Airbnb
4.4
5.7
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
LAST UPDATED: March 2nd, 2022
The Good
- Accommodation booking
- Unique experience
- Booking options
- Sorting tool
- Reviews and ratings
Accommodation Booking
Traditional travel booking sites try to get users to book as many accommodations on their site as possible. In this attempt, several travel sites provide the exact same services without providing anything unique to the traveler. Fortunately, there are platforms like Airbnb that make up the difference. Rather than spreading efforts thin to obtain as many reservations as possible, Airbnb solely focuses on their accommodation booking service.Unique Experience
Airbnb offers a unique experience to those looking to stray from the typical hotel perspective of traveling. A network of "hosts" must qualify to list their properties on Airbnb. These hosts can be found in the U.S. and internationally. The ability to stay in the middle of a big city or off in a small, rural town is something that makes Airbnb stand out from traditional booking bureaus.Booking Options
With Airbnb, travelers can book for just a night, a week, or even a month depending on the listing and location. One of the benefits to using Airbnb is that travelers can experience a unique side to their travel destination not otherwise available in a hotel. For instance, travelers can book the following:- Apartments
- Town homes
- Condos
- Homes
- Villas
- Castles
Sorting Tool
Since Airbnb has millions of properties for travelers to choose from, finding the right accommodation can take some time. To minimize the research process, Airbnb instituted a sorting tool. This feature allows users to filter based on the following criteria:- Pricing (range or low to high, high to low)
- Guest star rating - based on what real customers have experienced
- Amenities - what is included in the property
- Proximity - distance to landmarks or airports
- Type - accommodation type whether it is condo, apartment, house, etc.
Reviews and Ratings
Another feature that benefits its travelers are the reviews and ratings. The rating system is also a helpful took to prospective travelers and even for Airbnb hosts. At the end of each stay, the host will rate the guests (based on how their property was treated) and the guests will rate the listing/host. These ratings help those who are looking to book using Airbnb and keeps guests from booking who find it difficult to treat the properties with respect.The Bad
- Restrictions
- Accommodations booking only
Restrictions
While Airbnb is a worldwide platform, not all destinations are available for lodging. Various laws and other restrictions keep Airbnb from being able to work in specific markets. There are also some limitations as to where a traveler can visit and stay. While they do operate in nearly 200 countries, there are some cities that do not allow Airbnb listings. So, if a traveler is set on one of those cities, they will need to book a traditional hotel.Accommodations Booking Only
While Airbnb does provide an entirely original traveling experience, it only takes care of one aspect of the booking process. Most traveling agencies allow their travelers to book a number of their accommodations through their bureau, but Airbnb focuses solely on where the traveler will stay throughout their trip. That means the following cannot be booked using Airbnb:- Flights
- Travel Activities
- Cruises
The Bottom Line
- Unique travel accommodations - stay in properties that would not otherwise be available
- Cut costs on large groups - split the costs per night to save money
- See the world - Airbnb has listings both in the U.S. and internationally
- Extra booking efforts required - travelers will need to book their flights and other travel necessities elsewhere
- Sorting tool - quickly filter through hundreds or even thousands of lodging options
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McKinzie Figueroa Provo, UT
Airbnb was great. It is a good way to find they type of place that you are wanting to stay at. We have used it when we go on vacations and want to stay in more of a house than a hotel with our dog. We are able to find places that fit what our lifestyle needs. If you are needing something you often have to contact the owner of the place where you are staying. Everyone that we have had to contact has been great and responded quickly. Almost every time that we have stayed we have found places that are cheaper than what a hotel would be and is closer to what we are needing for our vacation.
7 years ago
Kari Staheli
AirBNB is a great alternative to hotels. When I planned my trip to Paris last year we used AIRBNB. The hosts replied quickly and the translation service they offer works well. I felt comfortable making reservations through AIRBNB because of the reviews from other people. This is a great way to save money and meet people from other countires and areas.
9 years ago
Breanna Jones Herriman, UT
I really like using Airbnb for my stay on vacation. Website is very easy to use and I have never had a bad experience at someone's home. Everyone responds is a timely manner. When I am looking to a cheaper alternative to a hotel this is where I go. I would say majority of the time Airbnb is cheaper than a hotel.
9 years ago
Lindsey American Fork, UT
I and my family have booked hotels on Airbnb. They have super cute options. There are so many options of places to stay in any city you'd want to be in. I also love the reviews that they have on each property.
8 years ago
Shari Evers Lehi, UT
Airbnb is still new to me, but when I remember to look I always love what I find. We found a great beach house via the app. It makes it easy to compare places and prices!
8 years ago
JD Dunklee Hattiesburg, MS
Using Air B&B is a cool service. It’s often cheaper than booking a hotel, and I have always had wonderful guests!
6 years ago
