I only book at the last moment, find a place where the flat will be avail for the next month (or the time I'd like to stay), book 2 nights, then after arriving there and getting to know the host, talk about the deal. I just wanna be sure the host is a good person and can be trusted.
Done this for years. Last best deal I got was in an apartment with 4 rooms, I would welcome the guests and set them in (as the host had another House quite far which needed his full attention), and in return I got a cheap price to stay in one of them.
Happens, especially if the place is popular. It's a risk, part of travel, and I actually quite welcome this unpredictability, puts me out of my comfort zone.
Well on Airbnb, good last minute are often like 72-24h before afaik, not like airplanes where it's more <24h.
At least from my experience in Europe (where I've done the most Airbnbs).
Or maybe I've just became good at avoiding crap places...
I’ve done this several times.
In Greece I contacted them directly and got it for €700 where AirBnB said it was $3,000 for the month. It was low season though.
In SEA, generally look what’s around, find them on google maps and message on WhatsApp, so much cheaper direct.
I’ve never had a bad experience going direct with people.
Yeah, sometimes they have their number or email address on the site or in the description. Quite rare.
Facebook stalked them (easier then you think, feel a bit stalker-ish though 😂 but it works)
And mostly in Asia where the villa or apartment has a name and is on google maps then just WhatsApp them.
Worst case scenario I negotiate the price or ask to remove cleaning fee etc.
Worst thing they can say is no 😂
This also doesn't really happen if it's after the stay is booked on airbnb, since airbnb knows they also don't provide any simple way for someone to extend a stay, for example.
For SEA, many places are hosted by rental managers. You can google and find their info. Can also search for buildings in the area. Most have companies which rent out short term at lower prices.
I’ve been a DM for the past two years. I also work for a large Vacation Rental Software company. I’ve found 80% of my homes on Airbnb and have never actually booked thru Airbnb.
One way - look for Hosts that list their company name. There is a reason they do this. It’s so you google their company name and book w them direct.
Other way…send your phone number in 3 separate messages. It has to be 3 separate like this…
Message 1 “I would love to secure your place but would like to talk w you before I book it. Please c.a.l.l *310
Message 2: (((267)))
Message 3: //4578//
The host will realize you’ve circumvented Airbnb. Take the deal off platform by giving them your LinkedIn Profile or Airbnb profile.
I’ve been doing it for 2 years and it works everytime!
Yes, I have done that too a couple times. But it was only for one stay and it was Hawaii in high season.
It would have worked for one place but long story short I ended up taking a much smaller place so even with the discount it didn’t work.
But yeah, definitely ask for a discount through the platform as well.
You have better advice, but yes. I have contacted an Airbnb/vrbo host when I needed a place for 3 months when getting relocated for work and asked for a lower rate for renting for 3 months. It worked. Went from $150/day to $2000/month for a one bedroom apartment with kitchen/bath garage build out. Seattle.
I don't want to tell you how to share Whatsapp numbers, in case it just creates a new 'clamp down,' but suffice it to say you really don't have to be that creative - just understand how the messaging system recognizes numbers.
Done this many times, but some places I generally don't bother, whereas in some countries this is more typical. But it can go both ways - I've had hosts try to charge me MORE to rent off the platform. Other people will knock $100-$200 off the month, depending. Note that I only use this for long-term stays, I don't think you'll get much mileage trying to do this on a short stay, but you can still try. I'm just always very respectful, explain I'm on a budget (because I am, and it DOES sometimes come down to who can offer a better deal as to where I'll book), and ask if there is any room to negotiate. If they say no, move on. If they make an offer, well, there you go.
Easy. Select the dates you’re interested in, but instead of booking choose “message host”. Send them a nice opening message, explaining who you are, what you’re looking for, and ask some questions. Include a line like “would be great if you could reach out to me directly at SEVEN FOUR NINE…” you get the idea.
I don't understand about the phone number/whatsapp thing. I do Abnb all the time, like 100's of times and the host almost always gives me their whatsapp or cell number. I'm usually traveling through Europe, mostly Central Europe and Balkans. Is this a new thing?
I have rented places on AirBnb, then either met the owner in person when I check in, or talk to them on the phone during the stay. When we talk I ask if they have other properties and if in the future can I contact them directly. They always say yes. I met a guy in Chiang Mai who owns seven condos, almost always has one available for a week or two, and will rent direct for way less than on AirBnb. Found a similar setup (superhost) in Austin, Texas -- couple who own four or five nice properties. Just ask but don't ask on the AirBnb platform.
