Just like with booking the right hotel or vacation rental, booking an Airbnb requires research and planning. In this article I am going to share with you 9 tips and secrets in helping you find the ideal Airbnb.

As you know I’m a big fan of Airbnb, especially during the summer when the Oklahoma heat can reach triple digits on most days, sometimes you need a comfortable and clean place to stay when traveling. With so many Airbnb’s to choose from, how do you know what to look for when you book one?

This is why I am here today.

When it comes to amenities, location, or sleeping arrangements we cover 9 tips and secrets in your quest to finding the ideal Airbnb.

 

For the best Airbnb’s go to https://www.airbnb.com

 

Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article.

 

 

The 9 Tips and Secrets to finding the Ideal Airbnb

 

#1. Choose the area you want to stay in.

It’s always a good idea to have an idea in mind about what area or city you want to stay in. Once you’ve filtered your search accordingly, you can search a specific area on a map for listings. However, if you’re unfamiliar with a location, you’ll want to do some more research on your destination before you book. The first tip is to find your location first and then go from there.

 

 The Secrets are in the Reviews

 

#2. Read All the Reviews

This is probably one of the most important tips I could give you. The reviews are the only feedback loop that potential guests have when considering staying at a particular property. One tip I recommend is to look for a “superhost”. Superhosts are people who Airbnb have identified as providing outstanding hospitality. When searching for listings, you can filter the results to only show superhosts. These hosts will have achieved at least a 4.8 or above for reviews, hosted at least 10 guests, a 90% response rate, and a less than 1% cancellation rate.

 

 Pictures can be Misleading

 

#3. Photography of the Place is Very Important.

One of the most important things to look for when booking an Airbnb is the photos, but sometimes the photos can be misleading- good or bad. You will soon notice that some listings will have professional photos while some may lack that level of quality. I wouldn’t immediately discard bad photos, sometimes you will find the best deals and hidden gems within these listings.

 

 

 

Sleeping Arrangements and Amenities

 

#4. Find the Airbnb based on Your Needs.

Depending on your type of trip, you’ll need certain amenities over others. One tip I recommend is to expand this section and review them first. Often at times, you’re booking an Airbnb for some additional amenities, like kitchen access or having a washer or dryer. Also, verify the number of bathrooms and make sure the number of showers is suitable for your needs. On sleeping arrangements, always confirm that this section meets your expectations. Some listings may say sleeps 6, but some of those arrangements may be a day bed or pull-out sofa.

 

The Speed of Wi-Fi is Important

#5. Wi-Fi may be nonexistent or slow.

Some people only need Wi-Fi to scroll social media. Others need a stronger internet connection for Zoom meetings. Having a fast connection isn’t a make-or-break scenario, but it’s something to consider depending on what type of traveling you’re doing. Some of the best secrets and tips I can offer is to not overlook these details when booking your Airbnb.

 

#6. Ask Questions and Check Response Time

Even if the description is incredibly detailed, I always want to ask questions to the host before I book. Why? Because I find asking a question in advance is a good indication of how helpful or responsive your host will be. The tips and Secrets to finding a quality Airbnb, is to engage with your host on the front end.

 

#7. Check the Rules and Follow the Rules

Each listing has a section called Things to Know. This will give you a run-down for the house rules, including the check-in and out policies, whether children, infants and pets are allowed, and any other specific rules for the property. The list of specific rules can vary and are important to not overlook. They can be anything from doing your own dishes, taking out the trash, not playing loud music etc. My motto is to leave the place in better shape than I found it.

 

#8. Assess the Market price for the destination

As the results start coming back, note the pricing to get a better idea of what the average property is going for in the area. You might even consider that booking a hotel might be the way to go depending on the time of year or location that you’re booking.

 

 

#9 Look for the New Listings

One secret that I will share is to find new listings. Sometimes it’s worth looking at new listings that have minimal or no reviews at all. This is where you will find the best deals. I have done this a few times and found some real gems for bargain prices. New hosts know they don’t have much currency without reviews, so they tend to set their prices quite low to begin with. When you book with these places, the communication with the host will be important in your decision.

 

 

Thoughts and Takeaways

 

And there you have it. These are some of my favorite tips and secrets when I book an Airbnb. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please let me know what you think in the comment section below.

 

 

 

-CT