Comments on: Tips for using AirBnB & similar sites

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 05:30:23 +0000

In reply to tomthervguy. My previous comment applies here, too.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 05:29:58 +0000

That’s a very narrow-minded policy. Many experienced travelers even ask traditional hotels for a discount. It’s a common thing. We have excellent references and reviews from hosts, so no it doesn’t mean we’re “trouble.” If someone is asking for a discount for 2 nights and giving you their life story, yeah, I think the advice is probably solid to pass on them. We recently had a stay where I knew we would likely end up longer. He gave us a discount, and our 1-week stay ended up in him having 2-1/2 months of solid occupancy he never would’ve had otherwise. And we left the place in better condition than we found it.

The location rating is a stupid one in IMO. As you said, it isn’t like you can improve that. The only time I’ll give a lower score for that is if they were deceitful to outright lying in their description, which does unfortunately happen occasionally.

By: tomthervguy

tomthervguy — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 05:02:32 +0000

In reply to Talon Windwalker. My listing AUTOMATICALLY applies a weekly discount. But other than that, if a potential guest asks for a discount, their request will be declined at my listing...and most others too.

By: tomthervguy

tomthervguy — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 04:53:27 +0000

In the U.S. hosts who do even a little research, quickly learn that the widespread and overwhelming advice to hosts is: Discount requests mean trouble and you should decline the request. I follow that advice—so yes it CAN hurt to ask for a discount. Also—if you are a newby AirBnb guest, here is a little advice—READ THE LISTING! The whole thing—you’ll be surprised how many questions it will answer for you. And lastly, when you review your host and the accommodations—don’t complain about the location. YOU researched and booked the place and We can’t pick it up and move it for you.

By: http://www.blrimages.net/

http://www.blrimages.net/ — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 01:22:00 +0000

I am like you, I think that it’s not automation that is the problem, but the person behind the automation. If you are utilizing tools to help get everything done with your social media strategy (or your social media manager is) then you have to remember that engagement is the most important part of the equation! Great post!

By: jess2716

jess2716 — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:06:31 +0000

I am making a trip to Manhattan soon and seeing as the hotels there are incredibly pricey, I plan on using Airbnb for the first time. Knowing this is definitely helpful and I feel much more confident that I will be okay now that I know how to carefully book my rental. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and advice! I don’t doubt that it will improve my future stay

By: Tips for using Airbnb Paris and for other places in Europe | All About Travel

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:31:35 +0000

[…] using Airbnb and similar sites is fairly straight forward, there are some things to be aware of, especially for […]

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 14:27:14 +0000

In reply to Ash. Yep! I don't think it would be fair to act like we're only 1 guest and show up as 2. When asking for a discount, though, I do make sure to mention his age, though. Sometimes they take that into consideration.

By: Ash

Ash — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 08:50:57 +0000

Do you count your child in the number of guests you book for?

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 08:50:42 +0000

In reply to Anne. I don't know why it would make you leery. People ask hotels and car rental places for lower prices all the time. And, of course, you're always free to say no. Generally, I only ask for a discount if we're staying for a week or something. Giving someone a discount for a week's stay is still much more profitable than renting the place out only for 2-3 nights.