Discover a new way to travel and save money with Airbnb! We recently decided to give Airbnb a try for our trip to Paris. This blog post will tell you all about our experience, and we’ll even share an exclusive Airbnb coupon code just for you!
Finding the Perfect Host
Airbnb connects travellers with local hosts who offer unique accommodations, ranging from spare rooms to entire apartments. We were looking for a place to stay for just one night, but you can easily find accommodations for any length of stay, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a week-long vacation, or even a month-long adventure!
Our search started with browsing through numerous Airbnb listings, narrowing our options based on our preferences. We were particularly interested in a location close to the iconic Eiffel Tower.
A little pro tip: When you’re looking for a place to stay, take your time to read through the host’s profile, browse their photos, and consider sending them a personalized message. You never know what kind of special connections you might make!
While our first attempt at contacting a host didn’t work out, we weren’t discouraged. We decided to try a more general approach, sending out messages to several potential hosts.
We were overwhelmed with the variety of choices! Airbnb offers a fantastic selection of accommodations at prices significantly lower than traditional hotels.
Here’s a tip: Avoid hosts who require a deposit. While it might seem like a standard practice, it’s worth exploring other options, especially when you’re looking for a more budget-friendly experience.
We also realized that references are particularly important for solo travellers. If you’re venturing alone, take the time to check out the host’s reviews and references. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere, so don’t let a lack of references deter you completely.
Feeling adventurous? If you come across a host with no references and you’re comfortable doing so, consider messaging them and asking for a discount in exchange for an honest and positive review.
In the end, we chose a host with eleven positive references, even though they had one negative review about cat hair. As pet sitters, we weren’t too worried about that!
Airbnb’s reference system is robust! Airbnb verifies the authenticity of references, and hosts can choose to anonymously share negative feedback about other hosts. Additionally, hosts can have their identities verified through official ID scans and social media connections. As a traveller, you can opt to only stay with verified hosts who have received numerous positive reviews.
A Unique and Affordable Experience
Our first Airbnb experience in Paris exceeded our expectations in many ways.
We found our room to be:
- Cheaper than any comparable hotel
- Nicer with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere
- Perfectly located, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower!
We were able to find a private room for just £50, which was significantly less than any hotel in such a prime location. It was also clear that the Airbnb experience offered a more personalized and unique atmosphere compared to a traditional hotel room.
Our second big advantage was the flexible check-in time.
We arrived in Paris early in the morning after an overnight bus journey. With most hotels requiring check-in at 2 pm, we would have been tired and without a place to rest. Airbnb offered the flexibility we needed, allowing us to check in at any time.
It’s a truly convenient feature, especially for travellers with non-standard arrival times. Being able to settle into our room early gave us the chance to unwind and rest before exploring the city. We were able to enjoy a relaxing morning nap, which made a significant difference to our overall travel experience.
The location of our Airbnb was absolutely amazing! Not only was it close to the Eiffel Tower, but it was also in a safe and pleasant neighborhood. We loved having a place to call our own, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the local Parisian atmosphere.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
Airbnb is more than just a convenient and affordable way to find accommodation. It’s a chance to connect with locals and experience a city from a unique perspective.
Our host was incredibly friendly and welcoming, offering insider tips about the best bars in the area.
Even though we were only there for a short time, we truly felt like we were part of the neighborhood. The opportunity to interact with our host and learn about their life in Paris was an invaluable experience.
We were also impressed with the consideration shown by our host. They were respectful of our need for quiet when we went to bed, even though they were still awake watching television in the adjacent living room.
A personal reflection: It’s important to remember that even in the most luxurious of hotels, you might still hear noise from other guests. Airbnb, however, offers a sense of community and shared space, which can sometimes lead to unexpected interactions that add to the richness of your travel experience.
A Lasting Impression
Our first Airbnb experience in Paris left a lasting impression on us. While we still love housesitting, Airbnb has definitely earned a place in our hearts. It’s a fantastic option for short-term trips, allowing us to explore new places and discover unique accommodations.
With over 350,000 hosts in 190 countries, Airbnb offers an unparalleled range of choices. No matter where you’re planning to travel, there’s sure to be an Airbnb host who can provide you with a memorable and authentic experience.
Why not try Airbnb on your next trip? You might just discover a new favourite way to travel!
Have you ever tried Airbnb? Share your experience in the comments below!
