Tips for Using Airbnb
Looking for a way to save money on accommodations when visiting Disney or beyond? Airbnb is a great way to rent a home or apartment while traveling. This post offers tips for the Airbnb first-timer, anecdotes covering our experiences with Airbnb, and the best ways for using it to save money when traveling to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, elsewhere within the United States, or even in Europe and Asia.
For those unfamiliar with Airbnb, it’s essentially a community that allows you to rent a place to stay–or rent out your own place–from another person. Like Uber, it’s part of the developing “sharing economy,” which is a total misnomer because you’re actually paying for the lodging, but whatever. We’ve used Airbnb several times over the last few years, and have had positive experiences with it. You can save a ton of money using Airbnb, which is a big part of why we recommend it! (You can also use my sign-up link for a free credit your first time using Airbnb!)
We just returned from a visit to Tokyo Disneyland during which we rented Airbnb from 3 different people, and all of the experiences were great. In fact, every experience we’ve had with Airbnb has been great. That, coupled with hearing about their disaster response to help people in Japan connect with free housing during the Kumamoto Earthquake while we were there convinced me that I should finally do a post on the service.
Our biggest motivation for using Airbnb is saving money. While traveling to Japan on our recent trip, we had a party of 4. It’s common for Japanese hotels to charge per person, or not offer rooms for 4 people. In addition to this, we were visiting during Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festivals) season. This is a popular tourist season with Japanese travelers, so hotel rates were significantly higher than normal, especially on weekends.
Due to this, we ended up booking 3 Airbnb stays for the trip. We used it for our trips to Osaka and Kyoto, and over the weekend near Tokyo Disneyland. In both Osaka and Kyoto, we chose it instead of hotels to stay nearer to points of interest and have an authentic “local” experience. (In 2 of the 3 places, we stayed in traditional “tatami” rooms, which was cool and unique.)
Our Airbnb in Osaka was a converted coffeehouse, complete with a bar, booths, and industrial sink downstairs (see photo above) and bedrooms upstairs. In Kyoto, we were able to book a spot that was a 2-minute walk from Fushimi Inari (and its rail station), our favorite shrine in Japan. Not only were these Airbnbs significantly cheaper than hotels we could’ve booked, but they were far more convenient. This is a big part of why we love Airbnb for international travel.
Then it was on to Tokyo Disneyland. We stayed in a hotel for our weekdays there, but hotel rates typically shoot up over the weekend (due to local tourists visiting the parks), so we switched to an Airbnb a couple of miles from the parks in Urayasu for the weekend.
We were 4-minutes by foot from a rail station here, making this perfect for spending time in Tokyo proper over the weekend (and visiting the awesome Studio Ghibli Museum). It also enabled us to get back to Tokyo Disneyland fairly quickly.
There are many Airbnbs conveniently located to Tokyo Disneyland, so this is a great option if you’re heading to Japan and don’t want to pay exorbitant weekend hotel rates (Friday and Saturday prices are often double–or more–Sunday through Thursday rates). All of the Airbnbs we used in Japan provided free MiFi pocket units, which would have provided further savings had we not already rented MiFi units (since we also stayed in a hotel, which doesn’t provide them).
In the past, we’ve also stayed at Airbnbs in France while visiting Disneyland Paris and Sarah has used Airbnb elsewhere in Europe while attending a friend’s wedding. Our experiences have been universally great, and much cheaper than booking a hotel. In addition to being cheaper, we like using Airbnb because it’s easier to do laundry (make sure to book a unit with washer and dryer). Although we normally don’t cook on vacation, being able to prepare our own meals was also a plus in France as we were right by a market.
We have yet to use Airbnb while traveling to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, but the idea is the same there, and there is tons of availability in both Anaheim and Orlando. Especially during peak seasons or runDisney weekends when occupancy and nightly rates are high, looking to Airbnb could be a great way to avoid paying exorbitant nighty rates.
