9 Red Flags That Tell You This Airbnb is Not for You
Say you’re planning a trip to a European city. You enter the location into Airbnb, VRBO or other short-term rental service. Using the site's filters, you narrow down your choices, such as the number of beds and bathrooms, price range and amenities such as Wi-Fi and outdoor space. Hundreds of accommodations appear. The pictures look beautiful. But how do you know you'll enjoy staying there?
If you want to increase your odds of finding a comfortable place that meets your specific needs, keep these nine warning signs in mind as you pursue the listing descriptions, read the reviews and scrutinize the photos.
Under furnished rooms
A listing may feature a beautifully decorated room, but look closer. If the only furniture is a bed on the floor, a table and two chairs, this can be a red flag. If it’s only for a night or two you may be fine with lying on the bed or sitting on a hard dining chair. But for a longer stay, it’s nice to relax in a lounge chair or large sofa, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
If you like to read in bed, look to see if there are nightstands and adequate lighting by the bed. If you have back issues, you may want a higher bed, or at least one that’s not on the floor. Are there enough tables, dressers or luggage racks to put your suitcases on, or will you have to keep them on the floor?
Lack of storage and surface areas
Be sure the photos show a place to hang your clothes. This might be only a row of hooks with hangers, but that may be all you need. Are there tables and counter space, or is every counter and shelf covered in knickknacks?
Examine the bathroom photos. Is there a vanity or shelves for placing your toiletries? Or a hook if you have a hanging toiletry bag. I recently stayed at an Airbnb with only a single shelf above the sink, of which 85 percent was filled with their seashell collection. There was no towel bar and not a single hook in the bathroom — nor the bedroom. I asked the host where I should put my towel, and he said I could hang it on the back of the metal chair in the bathroom. It’s a good thing I was traveling alone as there was only one chair. It boggles my mind how clueless some hosts can be to the basic needs of their guests.
Steep staircases
Steep stairs are common in Europe, and they don’t always have railings. Don’t hesitate to ask how many stairs there are to access the apartment or the front door. Examine the photos and if they don’t have a photo of the internal or external stairs, or anything else you have a question about, ask for one. Be mindful that a host’s definition of steep stairs may not be the same as yours. And what they call a “staircase” to the loft may only be a ladder.
If the accommodation is on two levels, I always ask if there is a toilet on the same level as the bedroom(s). I don’t like having to go down unfamiliar stairs in the middle of the night.
No mention of an elevator
Just because a Paris apartment is on the sixth floor with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower, don’t assume it has an elevator. In my experience, only about 25 percent of Parisian listings reveal whether or not there is an elevator. If it’s not in the description, message the host in advance and ask what floor the apartment is on and if there is a working elevator. Keep in mind that elevators in older European apartment buildings are often smaller than a coffin, and they break down from time to time. If you’re not into climbing stairs, look for an apartment on the ground level, preferably facing the courtyard and not the street. Remember that the first floor in Europe is the equivelent to the second floor in the US.
A trampoline or playground in the backyard
Unless you are traveling with children, it’s best to avoid places that cater to families as it usually means the hosts have young children. And the sound of screaming children on the trampoline may be your morning wakeup call.
Photos of cats and dogs
Hosts will sometime feature their pets in photos. Whether you mind staying in a place with pets is a personal choice. But if you are allergic to cats and/or dogs, be sure the listing states that the accommodation is pet free, or ask the host.
Private bath
Be aware that when booking a room, whether it’s in someone’s home, or in an inn/ bed and breakfast, the words “private bath” do not necessarily mean the bathroom is connected to your room. While you will have exclusive use of a bathroom, it could be at the other end of the hallway or on another floor. Or there may be a sink and shower in your room and your toilet is down the hallway. If having your own bathroom connected to your room is important, and it’s not clear in the description and/or photos, ask the host.
A kitchen lacking key amenities
If you plan on cooking, examine the kitchen photos carefully and look at what kitchen features are listed under the amenities. Is there enough counter space for the type of cooking you plan to do? Don’t assume the kitchen will have every amenity a typical American kitchen contains. Many European kitchens do not have ovens. Or they may have a stove or oven you have to light with a match. If it’s important to you, ask the host, or move on to another listing.
Lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Beware of accommodations with no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. If the host can’t be bothered to install a smoke detector, that should give you a clue as to how much they care about their guests. I only book places with at least a smoke detector, and I pack my own small carbon monoxide detector. For more information on safety, read How to Choose a Safe Airbnb.
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Additionally, be sure to read the reviews. You can search on key words such as “quiet, noise, safe, clean” or anything that is of particular concern to you. If after carefully scrutinizing the photos and the description, and contacting the host, you still don't have a good feeling, move on. There are plenty of other listings. I wish you the best of luck selecting a comfortable, short-term accommodation that meets all your needs.
