Page Contents<\/p>
- How To Find and Book a Great Airbnb<\/a>
- Airbnb-specific search criteria<\/a><\/li>
- Always read the reviews<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Communicate With Your Airbnb Host<\/a><\/li>
- How To Maximize Your Airbnb Purchase<\/a>
- Stack methods for maximum return<\/a><\/li>
- Using gift cards on Airbnb<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Protect Your Airbnb Guest Rating<\/a><\/li>
- Pro Tips<\/a>
- You can (and should) bargain for your Airbnb\u2019s price<\/a><\/li>
- Use Google Maps to pinpoint a property\u2019s address<\/a><\/li>
- Always book with SuperHosts (with a few exceptions)<\/a><\/li>
- Use Neighborhood Scout to scope out an Airbnb\u2019s neighborhood before booking<\/a><\/li>
- Read between the lines on common Airbnb descriptor words<\/a><\/li>
- Beware of multiple Airbnb properties using the same listing photos<\/a><\/li>
- Always pay for your Airbnb with a credit card offering travel insurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Airbnb Cancellation and Refund Policies<\/a><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
How To Find and Book a Great Airbnb<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Airbnb-specific search criteria<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
The most important factor in finding the best Airbnb for you is the ability to use search filters effectively<\/b>. Airbnb has far too many properties available to display on a single search query. This means that to see results for places you may actually want to stay, you\u2019ll have to narrow it down by selecting the criteria for your booking.<\/p>\n
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Credit: Airbnb.com<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n The basics include those you'd expect with any hotel reservation \u2014 like general location, number of beds, and maximum occupants. But in addition to the standard criteria, Airbnb offers several other unique search filters. You will find these under the \u201cMore filters\u201d pop-up menu on the home screen; examples include:<\/p>\n
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- <\/b>Access to a full kitchen \u2014<\/b> Access to a fridge and a full kitchen can be one of the key differences between an Airbnb and a standard hotel. This cuts down on travel costs and can be critical when traveling with a family.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Washer\/dryer in unit \u2014<\/b> Most hotels charge dearly for laundry services, which is another potential benefit of booking an Airbnb instead.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Assigned parking spot(s) \u2014<\/b> Unlike hotels, Airbnbs may or may not have access to a designated parking spot. If you\u2019ll need this, it makes sense to filter for it.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>A\/C or heater \u2014<\/b> While centralized heating and air conditioning are relatively universal for hotels and Airbnbs in the U.S., this isn't always the case internationally.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Instant Booking vs. Host Approval \u2014<\/b> Instant Bookings give you the confidence that if you complete your booking request, your booking is confirmed instantly in your account. If not offered, your request to stay at a property will need approval by the host. This is an important consideration if you\u2019re booking last minute and don\u2019t have time to wait for approval from the host. Additionally, I have had a few requests denied, which can be frustrating and disappointing.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>SuperHosts \u2014<\/b> SuperHosts<\/a> are some of Airbnb's most elite hosts. They\u2019ve had a long track record of stellar reviews and stays. They also have upheld fairly stringent requirements to earn and maintain the title. This is all to say that if you book a property managed by a SuperHost, you are much more likely to have a good experience.<\/li>\n
- Guest Favorite <\/strong>\u2014 <\/b>These properties have been rated highly by at least five guests and must meet specific rating criteria for each rating category, such as cleanliness, location, communication, etc. This also makes it more likely that you will enjoy the property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Credit: Airbnb<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Always read the reviews<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
It might seem obvious, but disregarding reviews is the primary reason many people have negative experiences with Airbnb. Never \u2014 let me repeat, never <\/strong>\u2014 book an Airbnb without thoroughly reviewing all the feedback. Previous guests are usually honest about the strengths and shortcomings of a property. Make sure you're fully satisfied with the reviews before making any reservations.<\/p>\n
Additionally, note any host responses to those reviews. Is the host open to criticism and making an effort to fix the issue? Or is the host hostile or passive-aggressive? The answer can give you great insights into whether you want to be a guest there… or not.<\/p>\n
Communicate With Your Airbnb Host<\/span><\/h2>\n
One of my favorite things about Airbnb is that it encourages communication between hosts and guests. Before booking a space, you can easily reach out to a host to discuss a property's availability, amenities, pricing concerns, and any questions you might have.<\/p>\n
Not only can this be helpful in the booking process, but it can also help make your Airbnb stay more personalized than a hotel stay<\/a>. It can also open the door to some notable opportunities, particularly in regards to negotiating a cheaper price. (See the \u2018Pro Tips<\/strong>\u2019 section for more details.<\/i>)<\/p>\n
There are several situations when having the ability to communicate with a host can be beneficial:<\/p>\n
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- <\/b>Requesting property specifics that are left out of a listing page or unclear<\/li>\n
- Communicating concerns or questions during a stay<\/li>\n
- Requesting or receiving check-in\/check-out information<\/li>\n