With regard to Walt Disney World, I’d look for a rental just outside of the property. My personal preference would be near Celebration (on the south side), but if you’re planning on visiting Universal Orlando Resort or SeaWorld, going for the Doctor Phillips or east side of Walt Disney World might be a good idea. As mentioned, we’ve never used Airbnb at Walt Disney World, but likely will for the Walt Disney World Marathon next year. Even Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler uses Airbnb when visiting WDW…and we all want to be like Steven Tyler, right?! 😉
If you’re visiting Disneyland Resort in California and will have a rental car, I’d highly recommend looking beyond Anaheim for places to stay. Seal Beach and Huntington Beach are each 15 miles from Disneyland Resort, and other nearby beach cities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are charming towns with stunning stretches of coastline along Pacific Coast Highway. There are some good, resurgent parts of Anaheim, but otherwise the beach cities are typically far prettier and nicer areas.
As for other general tips, here are some things to consider before renting with Airbnb:
- Create a thorough profile. Hosts will typically review your profile before accepting your request, so don’t go with a blank avatar, no reviews, etc., and expect to be accepted. Just as you probably (hopefully?) wouldn’t open your house to a total stranger, neither will most of them.
- Message potential hosts with questions before booking. Not only will this provide you with helpful info, but you’ll also build more of a rapport and comfort with the host. They are undoubtedly screening guests and likewise look to messages to build trusts with potential guests. (We usually inquire about how check-in works, as we often arrive late.)
- Rental types vary. From the size of the property to whether you’ll have someone’s entire house or one bedroom (or maybe just a large walk-in closet!), make sure to use filters on Airbnb to get exactly what you want.
- Hosts vary. Some are out-of-town during your stay (or are “professional” hosts) whereas others are renting out a room in their own home where they live. You can find hosts who are totally “hands off” (or not present) or ones who will chat with you nightly and show you around during your stay. Book with one who matches your preferences and personality.
- Trust, but verify. When telling relatives about Airbnb, some of the first words that always come up are “scam” and “safety.” Yes, it’s possible to get scammed on Airbnb, and safety concerns are likewise valid. With that said, you are highly unlikely to have any issues. Horror stories do exist, but they are the infinitesimal minority. Read host reviews, don’t pay cash or wire transfer (forbidden under Airbnb’s policies, anyway), and use a little common sense and you’ll be totally fine.
- Keep an eye on cleaning fees. Think of these as the “resort fees” of Airbnb, which can make a lower-priced base rate end up costing more in total than a higher rate.
- Don’t book last minute. Save for some “instant-booking” properties (which often cost more), many rentals will require a bit of back and forth before you’re able to book. Don’t expect to grab something same-day or even only a week in advance. (We actually shy away from the instant booking spots because we question why someone would let you book without screening…is it such a dump that they just don’t care, or what?)
- It’s not a hotel. This should be patently obvious given all of the above, but it’s really important to remember. There is no nightly turndown service, no room-service, etc. You’re staying in someone else’s home–respect it like you would your own. (Not that you should disrespect hotel rooms…) After all, you’re being rated as a guest, too.
- Don’t just look for the Airbnb closest to your point of interest in raw miles. Also consider nearby transportation hubs (especially important when traveling abroad in locations with robust rail systems). Staying in a spot 2-minutes from a rail station but 10 miles away from a point of interest can be better than somewhere 10-minutes from a station but 5 miles from the point of interest. This is especially true if you won’t have a rental car.
- To save more money, couple Airbnb with Uber (read our Tips for Using Uber at Disney post) and don’t rent a car, either.
Finally, you can get a free credit for your first Airbnb stay by clicking here to use our invite link.
Overall, we have found Airbnb to be a great service that offers a way to experience a destination like a local, and to save money. For Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the latter is definitely going to be the stronger draw, as you can get some serious deals as compared to hotels. While all of this can be intimidating to the uninitiated, Airbnb is safe and pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it! Beyond the Disney parks, we highly recommend it for international travel!
