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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is airbnb host BU for wanting access to holiday apartment?

40 replies

easterholidays · 22/03/2016 13:41

We've booked a week away at easter, just the two of us, after a tiring and stressful couple of months. We're planning to do very little. The airbnb host has just messaged to ask whether we mind if her neighbour comes over twice on our first day there to move some stuff. Apparently he has a key so we "don't need to be there".

I don't want the first day of my holiday interrupted by a stranger, I want to be able to stay in bed all morning and not get dressed until lunchtime if I feel like it. But it seems really mean to refuse. I wish she just hadn't asked! What would you do?

OP posts:
Roussette · 22/03/2016 15:49

Great that it's a 2-way feedback system,

Yes, but it's not though is it...

A host can take all the good feedback (which can't be retracted once posted) and not provide anything back if they wait a couple of weeks.

Not sure if this is a new development or what, everyone else previously has always posted lovely reviews of us Smile

can you tell I'm a bit miffed, sorry to hijack thread

Original poster
easterholidays · 22/03/2016 16:04

No problem! I agree it's annoying when a host doesn't post you a review after you give them a good one, I have had it a couple of times. I always make sure I leave a review.

Apple I don't have any experience as a host but I've stayed in places which definitely weren't sleek and shiny! As long as you price it appropriately and are upfront about what is and isn't available I'm sure you'd be OK.

OP posts:
Roussette · 22/03/2016 16:11

Thanks easter

Apple I too have stayed in homes that are what I would call shabby chic and they are lovely and warm and welcoming, that's what counts. I always feel privileged that someone has welcomed me into their home. Go for it!

I've also stayed in 'not a coaser out of place' homes and they make me nervous!

AppleSetsSail · 22/03/2016 16:15

I don't understand how that's not two-way, though? It seems like the risk of two-way FB is that one person posts and the other doesn't. I must be missing something?

Roussette · 22/03/2016 16:25

It used to be that the feedback would not go up on the guest or the host profile until both had done one.

Now, just the guest can do one (saying lovely things and giving 5 stars). The host is told there is feedback pending and air bnb requests them to do a 'guest' feedback. I'm sure at one point, if the host didn't post any feedback, she/he didn't get the guest feedback on her profile (which obviously you want... it's good to get a many good reviews as poss.) Now, all the host has to do is wait 2 weeks and she gets the feedback without doing feedback for the guest.

Hosts (as I understand it) look at feedback for guests as much as the other way round!

What this means as far as our stay there, I have no idea! We were barely at the house, were very quiet, we were out at 9am in the morning and out until about 10pm (stayed 2 nights) and we never even made a cup of tea so we were no bother!

Vilio · 22/03/2016 16:27

Sorry to jump in here, but you all seem to know airbnb well. Does it suit families or is it more targeted at childfree people?
I was looking for something child friendly in Spain for a night or two and couldn't seem to figure out if anywhere would accommodate children as well. None of the entries really specified.

kawliga · 22/03/2016 16:43

OP I would say no, as this might be a tactic for the owner to get her neighbour to come and check on you, in which case it will probably happen again later in the week. I had this once when the owner was worried about the safety of her home with strangers staying there, so she arranged for the neighbours to pop in from time to time on one pretext or other to keep an eye on things.

Original poster
easterholidays · 22/03/2016 16:44

I've airbnb-d with kids, Vilio, with no problems. I think you can specify "child-friendly" under the various filters for your search, although I would always message the owner first to check (people have different versions of what child-friendly means, and anyway an e.g. uncovered concealed pond is probably fine for a 9yo and not for a 2yo, so you need the details before you can be sure).

But we had a lovely log cabin holiday, four adults and four kids, via airbnb last summer. Definitely doable!

OP posts:
Original poster
easterholidays · 22/03/2016 16:44

Thanks kawliga, if that's the case she'll have to find another way! We would have been fine with her meeting us at the property, but once we're there and settled it's our holiday.

OP posts:
Roussette · 22/03/2016 16:52

Sorry easter very rude of me not to answer your OP. Yes, it is your break and you don't want nosy neighbours calling in! You are paying for a service and that service is peace, quiet and seclusion!

FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 22/03/2016 17:03

Wow easter - glad you've sorted it, but can you please share where this log cabin is?!

SaucyJack · 22/03/2016 17:17

I wouldn't actually mind meself if they came promptly at a pre-arranged time, but Hell to them letting themselves in when it suits them.

AppleSetsSail · 22/03/2016 17:26

I see, thanks Rousette.

A perfectly symmetrical feedback system makes most sense.

We're off to the French Alps to a kid-friendly chalet Villio.

Original poster
easterholidays · 22/03/2016 17:36

I've PM-d you Felicia

OP posts:
Vilio · 22/03/2016 20:05

Thanks, I'm dying to try it out. I couldn't see child friendly filters but will give it most of my time later.

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