Airbnb in Europe?

[nwslopoke]

Has anyone done extended travel in Europe using an airbnb? I am planning a somewhat extended stay in Germany, up to 2 months. I've used hotels upto around 2 wks at a time. I'm hoping to leave May/June time frame.

I'm hoping to get some feedback on abnb experiences good or bad. The hotels seemed to conveniently near a subway or tram. I worry some airbnb may be off the beaten path. Trying to avoid renting a car. Also, I am focusing around Frankfurt because of the main train station and airport. My last stay in Offenbach next to Frankfurt was about perfect.

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[User 1234]

I suggest posting that question on TripAdvisor. Or, make a throwaway account on Reddit. There are plenty of European locals on there who can provide advice.

 

[Stomper]

Has anyone done extended travel in Europe using an airbnb? I am planning a somewhat extended stay in Germany, up to 2 months. I've used hotels upto around 2 wks at a time. I'm hoping to leave May/June time frame.

I'm hoping to get some feedback on abnb experiences good or bad. The hotels seemed to conveniently near a subway or tram. I worry some airbnb may be off the beaten path. Trying to avoid renting a car. Also, I am focusing around Frankfurt because of the main train station and airport. My last stay in Offenbach next to Frankfurt was about perfect.

Ahhh... last I saw the ol' Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof was back in '88.



Aufpeterstain!

 

[gmerkt]

Just an impression. Airbnb has kind of turned into the latest rip-off scheme like Uber. Both of which were great when first started up. Now, not so much.

 

[monkeybutler]

In Europe, mostly Denmark but often Germany, I typically stayed in hotels because it was work travel and they paid for dee-luxe everything, and they were most often only ten day or so trips.

I did do two weeks at an air bnb apartment in paris. It was great. But to your point, it was in a perfect location in the city close to everything.

My Euro co-workers strongly favored air bnb in the US anytime they were here for more than a few days. We stayed together in a few US cities. It was a bit weird sharing a house with co workers. They sure ain't poop-shy american ladies. No problem roasting one out in a too close to everything else toilet.

 

[nwslopoke]

Just an impression. Airbnb has kind of turned into the latest rip-off scheme like Uber. Both of which were great when first started up. Now, not so much.

Believe it or not, as good as the breakfasts tend to be at the hotels I actually want to cook for myself this time and pick the time to eat. The local markets also have some interesting selections. Also strange is most of their hotels don't have refrigerators, microwaves or ice machines. It's like they don't expect you to eat in your room .

 

[made in china]

My good friend has recently used Air BNB in France and Italy, he said it was great.

I have no experience with it myself, however....

 

[lucusloc]

Air BnB is a risk no matter where you go. They have no duty or responsibility to you as the consumer as to the condition of the accommodations, that is strictly between you and the host (whom they do not vet).

Can you get super nice places with more space for cheaper than a hotel? You bet you can.
Are there lots of people who have wonderful experiences with Air BnB? Absolutely.
If you happen to have a bad experience can you expect Air BnB do do anything about it? Absolutely not.

For example it is really hard for you as the consumer to vet any place listed on the site is not a scam. If you show up and there is not actually a place there to rent, what do you do? Sure you can complain to Air BnB, and they will probably, eventually give you a refund. But they will do nothing to help you rebook your trip, let alone find you a place to stay that night. Hotels do that, including paying any differences in price (assuming you pre-booked).

Or say you have an issue with the accommodation; broken facilities, lack of adequate bedding, cameras in the loo. Again, do you think Air BnB is going to help you? They probably won't even give you a credit for the inconvenience, those issues are strictly between you and the host, whoever they may be.

In most countries hotels have a uniform code they must follow for services and expectations (privacy, etc). They are licensed (or at least regulated), and if you have problems you have legal protections that likely cover those problems. Air BnB has none of that; you are effectively renting a room off of Craigslist, just with a fancier front end. At best you are covered under basic contract law, and maybe basic laws that cover privacy, but if you have a problem there is no entity that will help you with the issue, your only recourse will be lawsuits and battling it out in civil court. At worst they were operating somewhere they were explicitly forbidden (did you check beforehand?) and your legal coverage is next to nil (illegal contract is illegal yo). Fight it out in court and hope your ignorance of the situation does not hurt your chances too badly.

If you want to save some decent money at the cost of higher risks that is your choice, and more power to you. But don't rent from Air BnB (or any other "room sharing" service) without being aware of the pitfalls. Know that they do minimal vetting (despite what their ads claim) and at least attempt due diligence on the rentals you are considering. Go in to the risks eyes wide open and make your choices with such risks in mind.

 

[WillametteWill]

We have used Airbnb a few times in the States, but have moved over to Booking.com. We have found them to be fantastic for properties. I just looked, 10 locations in Scotland over the past few years, all rated good to fantastic with one meh. Even the worst one, I would use again in a pinch, so it wasn't that bad.

What I like about them is the extensive ratings and history for each of the properties. Most have abundant photos that I've found to be accurate. Many of our stays have been in "self catering" properties, basically meaning you have the entire flat or property. I've done a few single rooms at B&B-style properties as well. Having the entire property is great since you can shop and eat what and when you want. In the UK, their dining schedule (i.e., when restaurants are open) is not the same as here. Not sure about Germany.

I've found that Booking.com seems to have fewer "cleaning fees." I've actually never had one on any rental, but do have one coming up on our next trip for one property. Only one had a deposit, which was refunded on time. You can view available properties on their map, making it easy to see if they are located where you like.

Hope this helps and have an awesome trip.

 

[nwslopoke]

We have used Airbnb a few times in the States, but have moved over to Booking.com. We have found them to be fantastic for properties. I just looked, 10 locations in Scotland over the past few years, all rated good to fantastic with one meh. Even the worst one, I would use again in a pinch, so it wasn't that bad.

What I like about them is the extensive ratings and history for each of the properties. Most have abundant photos that I've found to be accurate. Many of our stays have been in "self catering" properties, basically meaning you have the entire flat or property. I've done a few single rooms at B&B-style properties as well. Having the entire property is great since you can shop and eat what and when you want. In the UK, their dining schedule (i.e., when restaurants are open) is not the same as here. Not sure about Germany.

I've found that Booking.com seems to have fewer "cleaning fees." I've actually never had one on any rental, but do have one coming up on our next trip for one property. Only one had a deposit, which was refunded on time. You can view available properties on their map, making it easy to see if they are located where you like.

Hope this helps and have an awesome trip.

I appreciate this input and those that have messaged me.