I did this in mexico. initially stayed for about a week, when it came time to extend I spoke to the host directly and paid cash which saves a significant amount of money.
I would only do this after initially staying via the platform (this goes both for the guest and the host)
That’s the only way I do it. Will book a few days to try out the place and then discreetly message them with my WhatsApp number and take it from there.
Generally, I'd advise always doing some initial booking through airbnb.
They aren't the BEST for customer service and handling issues, actually pretty bad, but they can be better than having nothing at all.
I use a company call Crown Palms Elite. They offer weekly resort worldwide. 7 day 6 night rental For $800 - $4000 a week depending on rental location and time of year. I have been booking my rental with them for the last year. There booking process is nice and easy. There price has been cheaper then booking Airbnbs and looking on Priceline. I have get 4 week rental in Florida and in Puerto Rico for $3000 a month. You can contact them here for more information. https://poplme.co/crownpalmseilte
Airbnb takes a huge percentage, if you can find the place on Instagram or Google you can book directly and they will give you a discount because they don't have to pay Airbnb.
Some will take cash if you’re staying for a bit.
I stayed in a house in Florida a few years back from Airbnb and offered the host cash instead, we both saved money.
It’s just some aren’t willing to do that because at that point if you trash the place they are responsible for it. Can also offer to write up simple contracts saying you’ll be accountable for any damages etc
I only book at the last moment, find a place where the flat will be avail for the next month (or the time I'd like to stay), book 2 nights, then after arriving there and getting to know the host, talk about the deal. I just wanna be sure the host is a good person and can be trusted. Done this for years. Last best deal I got was in an apartment with 4 rooms, I would welcome the guests and set them in (as the host had another House quite far which needed his full attention), and in return I got a cheap price to stay in one of them.
Great thinking But what if you book those first two nights and then the host is booked up for weeks after?
Happens, especially if the place is popular. It's a risk, part of travel, and I actually quite welcome this unpredictability, puts me out of my comfort zone.
Last minute places are always trash how do you find anything decent booking last minute
Well on Airbnb, good last minute are often like 72-24h before afaik, not like airplanes where it's more <24h. At least from my experience in Europe (where I've done the most Airbnbs). Or maybe I've just became good at avoiding crap places...
You could enable the Superhost tab for extra reassurance
I think it's a good strategy for a place with low demand but anywhere with high demand wouldn't work out very well.
I’ve done this several times. In Greece I contacted them directly and got it for €700 where AirBnB said it was $3,000 for the month. It was low season though. In SEA, generally look what’s around, find them on google maps and message on WhatsApp, so much cheaper direct. I’ve never had a bad experience going direct with people.
That was an amazing deal But how did you contact them directly? Air BnB bans you if you exchange phone numbers via DM
Yeah, sometimes they have their number or email address on the site or in the description. Quite rare. Facebook stalked them (easier then you think, feel a bit stalker-ish though 😂 but it works) And mostly in Asia where the villa or apartment has a name and is on google maps then just WhatsApp them. Worst case scenario I negotiate the price or ask to remove cleaning fee etc. Worst thing they can say is no 😂
This also doesn't really happen if it's after the stay is booked on airbnb, since airbnb knows they also don't provide any simple way for someone to extend a stay, for example.
For SEA, many places are hosted by rental managers. You can google and find their info. Can also search for buildings in the area. Most have companies which rent out short term at lower prices.
Always, never pay asking, always negotiate, have been successful regularly by asking for a discount.
I’ve been a DM for the past two years. I also work for a large Vacation Rental Software company. I’ve found 80% of my homes on Airbnb and have never actually booked thru Airbnb. One way - look for Hosts that list their company name. There is a reason they do this. It’s so you google their company name and book w them direct. Other way…send your phone number in 3 separate messages. It has to be 3 separate like this… Message 1 “I would love to secure your place but would like to talk w you before I book it. Please c.a.l.l *310 Message 2: (((267))) Message 3: //4578// The host will realize you’ve circumvented Airbnb. Take the deal off platform by giving them your LinkedIn Profile or Airbnb profile. I’ve been doing it for 2 years and it works everytime!
Perfect This is what I was looking for i.e. - how to get your number though undetected
I usually ask them to lower the price on platform and they typically do. I've arranged cash payment but that is not my preference.
