AirBNB

[lecyclist]

Yep - loads. I've not had any negative experiences, though I've stayed at a few places that I wouldn't bother going back to again. It was great for staying in central London, although I did find that once I took into account claiming back VAT on hotels there often wasn't THAT much in it. Either way, it did make a change and it's nice to cook sometimes.

I always tried to get my own bathroom, though I always found the hosts to be very good.

As I recall they have a system where you submit a VAT number, they validate it, and bookings are charged NET.

Used Airbnb many times, predominantly in Europe. Only bad experiences (2 times) were in France. As its reputation based, its better to be selective.

[vwdan]

Yep - loads. I've not had any negative experiences, though I've stayed at a few places that I wouldn't bother going back to again. It was great for staying in central London, although I did find that once I took into account claiming back VAT on hotels there often wasn't THAT much in it. Either way, it did make a change and it's nice to cook sometimes.

I always tried to get my own bathroom, though I always found the hosts to be very good.

[SimonMac]

Anyone used this yet?

Just booked a two day stay with a couple in the Silicon Valley, as everywhere was booked up.

According to their reviews (41) they're not called West and haven't killed anyone and appear the perfect guests.

Anyone used this service, good or bad?

This for work or pleasure?

If work who have you pissed off to have to sort out your own accommodation,

[Scruff]

Never fancies the rentals where, in effect, your renting a bedroom in someones house. Especially where its shared bathroom etc. Not keen on waking up in the morning and then finding I can't have a dump for 30 mins cos someone in there having a bath etc.

Also, generally I guess there are no bedroom door locks. Dont want to wake up to find some hairy biker called Keith, lying on top of me, poking something hard into my back.

I've only ever rented the whole place. Rooms are for a different type of hooker.

[FatLazyContractor]

Not sure what such a thread from a Permie is doing in professional forums.

[northernladuk]

Yeah thanks for that input PC. Very useful :

[psychocandy]

Never fancies the rentals where, in effect, your renting a bedroom in someones house. Especially where its shared bathroom etc. Not keen on waking up in the morning and then finding I can't have a dump for 30 mins cos someone in there having a bath etc.

Also, generally I guess there are no bedroom door locks. Dont want to wake up to find some hairy biker called Keith, lying on top of me, poking something hard into my back.

[Eirikur]

Have used them a couple of times, but if you find a way to contact the owner directly for example through their website you save a fortune on the airBnB markup.
Always research the owner, did they cancel a lot in the past, do they have other properties and read the reviews for those other properties and who are the reviewers, do they just look like they are the owners mates or are they genuine reviewers with reviews of all sorts of properties.

[Scruff]

I have used them in Bali twice, Gili Islands and Tamarama. All pretty faultless. No complaints at all.

[Old Greg]

Anyone used this yet?

Just booked a two day stay with a couple in the Silicon Valley, as everywhere was booked up.

According to their reviews (41) they're not called West and haven't killed anyone and appear the perfect guests.

Anyone used this service, good or bad?

You probably want to find hosts, not guests, or it may end up being more work than you planned.

[imightbewrong]

We used it to rent a French ski chalet - out of season (just passing through). No issues. Would use again.

Didn't stay with the owner though. Or meet them. (Got the key off a caretaker then left to our own devices)

[SlipTheJab]

Anyone used this yet?

Just booked a two day stay with a couple in the Silicon Valley, as everywhere was booked up.

According to their reviews (41) they're not called West and haven't killed anyone and appear the perfect guests.

Anyone used this service, good or bad?

I'm sure Mr Bates (Norman to his mates and mums dressmaker) will welcome you with open arms!

[MarillionFan]

Anyone used this yet?

Just booked a two day stay with a couple in the Silicon Valley, as everywhere was booked up.

According to their reviews (41) they're not called West and haven't killed anyone and appear the perfect guests.

Anyone used this service, good or bad?