Did you think you checked everything before booking an AirBnb? Think again ! Certain subtleties may escape your attention and impact your travel experience. Discover these sneaky details not to be overlooked for a reservation without unpleasant surprises!
Additional off-platform fees? Attention ! #
Ah, the sweet surprise of hidden fees, who has never experienced it? It’s no secret: often, the prices displayed on advertisements AirBnb are far from reflecting the total amount you will pay. Between taxes, cleaning fees, service charges, surcharges for additional guests or for our four-legged friends, costs can quickly add up.
Sometimes hosts can even request additional fees outside of the platform. Although AirBnb doesn’t recommend it, they do allow hosts to collect security deposits, resort fees, or local taxes. Be sure to check the fine print of listings to avoid unpleasant surprises. If charges appear without warning, report them to AirBnb.
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Be wary of overly flattering descriptions #
Seductive photos aren’t the only trap. Descriptions can also be misleading. Hosts like to embellish reality with flowery but ambiguous terms. Words like “cozy” can mean the space is tiny, “classic” can hide antique amenities, and “private” can mean a place that’s hard to find.
Here are some terms to watch out for:
- Cozy : Can mean “very small”
- Classic : May involve very old decor
- Eclectic : May indicate an odd configuration
- Private : May be difficult to find
- Romantic : May not be suitable for children
Location, a crucial point #
A nice apartment with great photos can lose all its charm if it’s located in a noisy or unsafe neighborhood. Be vigilant and check exactly where the accommodation is located. Is it near a bustling market or party area? This may be perfect for some, but for others it could spell the end of peaceful nights.
Take the example of an adventurous Parisian who rented a charming apartment for her honeymoon, only to discover that it sat above a meat and fish market. The smells reached their homes, forcing them to keep their windows and balconies closed. Moral of the story: don’t be fooled by a simple overview, find out about the neighborhood!
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Old hotel or disguised tourist resort? #
Sometimes what you think is a charming home is actually an old hotel with unflattering reviews. A quick check on Google or Tripadvisor can save you from disappointment. A Reddit user shared his experience with a sneaky host who staged a story to remove a negative review on AirBnb. Cross-checking reviews on other platforms is therefore essential.
Photo gap? Danger ahead! #
A well-designed photo gallery can hide hidden defects. If the images look straight out of Pinterest, be careful. Zooming in on specific details without showing the entire part can hide defects. A lack of photos of the view out the window may indicate unpleasant construction or an unattractive environment.
Don’t hesitate to ask for additional photos if something seems fishy. Wide shots, full views of rooms are often revealing clues of what awaits you. If the host is reluctant to provide this information, it is best to move on.