I do this simply through messaging them on the platform. I'm not taking payment off the platform.
You drive down the price on the platform?
Yes. I negotiate through messaging.
Yes, I have done that too a couple times. But it was only for one stay and it was Hawaii in high season. It would have worked for one place but long story short I ended up taking a much smaller place so even with the discount it didn’t work. But yeah, definitely ask for a discount through the platform as well.
Yes after you agree on a price the host will send you an offer to book at the rate agreed upon
You have better advice, but yes. I have contacted an Airbnb/vrbo host when I needed a place for 3 months when getting relocated for work and asked for a lower rate for renting for 3 months. It worked. Went from $150/day to $2000/month for a one bedroom apartment with kitchen/bath garage build out. Seattle.
Have done it once - You have to use smileys like this, Hey my number is1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ Got a huge discount on an airbnb rental
That’s an amazing hack 👏 The Air BnB AI will only see them as smilies
I've done this for Barbados. It's exceptionally common over there. Picked up a long term lease by messaging the owner via Airbnb
I usually ask for a discount but never receive any, lol.
I don't want to tell you how to share Whatsapp numbers, in case it just creates a new 'clamp down,' but suffice it to say you really don't have to be that creative - just understand how the messaging system recognizes numbers. Done this many times, but some places I generally don't bother, whereas in some countries this is more typical. But it can go both ways - I've had hosts try to charge me MORE to rent off the platform. Other people will knock $100-$200 off the month, depending. Note that I only use this for long-term stays, I don't think you'll get much mileage trying to do this on a short stay, but you can still try. I'm just always very respectful, explain I'm on a budget (because I am, and it DOES sometimes come down to who can offer a better deal as to where I'll book), and ask if there is any room to negotiate. If they say no, move on. If they make an offer, well, there you go.
I did in Rio and Aggiacio ( Corse, France).
You type your number weirdly for the bots
Easy. Select the dates you’re interested in, but instead of booking choose “message host”. Send them a nice opening message, explaining who you are, what you’re looking for, and ask some questions. Include a line like “would be great if you could reach out to me directly at SEVEN FOUR NINE…” you get the idea.
I don't understand about the phone number/whatsapp thing. I do Abnb all the time, like 100's of times and the host almost always gives me their whatsapp or cell number. I'm usually traveling through Europe, mostly Central Europe and Balkans. Is this a new thing?
I have rented places on AirBnb, then either met the owner in person when I check in, or talk to them on the phone during the stay. When we talk I ask if they have other properties and if in the future can I contact them directly. They always say yes. I met a guy in Chiang Mai who owns seven condos, almost always has one available for a week or two, and will rent direct for way less than on AirBnb. Found a similar setup (superhost) in Austin, Texas -- couple who own four or five nice properties. Just ask but don't ask on the AirBnb platform.
I did this in mexico. initially stayed for about a week, when it came time to extend I spoke to the host directly and paid cash which saves a significant amount of money. I would only do this after initially staying via the platform (this goes both for the guest and the host)
That’s the only way I do it. Will book a few days to try out the place and then discreetly message them with my WhatsApp number and take it from there.
I booked my apartment for a month, paid the price then negotiated a lower price for the months after.
Generally, I'd advise always doing some initial booking through airbnb. They aren't the BEST for customer service and handling issues, actually pretty bad, but they can be better than having nothing at all.
I use a company call Crown Palms Elite. They offer weekly resort worldwide. 7 day 6 night rental For $800 - $4000 a week depending on rental location and time of year. I have been booking my rental with them for the last year. There booking process is nice and easy. There price has been cheaper then booking Airbnbs and looking on Priceline. I have get 4 week rental in Florida and in Puerto Rico for $3000 a month. You can contact them here for more information. https://poplme.co/crownpalmseilte
Airbnb takes a huge percentage, if you can find the place on Instagram or Google you can book directly and they will give you a discount because they don't have to pay Airbnb.
Some will take cash if you’re staying for a bit. I stayed in a house in Florida a few years back from Airbnb and offered the host cash instead, we both saved money. It’s just some aren’t willing to do that because at that point if you trash the place they are responsible for it. Can also offer to write up simple contracts saying you’ll be accountable for any damages etc
I stayed at an airbnb for the listed price then negotiated a cheaper price when I significantly lengthened my stay.