Anyone do Air BnB as a single female?

[GoldfishGirl]

Can you request only couples to stay? How does it work for you? TIA.

Why do you want only couples to stay?!

Stayed somewhere this summer run by divorced woman. Her student son was listed as co host, and we corresponded a bit before she accepted our booking (it was me and DD). It was only when we arrived we realised she was on her own.

That's quite a good idea @Needmoresleep.

I suppose I was wondering how to not have single males. And if I put females/couples only it sort of makes it obvious I am on my own.

The man worry is that there isn't a secure separation between myself/guest accommodation. I can install an inside lock on my bedroom. Although then I worry about fire. Though it's a brand new block with fire alarms, no cladding, no gas.

I live 3 minutes by train from a major airport / walking distance, so it would be very popular with flight catchers. I work from home and I'm thinking up to five nights a month would be doable.

There is quite a lot more to think about, in terms of how it works.

You could specialise in single females but not sure you can list that because it's discrimination. Not sure being near an airport would be a big advantage because the who thing about airport hotels is the 24 hour shuttle bus, I only use an airport hotel for an early start

put yourself down as "Mr and Mrs". Lock on your bedroom door and ask the fire service for the best way for you to protect yourself in your bedroom in the event of a fire. They sometimes come out and do a free assessment.

You'll be fine. I am.

@stucknoue True but I am cheaper . Plus there are cabin crew.

Thanks @NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 Good to know someone is doing it and it's not a totally crazy idea.

I’ve stayed with at least 3 single females through Airbnb. They do have a pretty robust review system don’t they?

i might do it in the future as long as I felt secure. I'd give it a try anyway, you don't have to carry on doing indefinitely.

You could just vet applications so the reservation has to be confirmed by you first. (Ask for all members in a booking). Just decline the ones you aren’t comfortable with.

Of you're looking for cabin crew then don't Air Bnb, get in touch with the crew directly. Much safer option as they are mostly female, and you know where they work etc. You probably couldn't charge as much as Airbnb though, I think the going rta eis about £25 a night for Heathrow crew.

@Woeisme99 That's a good idea. I do have a contact who mentioned an advertising board for crew ages ago.

After the first replies I also started to think about being able to vet them. I am feeling more positive about it now! Thanks

Ha ha just noticed I wrote the man worry. Main worry, but that too!

I think you can request that potential guests message before booking, so you could check out their profiles and handily have something on on those dates if they happen to be a single male? They wouldn't be able to review as they haven't actually stayed, and they'll be none the wiser, just think you're busy!

Maybe look at spareroom.com to see who might be looking in your area. I have a M-F lodger as to me, Airbnb was too much faff.

You have to verify your ID on air bnb
I think is someone was hellbent on killing someone they wouldn’t do it through a website where they had to show government ID before they could stay anywhere

I don’t do AIRBNB but I have a room I let through spare room and it’s fine

Just to say I host on Airbnb, you can pick and choose (don't use "Instant Book" setting) who you accept and I would definitely get a template email together for people who message you to book to ask about their stay if they don't explain (they should as Airbnb does ask them to "tell your host a little about yourself". Airbnb do start pinging you about your "performance" if you don't accept over 88% bookings. Fuckers. Not 100% clear whether they shove you down the listings or not for it, but if you keep your response rate good you should be ok!

My friend does this. She has a lock on her bedroom door and VERY strict house rules. She asks the guests in advance if they'll need the kitchen or if they want to sit in the living room, which usually stops them from using it. She stays in her room otherwise.

She mostly gets business travellers and now has a couple of regulars, and has great reviews.