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Your Thoughts
Since the foundation of Airbnb is community, we think it’d be great to get some feedback from readers who have used Airbnb at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or beyond. Have any specific properties you’ve used near the parks that you’d recommend? Any experiences to report? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Have you used VRBO/Homeaway? I haven’t traveled internationally, but I found great deals there in Orlando and other places – like ski resort areas off season. Orlando has so many folks who purchased vacation homes so there really are tons to choose from. Ideal if you drive down to Orlando, just one more way to save a few bucks. With parking being charged nightly at the resorts those of us who drive down have even more incentive to make use of sites like this. I have done rentals from a month down to a long weekend. And I very much agree with always deal with the owner if you can message or what have you. Or directly message the property management company at least if that’s the only option. It gives you a much better idea of who you will be dealing with, and what to expect on your stay. And builds trust – both ways.
We also pay close attention to the renter’s cancellation policy. The are classified in stages starting with “flexible”, “moderate” , “strict”, ‘super strict” and worse from there. We stick with flexible and moderate if possible as the strict policies only offer a 50% refund. Long term (30 days+) has no refunds at all.
Thanks for the tips! We’ve used Airbnb a few times and had zero issues. Our experiences have been when traveling to NYC and Ithaca, NY but would definitely use it when going overseas. We have good friends that travelled to Taiwan last summer and stayed in some amazing Airbnb’s. I would add, if you have a recurring trip (for us it’s violin camp for our daughter), find some hosts you like then book direct in subsequent years and save some $.
My daughter and I have booked Airbnb lodging for trip to Paris and London next summer (2018) Glad to read all the good experiences.
great info! thanks for posting
My Airbnb experiences have run the gamut, from wonderful hosts I miss to this day (‘considering a return to Exeter just to spend more time with Kathy) to a couple of awkward set-ups, to an awful place near Logan Airport in Boston (a rip-off at $100, but one-third the cost of staying in a nearby hotel to catch an early flight; if I had it to do over, I’d just spend the night in the airport waiting area). I’ve found Airbnb to be a great alternative for solo travel. None have felt dangerous, most have saved money, and all have added a unique element to the journey. Considering one for Japan makes me feel more optimistic about eventually making it to DisneySea!
We did a Washington, D.C., trip last fall and used Airbnb to rent an apartment. It was perfect for our needs. The kids had a bedroom, so we didn’t have to worry about keeping tiptoeing around in the dark after they went to bed. Plus, we were able to keep up with our laundry with an in-apartment washer and dryer, and we saved on food costs by prepping simple breakfasts and dinners in the kitchen and eating out only for lunch. We were just a few blocks from a train station, and we were right in the heart of the city, so most of our destinations were only a few train stops away. We came home with rave reviews for this particular apartment and the Airbnb experience in general.
Meghan, great to hear that you had a nice stay at washington..am planning a trip there with my family (2 kids included) and looking for a airbnb stay. Can you share more details about the airbnb that you chose.
Thanks.
I have had two wonderful Airbnb experiences. The first in Salt Lake City. Highlights include easy walking distance to all of my conference activities in the downtown area and a wonderful array of breakfast items provided- eggs, bread, milk, good orange juice, several cereals, and fruit. Also local beer! The second was a hosted room in Chattanooga, TN. Great couple that I enjoyed talking with over morning coffee. Looking forward to what looks to be a unique Airbnb experience in TX this summer. The nice thing about Airbnb is that host and guest review each other. So reviews can be trusted.
Airbnb can also provide some unique lodging opportunities. Last summer my daughter and I were able to use Airbnb to stay on a sailboat while we were visiting Olympic National Park. This was an experience we will never forget.
Last summer my daughter and I visited Olympic National Park and we were not able to stay at one of the lodges we wanted because of some silly child restrictions. I decided to check out Airbnb and was able to find something even better: staying on a sailboat. It was a great Airbnb experience we will never forget.
We have used Airbnb for several trips & love it! We travelled through the southern states (New Orleans, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston)–and used Airbnb throughout. Best experiences! I have used in Italy. And I stayed in the cutest Hollywood bungelow in Studio City–Los Angeles to go Universal Studios. I always tell my friends–read the reviews carefully–! I haven’t been disappointed yet.
