HOW TO GET STARTED — AND WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR ...
WHERE DO I JOIN UP?
JOINING Airbnb is free, but you have to register at airbnb.co.uk or airbnb.
com whether you’re a host or a guest. You can create an account with your email address or sign up through your Facebook account.
THEN WHAT HAPPENS?
YOU need to add a profile picture. Hosts go through a ‘verification’ process, which shows guests Airbnb has vetted your account. Guests may also be required to verify their ID.
HOW DO I FIND SOMEWHERE TO STAY?
THE Airbnb homepage will prompt you to enter a destination, the dates you wish to travel and the number of guests you’re travelling with before bringing up all available listings. Most hosts state ‘house rules’, including whether food and laundry services are available.
You can then contact them with any further questions or request to book, which automatically takes you to the payment page, on which you will need to supply credit card information. The money will leave your account immediately, and is held by Airbnb until 24 hours after you’ve checked in. It is then transferred to the host.
IS IT CHEAPER TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?
AIRBNB prices don’t rise the closer you get to your intended departure/arrival date, but if you wait until the last minute to book, the best ones are more likely to have been taken. Bartering for a better deal is allowed, but ditch the negotiations after the first ‘no’ — or you risk annoying your host before you’ve even arrived.
WHAT IF THE HOST IS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN?
IF THE worst happens, contact Airbnb and ask them to get hold of the host on your behalf. If they’re unable to do so, they should help you find another place to stay. If the place you have rented is unacceptable, they may also issue payment vouchers for you to stay somewhere else.
IF I HATE THE PLACE, CAN I KICK UP A FUSS?
GUESTS are encouraged to write appraisals of up to 500 words. But the system has been criticised because you can’t post reviews anonymously. Homeowners may be reluctant to rent to you in case you give them a bad review, too.