Air b and b advice

[rosesinmygarden]

We've never done air b and b but am tempted for next year.

Prices seem much cheaper than the normal holiday cottage sites, wondering why?

You may find that there are extras to add e.g. "cleaning" or "booking fee" - make sure you get all of the costs, not just the advertised price.

Hmm, yes but it still seems significantly cheaper by £1000 in some cases!

Be careful. The prices can change dynamically, so they increase the more often you look (especially if you look in different devices or you and your partner look separately) because the algorithm thinks there's increased demand for the property on those dates. Depends on if the landlord has set it up to do that.

You'll have to pay fees and cleaning fees in addition to the front page costs.

Often the prices on the map bear no resemblance to the process the same property once you've put your dates in.

I wouldn't go for somewhere that doesn't have reviews (it might not exist) - happened to a friend.

Otherwise, it's mostly ok.

Oh, and double check that you've got single use of all the space. It's quite easy to end up with three beds in a four bed house that is shared with someone else

Go for it!

I've used it a lot and mostly found it great. Make sure you have the right expectations though, it's usually not a well-run hospitality space, it's just someone's house, and people have their own ideas of cleanliness, tidyness, appropriateness of space and furniture.

Read the details very clearly, ask questions!

Thanks everyone, I think seeing as how our budget for next summer is tiny we will try it. I'm thinking we may even try a weekend somewhere sooner than next summer

I've had plenty of good experiences. Just make sure you've read everything thoroughly and you're aware of all extra charges.

Have a great time!

I’ve done it in the UK, Europe and NZ and had good experiences.

Never pay offline to save on fees - you would have no recourse if they cancel/stop talking to you/don’t exist.

Always read a range of the reviews, not just the best or most recent.

Always see what else the hosts might also own in the area and read reviews about moves to other places due to ' upkeep' issues. Spotted this a couple of times recently. If there's a pool nail the them down on exactly who will be using it before you book. Check the extra fees for cleaning etc some are disproportionate especially for shorter stays.