T

he pictures looked too good to be true: a lush walled Caribbean garden, a private pool, a 
gazebo and table where I could write, a private room with an en suite bath, mini-frig and 
microwave, all in a separate wing of an expansive, upscale home. And only $60 a night.  

I was suspicious. The posted reviews were good, but could I trust online reviews? The 

owner’s uncle could be writing them. 

Airbnb—the company that has emerged as the leading private-home vacation rental 

service—asks that you do trust them. In fact, their entire system relies on trust. But it is informed 
trust, not blind trust. Trust that is supported by a complex system of checks-and-balances. 

Renting a cottage or room used to require a leap of faith, sending a deposit to a P.O. 

box and hoping that it was not a scam, or logging onto an online service with a limited 
scope of rentals. But Airbnb has transformed person-to-person rentals by providing 
protections, especially if you follow their “best practices” guidelines. 

There is a lot of screening with Airbnb. With recent updates, anyone applying to be a 

host is screened, their personal history run through a variety of data bases from felonies 
to sex offenders, etc. Guests are also screened. Their IDs (passports, driver’s licenses, etc) 
are cross-referenced with on-line identification such as Facebook or LinkedIn to create a 
Verified ID. Transparency is a key element to Airbnb success.

TIPS FOR BOOKING 

WITH AIRBNB

1) Read the reviews. Airbnb reviews can only be written by guests after they 
leave. They cover the accuracy of the description and pictures, cleanliness, 
check-in communication, location and value. That’s how Airbnb determines 
their number of stars in a listing’s ratings. After you leave, write a review and 
be aware that your host may also be reviewing you as a guest, for a database 
available to all hosts who want to vet their guests. 

2) Read everything the host provides. This will include details of house 
rules, amenities, cancellation policy, security deposit and cleaning fee. 
Most properties do not allow last-minute cancellations without penalties. 
Talk to the host in advance if you have concerns.

3) Never go outside the platform to pay (and report if you are offered a 
better rate to do so). Airbnb only releases your payment to the host 24 
hours after you check in. A complaint will stop that process. 

4) Be up-front about your goals and special needs. I was clear before 
booking that I needed a desk/work space and reliable wi-fi. (Sure, I was 
seduced by the pool and garden, but the wi-fi wasessential for work.) 

5) If you are new to Airbnb, play safe by choosing only from places with ample 
reviews or “super hosts” ratings, a status given to hosts who have consistently 
generated high reviews and are known for their service and support.

6) Make use of the many filters available when booking. They will narrow 
choices and allow you to ensure the amenities (or necessities) you want 
(i.e., if  you travel with a dog or cat, filter for “Pets Allowed”).

7) Respond to hosts. They are taking the greater risk of opening their 
home or property to strangers. Sometimes they will have questions for 
you about your needs and schedule during your planned stay. 

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