- Seeking assistance with any problems post-checkout<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
A good host should always try to respond to messages quickly and concisely. If any experience with a prospective host indicates otherwise, you may want to consider a different property.<\/p>\n
How To Maximize Your Airbnb Purchase<\/span><\/h2>\n
An analysis of how to book on Airbnb should not overlook points earning possibilities during the booking. While Airbnb doesn't offer a loyalty program, you can still earn lots of points on stays. Here are some of the best methods to maximize your spend:<\/p>\n
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- <\/b>Travel Spending \u2014<\/b> The most straightforward way to earn points for an Airbnb stay is by using one of the best cards for travel rewards<\/a>. Some of our favorite options include the Ink Business Preferred\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) (3X points on travel), the American Express\u00ae<\/sup> Green Card<\/a> (3X points on travel), and the Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) (2X points on travel).<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Ink Business Cash\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) \u2014<\/b> One of the best methods to maximize Airbnb spending is by purchasing Airbnb e-gift cards at\u00a0Staples using your Ink Cash<\/a> card (or the discontinued Ink Plus\u00ae<\/sup> Business Credit Card<\/strong> and Ink Bold Business Charge Card<\/strong>). The Ink Cash<\/a> earns 5X Ultimate Rewards<\/a> points (or 5% cash back) per dollar on the first $25k spent annually at office supply stores<\/a>. Airbnb e-gift cards are delivered via email within 24 business hours after purchase and can be added to your Airbnb profile under the \u201cgift card\u201d section immediately.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>United Mileage Plus X App<\/a> \u2014<\/b> The United MPX app sells Airbnb E-gift cards. It currently awards 2 United Miles per $1 spent on the purchase, in addition to any credit card earnings.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>British Airways \/ Delta \/ Qantas Airbnb Partnreships \u2014<\/b> Each of these airlines offers an Airbnb booking portal that awards bonus miles if you book your stay through them. The booking portals can be found here: British Airways<\/a> (2X Avios), Delta<\/a> (1X SkyMiles), Qantas<\/a> (1X Points). British Airways\u2019 portal currently pays out the best at 2 Avios per dollar spent on your booking.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Discounted Gift Cards \u2014<\/b> Several vendors sell Airbnb gift cards for up to 10\u201315% off, including Amazon, PayPal digital gifts, and GiftCardMall. You can also purchase second-hand Airbnb gift cards through Raise, which regularly offers savings of between 2% and 5%.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Stack methods for maximum return<\/span><\/h3>\n
Like any other online purchase, the best strategy often involves stacking several methods per transaction. For instance, let\u2019s say I want to book a $1,500 Airbnb. I could first use my Ink Cash<\/a> card to purchase $1,500 in Airbnb E-Gift Cards from Staples.com. Once I\u2019ve received and loaded them onto my Airbnb profile, I could then utilize the British Airways Airbnb portal to book the property I'd already found.<\/p>\n
This strategy results in earning 7,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points + 3,000 British Airways Avios with just this one booking. With a baseline value of Ultimate Rewards points and Avios at 2.01\u00a2 and 2.55\u00a2 apiece (based on what AwardWallet users redeem them for), respectively, that would represent a whopping 14% return on my purchase.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nInk Business Cash\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\nRates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\nWelcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n Ink Business Cash\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/strong>\nWelcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.<\/div>\nAnnual Fee:<\/strong>$0<\/b><\/div>\nShow more<\/a>Why We Like It<\/a>Highlights<\/a>Earning Rates<\/a>Features a $750 cash back signup bonus, and you earn 5% cash back on a select range of business expenses on the first $25,000 spent each year.<\/div>\n\n\n- Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening<\/li>
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year<\/li>
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases<\/li>
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.<\/li>
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- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases<\/li>
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9\/30\/27.<\/li>
- Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>
- \r\n
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year<\/li>\r\n
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year<\/li>\r\n
- 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
- <\/b>Ink Business Cash\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) \u2014<\/b> One of the best methods to maximize Airbnb spending is by purchasing Airbnb e-gift cards at\u00a0Staples using your Ink Cash<\/a> card (or the discontinued Ink Plus\u00ae<\/sup> Business Credit Card<\/strong> and Ink Bold Business Charge Card<\/strong>). The Ink Cash<\/a> earns 5X Ultimate Rewards<\/a> points (or 5% cash back) per dollar on the first $25k spent annually at office supply stores<\/a>. Airbnb e-gift cards are delivered via email within 24 business hours after purchase and can be added to your Airbnb profile under the \u201cgift card\u201d section immediately.<\/li>\n
- <\/b>Washer\/dryer in unit \u2014<\/b> Most hotels charge dearly for laundry services, which is another potential benefit of booking an Airbnb instead.<\/li>\n
- Use Google Maps to pinpoint a property\u2019s address<\/a><\/li>
- Using gift cards on Airbnb<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Always read the reviews<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Airbnb-specific search criteria<\/a><\/li>
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