16 Airbnb Tips for Guests

Row of colorful beach vacation homes on a sandy shoreline.

Read the Listing Carefully

We cannot stress this enough—read, read, and then read again. You don’t want to arrive and find that the property isn’t what you expected.

Read Reviews from Other Guests

After reviewing the listing, take a moment to read reviews from other guests. These insights can reveal what it’s really like to stay at that Airbnb, including both tips and potential red flags.

Airbnb Tip: If the listing has no reviews, skip it.

When in Doubt, Ask the Host Questions

It’s always a good idea to contact the host before booking. Ask any questions you may have, and don’t hesitate to request additional photos or information if needed.

Make Sure You Know What’s Included in Your Stay

Clarify what’s included in your stay—amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, parking, and kitchen supplies. If anything is unclear, contact the host to confirm.

Filter Your Preferences

If an Entire Place is a priority, click that when you filter on Airbnb.

If you know what you’re looking for, use Airbnb’s filtering options to narrow down your search. We always check “Entire Place” to avoid having to share a bathroom or kitchen.

Scrolling down in the filter setting, you can filter by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and property type.

Look for Airbnb Plus Listings

Airbnb Plus properties meet Airbnb’s highest standards, offering verified photos, enhanced cleanliness, and excellent amenities. While they might be slightly more expensive, they often provide added peace of mind.

You can also look for listings with “Superhosts,” who go above and beyond to make sure their guests have a great experience.

Book an “Instant Book” Listing with Caution

“Instant Book” listings can seem convenient, but proceed with caution. Despite the positive reviews, we once booked an “Instant Book” property, which was our worst Airbnb experience.

A host who reviews and approves reservations might be more selective and careful, which can be a good sign. Some Instant Book properties are managed as investments rather than personal homes, which can affect the quality of your stay.

Be Prepared for Extra Fees

"Screenshot of an Airbnb booking summary showing a nightly rate of $1,600, a total cost of $9,814 before taxes, including a $600 cleaning fee and a $1,214 service fee.

This screenshot from an Airbnb listing highlights the additional cleaning and service fees beneath the nightly rates. The total shown is before taxes. When you click “Reserve,” you’ll be taken to a page that displays the total amount, including taxes.

Some Airbnb hosts charge additional fees for cleaning, administration, or extra guests. Make sure you’re aware of these before booking. These fees are usually listed on the listing page once you’ve entered your dates.

Airbnb Tip: At the start of your search, toggle the “Display Total Price” option at the top of your search results to include all fees before taxes. This way, the fees are less surprising, and you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Screenshot of Airbnb search results with an arrow pointing to the 'Display total price' toggle, showing listings with prices including all fees before taxes.

Toggle the display total before you scroll.

Save Listings as You Research

If you’re looking at multiple Airbnb listings, save the ones that catch your eye. This makes it easier to review and compare them later.

Read Over the Rules and Policies

Each host may have different rules regarding check-in times, late-night arrivals, and pet-friendly stays. Read these policies before booking to ensure you’re comfortable with them.

Be Aware of the Cancellation Policy

Airbnb cancellation policies vary from one listing to another. Some offer flexible cancellation with a full refund, while others have stricter terms. Make sure you understand the policy before booking.

Bring the Necessary Supplies

Airbnbs typically provide basic supplies to get you started, but if you’re staying for an extended period, you’ll need to bring items like toiletries and additional supplies.

Be Respectful of Your Hosts and Their Property

Remember, Airbnb is often someone’s home. Respect your host and their property by cleaning up after yourself, keeping noise levels down, and treating their space with care. Treat the home as if it were your own.

Keep an Open Mind

After considering these tips, you might feel more inclined to book a hotel. However, Airbnb can be a great option for a unique experience. An open mind will help you make the best decision and get the most out of your stay.

Compare with Hotel Rates in the Area

Before committing to an Airbnb, compare the rates with those of nearby hotels. You might find a better deal with a hotel, especially when considering additional fees. We like to use Booking.com for this.

Bonus Tip: Take Advantage of Airbnb Experiences

If you’re looking for activities during your stay, Airbnb offers “Experiences” hosted by locals. This can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, and you might even make some new friends. We booked an amazing Airbnb Experience in Florence—a cooking class with a 360-degree city view. It was truly one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

+ You don’t need to stay in an Airbnb to enjoy these experiences.

How to Use Airbnb

Person browsing Airbnb listings on a desktop computer, with various properties displayed on the screen.

Using Airbnb is a straightforward process once your profile is set up. The most challenging part is often finding the right accommodation, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s how to make the process easier:

Step 1: Download the App or Visit Airbnb.com

Start by browsing Airbnb’s website or app. You can search by location and dates and use filters to narrow your search. The map feature can also help you find rentals in a specific area. Tip: Use the “Display Total Price” toggle to include all fees in your search results.

Step 2: Sign Up and Complete Your Profile

Completing your profile is essential, especially if you’re new to Airbnb. Include information about yourself, connect your Facebook account, and add your government ID for verification. This builds trust with hosts.

Step 3: Read Reviews

Before booking, take time to read reviews from both guests and hosts. These provide valuable insights into the property and the host’s reliability. Tip: If the listing has no reviews, it might be best to skip it.

Step 4: Message the Host

Once you’ve found a potential Airbnb, message the host to ask any questions or clarify details. If you stay for a week or more, consider asking for a discount.

Step 5: Book It and Enjoy Your Stay

Have you found the perfect place? Don’t wait—book it! The best Airbnbs often go quickly, so it’s important to secure your reservation as soon as possible.

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.