Ah, Airbnb — the platform that travelers of all stripes love (and love to hate).
Deciding on a place to stay is arguably the most important decision of your voyage, especially if you’re staying long-term. Most digital nomads can recount at least one crappy Airbnb experience, from poor sleep quality to ice-cold shower temperatures.
No matter if you’re staying for a few days or a few months, you need to know how these sites really operate.
This guide will walk you through the secrets of selecting an Airbnb or, indeed, an apartment on any popular short-term rental site. (Author’s note: I’ve stayed at approximately sixty different Airbnbs over the years at various price points.)
Understanding ratings: 5 stars doesn’t mean 5 stars
Let’s say you’re browsing listings on Airbnb, and you happen across an apartment with a 4.5 star rating. Seeing as 4.5 out of 5 equates to a 90% score, that ought to be a great choice.
Actually, no. In fact, 4.5 would be considered rather low on the Airbnb platform. According to data analytics firm AirDNA, the average listing boasts an average score of 4.74 out of 5.
What gives?
As with many platforms that rely on user reviews, a “five-star culture” pervades Airbnb. Among other examples, a 4.8 rating is needed to maintain Superhost status, which directly affects a listing’s occupancy and revenue. Many guests, aware that even a mediocre rating could tank someone’s income, are reluctant to leave anything less than five stars. Hosts, meanwhile, often encourage guests to leave five-star ratings.
So if the review system is fundamentally broken, how do we know what’s really a five-star experience?
First, you need to raise your expectations. We recommend that travelers look for listings with ratings of at least 4.8. Airbnb also recently introduced a new labeling system, with the “Guest Favorites” badge denoting a place in the top 10% of listings with at least five reviews.
What to look for in reviews
Although guests may feel compelled to award five stars, they often feel more freedom to air their grievances in the written portion of the review.
A popular listing may hold over 100 reviews, but you don’t need to read them word-by-word. Instead, search for keywords associated with common problems (e.g. “WiFi,” “shower,” “bed,” “dirty,” “noise,” etc.)
Tip: Use Checkout Reviews to summarize Airbnb reviews into an easily-digestible report.
Before booking, take a moment to review the host’s profile and read reviews for their other listings. Many hosts manage multiple Airbnbs, so this can give you valuable insights into their hosting style and property standards. It’s also worth noting that some hosts may remove poorly rated listings and start fresh, so consistency across their properties is key.
Is the host trustworthy?
In addition to the property itself, it’s often a good idea to vet the manager. Much of the good (or bad) of your experience comes down to the host, especially for the inevitable snafus that arise during a stay.
Airbnb hosts who earn the “Superhost” status are required to meet rigorous standards established by the platform, such as keeping cancellations to a minimum and responding to guest messages within 24 hours.
While being a Superhost doesn’t promise the property will be perfect, it does indicate that you’re working with someone who prioritizes good hospitality. This can be particularly reassuring in case something goes wrong, like an unexpected maintenance issue or accidentally locking yourself out.
Other factors to consider
At the end of the day, the “best” Airbnb is largely a matter of personal taste. Consider your own preferences, but here are a few points to keep in mind before booking for the long-term.
Your day-to-day needs
A rooftop pool might sound appealing, but how often will you actually use it? Maybe everyday…but maybe not at all.
What matters more is whether your Airbnb supports your everyday routine. Ensure it’s conveniently located near essentials like a supermarket, gym, or coworking space. Cook often? Inquire about pots, pans, and other kitchen tools. If you’re driving, make sure a parking spot is included.
Ultimately, only you can decide what’s important, so think about your daily habits rather than what you think you might do on vacation. Use tools like Google Maps, and don’t forget to explore the “Street View” feature for a closer look at the area.
The workspace
Every digital nomad fantasizes about working at a laptop by the beach, but at the end of the day, you’re probably going to end up in an office chair at a desk just like back home.
Problem is that hosts often have a pretty loose definition of “workspace,” which usually means (at best) a kitchen table and dining room chairs. Using a chair without arms and sitting at the wrong height is a recipe for shoulder, neck, and back pain. Also, some tables are barely big enough for a single laptop, let alone a second monitor and other items.
Host policies
Most listings prohibit group gatherings (i.e. parties), and some also ban additional guests who aren’t on the reservation.
These rules are meant to prevent unwanted guests, which can be reassuring for those who prioritize security. However, if you’re planning to, uh, bring someone back after a night out, it’s a good idea to check with the host beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Additionally, many buildings require visitors to register with a local ID or passport for international guests. There may also be a cap on how many guests you can sign in at once. Whether this matters to you depends on your personal situation and how you plan to use the space.
WiFi speed
A stable internet connection is crucial for any digital nomad. While a minimum of 20 Mbps is generally sufficient for basic tasks like video calls and email, those who frequently upload large files or stream high-definition content (such as gamers) may require faster speeds.
If internet speed is a concern, ask the host to conduct a free, quick test using the Speedtest.net tool and send a screenshot of the result.
Things around the house
Occasionally, you’ll come across an apartment that ticks all the boxes but is missing one essential item—perhaps an office chair or an iron. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to simply purchase these items yourself, even if you have to leave them behind when you move out. Down the road, you can always try to sell lightly used items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
In conclusion
Booking the right Airbnb for your needs requires more than just browsing through photos and checking the rating. It’s about digging deeper into reviews, evaluating the host’s reliability, and considering your own lifestyle requirements.
Although nothing guarantees a perfect stay, you can use these guidelines to minimize your chances of a bad experience. Ultimately, a little extra research and clarity upfront will go a long way in securing a place that truly feels like home.