We’ve used AirBnB/VRBO on a couple ski trips with very good luck and hope to have equal success in France this summer. I had not thought of someplace like Anaheim, however.
Were there any language problems trying to use it in Japan?
May I kindly request a post on the Studio Ghibli museum if you took any photos?
Yes please! Although, I know from my experience at the museum, they strictly prohibit photography inside the museum. We tried and got reprimanded. But outside the museum was totally fair game. I’d love to hear what you guys thought of it. It’s one of my favorite places in Japan.
I’m debating whether to do a post on it. While it’s not “Disney,” neither are any of the off-site hotels I review. In the case of Studio Ghibli, Disney *does* distribute their films in the US, and the two studios have influenced one another significantly.
We use AirBNB all the time and used it in Orlando. We got a villa in Kissamee and had no trouble at all. We arrived really early in the morning and messaged the owner who gave us the entry code right away. The villa was amazing and huge with a pool and hot tub. There was only four of us but the villa could fit 6+. The beauty is also the food. Having the freedom to cook in your villa not only saves money but its nice when you cant be bothered to go out and just want to eat in.
We used uber to get around, as we don’t drive, and found it the best and cheapest way to get around. The villa and the cost of uber was still cheaper than a Disney hotel. We probably wont stay on site again.
That picture of Sarah is BREATHTAKING!!!
I’ve used Airbnb in Paris, London, Amsterdam, The Hague, Tokyo, Bregenz, Vienna and in the Cinque Terre/Italy and had nothing but great experiences.
It’s a great way to learn more about the way people live in those cities/countries and you often meet great hosts who can help with the planning of your trip!
I have used AirBNB for international travel and Disneyland (CA) trips as well. Actually, next week I’ll be in a rented townhouse for a Disneyland vacation with family and friends! There are kind, honest, clean, polite people hosting on AirBNB in Anaheim and the surrounding areas. I have enjoyed staying in a clean and comfortable home much more than a cramped hotel room. It works especially well for families traveling together, as a full house can cost hundreds less than a block of hotel rooms. I highly recommend it! Do be warned: recent news suggests the city of Anaheim may do away with short term rentals, so do your homework – I’m keeping an eye on it for future travel.
My BF and I used Airbnb for our entire trip to Japan last November and I have nothing but positives to say! We stayed in 5 different cities (Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Uraysu, and Shibuya) had no problems whatsoever, and stayed under $100 a night in each place! Our place in Uraysu was pretty cute and also provided some local pastries and candies from a nearby shop for us to try! And our Nara host was totally friendly, offered dinner recommendations and even wrote down in Japanese what to order at a restaurant he enjoyed. My BF and I were a little worried about not staying in hotels just because we worried about storing our luggage when we were in between properties for a day, and this also ended up no problem. If anyone else is worried, there are lockers at every train/subway station and for a couple of dollars each time we had a place to safely store our luggage for a day while we explored a new city! I will say they fill up quickly, so if you are planning on storing luggage in lockers then definitely try to do so early in the day. But if you are worried about travel expenses and are worrisome about hostels, I think Airbnb is an amazing option!!
I never even thought about using Airbnb. What is your experience regarding cleanliness and comfort overall? I’m very picky about cleanliness. I’m sure it would vary depending on the host, but other than geographic concerns, how do you find the really good places? Reviews? We go to WDW so frequently (all of the runDisney race weekends plus at least 4 additional trips per year) that we have used all of our DVC points and we spend a lot of money on hotels.
My family just finished our first experience with Airbnb. It was in Japan, so that may reflect a different experience than elsewhere, but we were careful to choose a place with high reviews, and we could not have been happier.
I’m so glad you posted this! I’m starting to look at hotels for my trip to Japan next year and I wasn’t happy with the selection of hotels I was shown with availability for my possible travel dates. Airbnb had slipped my mind.
My family and I just returned from a trip to Kyoto and Tokyo and used Airbnb for our Kyoto portion. We got a place that was a two minute walk from a JR station, which in turn was only one stop away from the main station in Kyoto. It could not have been more convenient or useful, and it saved us hundreds of dollars per night.