Airbnb sent an email an email a few weeks, reminding me of my third anniversary with them. I can still remember the excitement and apprehension when I made my first booking: a non-descript apartment in the East Berlin district of Mitte. It was clean and spartan, with a heater from the Cold War era. It was perfect. I wanted to get a feel of how it was to live east of the Berlin Wall during the 1960s, and that’s exactly what I got.
Being able to play the part of a temporary local, someone who belongs in the time and space that I seek out in my travels, is the biggest reason why I love Airbnb. Sure, there are occasional snags and minor inconveniences, usually related to the fact that these places are owned and run by regular folks with lives and jobs and not full time hotel professionals. But on the whole, the experience has been positive and enriching.
Here’s what I look for in an Airbnb property:
1. Character
I love places that have a sense of self. They have a unique personality and they show it in the big pieces and in the smallest details. Sometimes it’s the romanticism of its history, sometimes it’s the novelty of what’s new. I am particularly drawn to homes that have a blend of edge, charm and whimsy. I call this the “Quirk Factor.” I can see myself living in these places.
Sexy Kitchen in East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Cave room in Gozo, Malta
Rustic elegance in Toronto
The coolest ironing board can be found in Toronto
I can imagine hanging out here with friends in Michael’s backyard in Rhode Island
I would have never thought of putting this setup together. One of the charming details in the Berkshires.
2. Interesting and friendly hosts
I comb through hundreds of reviews to find comments from previous guests that tell me that these homeowners are the type of people who take pride in their homes and are eager to welcome you to their beloved abode. Those are my kind of peeps. When I get there, I usually find then even more engaging and fascinating as I thought them to be based on their profiles. I can see these people being my friends if I lived in their neighborhood.
Emir serving us his delicious Bosnian breakfast in Mostar
Gorgeous couple Billy and Waterfall with Sequoia in the lovely home in the Berkshires
Gracious host Michael who built his dream home in Rhode Island (nope, it’s not that shed!)
Grateful to Helena for showing me around Ta Cenc cliffs which is right behind their house
Hazel sure loves James’ rubs
Christian was a wonderful host and very forgiving when I lost a house key.
3. Beautiful design
One of my first Airbnb stays was this gorgeous apartment overlooking Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It was so exquisitely put together that it made me look for homes that valued beauty in different expressions. Since then, I’ve learned to appreciate a variety of styles.
The neat, literally and figuratively, study in Madrid
A very classy living room in Madrid
Minimalist living room in Toronto
My pretty Mommy in this sumptuous dining area in Toronto.
Gorgeous bathroom in a restored farmhouse in Gozo
This rich bedroom in a riad in Marrakech is the stuff dreams are made of
Exquisite ceiling of our bedroom in Marrakesh
Industrial chill look in Boston
4. Amazing view
This is one of the biggest delights of staying in somewhere new and different: the luxury of looking out of the window and finding a scene that’s truly unlike anything I can see at home.
Inspiring view of Dubrovnik/Kings Landing
Majestic Plaza Mayor from our Madrid apartment
Beautiful sunset view from Hvar
Pool view of Sannat
The Stari Most or Mostar’s famed Old Bridge, from our balcony
Special Mention: Animals
I don’t particularly seek out places that have animals but I’ve found that most of my memorable stays were in houses that had non-human occupants. These creatures add a special layer of coziness and belongingness as they allow you to share their space with them.
Prudence the Pig in Vermont
Hazel the Cow coming in for a kiss on her Vermont farm
Beautiful Sequoia waits for her humans by the window in the Berkshires
Robert hangs out by the fire like a boss in the Berkshires
The perfect Fall cat in Rhode Island
For more Airbnb tips, check out Being a Temporary Local with Airbnb.
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Wow. I never thought to look for the “personality” in my Airbnb stays. I’ll admit, I mostly stay in Airbnb’s for the practicality, that is, traveling with a friend / group and looking for somewhere cheaper than hostels / guesthouses. The one thing I really pay attention to are the reviews, to avoid any unsavory experiences. (So far, I haven’t had any, so yay me!) Perhaps I’ll start trying to look into the “quirk factor” on my next Airbnb bookings, but, I think it might be harder to do when I have a budget. Do you have that problem? How would you compromise between price and personality? 🙂