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Airbnb has revolutionized the way people travel and find accommodations around the world. The platform offers a range of options, from cozy private rooms to luxurious apartments and villas. However, if you are looking for a flexible leaving stay, monthly rentals on Airbnb can be a great option.
What does Airbnb stand for?
"Airbnb" is a combination of "Air Bed and Breakfast" reflecting the early stage starting.
The idea for Airbnb was born in 2007 when the founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, were struggling to pay their rent in San Francisco. They noticed that many hotels in the city were fully booked due to a design conference that was taking place, leaving many attendees without a place to stay. Chesky and Gebbia decided to offer air mattresses in their living room as a solution for travelers, providing them with a simple breakfast in the morning.
This idea evolved into a full-fledged business model, and Airbnb was launched in 2008. Today, the platform offers a wide range of accommodation options, from private rooms in shared apartments to entire homes and villas, and has become a popular choice for travelers all around the world.
The name "Airbnb" reflects the platform's roots as a service that allowed people to rent out an air mattress in their living room or a spare room in their home for travelers to stay overnight and enjoy a simple breakfast. Over the years, the platform has expanded and evolved, but its commitment to offering unique and authentic travel experiences remains the same.
In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of monthly rentals on Airbnb from a guest's perspective and provide tips on how to choose the best monthly rental.
Monthly Rentals on Airbnb: What Are They?
Monthly rentals on Airbnb are long-term stays that last anywhere from 30 to 365 days. They are ideal for people who are looking for a home away from home for an extended period, whether for work, study, or leisure.
What are the Pros of Monthly Rentals?
Cost-Effective
Monthly rentals on Airbnb can be an ideal option for guests who are looking to save money on their long-term accommodation expenses. Compared to short-term stays, monthly rentals usually offer better rates, making them a more cost-effective option. This is because hosts are often open to offer a discount for guests who stay for an extended period.
For instance, a guest who books a monthly rental on Airbnb may be able to secure a lower nightly rate than if they were to book the same property for only a week or two. This can result in significant savings over time, especially for guests who are traveling for an extended period or working remotely.
Furthermore, monthly rentals often come with additional cost savings, such as the ability to cook meals at home instead of dining out, which can be a significant expense for travelers. Many monthly rentals also come equipped with amenities such as a washer and dryer, allowing guests to do laundry without having to pay for expensive hotel laundry services.
Home Comforts
One of the most significant advantages of monthly rentals on Airbnb is that offer you the opportunity to experience the comfort and privacy of a home away from home. Unlike traditional hotel rooms, monthly rentals on Airbnb provide you with a fully furnished and equipped space that can make your stay more comfortable and convenient.
This type of rental typically offers all the amenities that guests need to feel at home, including a kitchen, living room, and often a washer and dryer. This allows you to cook their meals, relax in a comfortable living space, and do laundry without having to leave the property or pay for expensive hotel services.
Moreover, provide you with more privacy and space than traditional hotel rooms. Guests can enjoy the comfort and convenience of a fully furnished and equipped apartment or house, which they can personalize and make their own during their extended stay. This can be especially beneficial if you are traveling for work or are relocating to a new city and need a comfortable and private place to stay.
More Local Experience
A great benefit of staying in a monthly rental on Airbnb is that it provides you with an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle. Unlike traditional hotels, which are often located in touristy areas, monthly rentals on Airbnb are typically located in residential neighborhoods, giving you a more authentic experience.
When you stay in a monthly rental on Airbnb, you can immerse yourself in the local community, explore the area, and get a feel for the local culture. You can shop at local markets, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and even attend community events, festivals, and concerts. This can be especially beneficial if you are looking for a more authentic travel experience and want to avoid tourist traps.
Moreover, staying in a monthly rental allows you to meet and interact with locals, which can provide them with insights into the local culture and lifestyle. Locals can offer recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, and explore, and can even show guests around the neighborhood or city. This can be a great way to make new friends and connections and can lead to a more enriching travel experience.
Flexibility
Another advantage of monthly rentals is the flexibility they can offer. Unlike traditional rental agreements, which often require a long-term commitment and have strict lease terms, monthly rentals on Airbnb provide the freedom to choose the length of their stay. This can be especially beneficial if you are not sure how long will need to stay in a particular location.
Moreover, hosts on Airbnb are often more willing to negotiate rental terms with guests to meet their needs. For example, if you need to leave early or extend your stay, many hosts are willing to accommodate your request. This level of flexibility can be extremely helpful if you need to make last-minute changes to your travel plans or work schedules.
Which are the Cons of Monthly Rentals?
Limited Availability
While monthly rentals on Airbnb can be a cost-effective option, they are not always widely available. Many hosts prefer to rent their properties for shorter stays, which can make it more challenging to find the perfect monthly rental. But after Covid the trend is changing and people want to stay more time in a place to know more about the locals, enjoy the place and meet people.
Cancellation Policies
Airbnb's cancellation policies can be stricter for monthly rentals than for shorter stays. Guests may be required to give a more extended notice period for cancellations, and refunds may not be as generous as for shorter stays. But that is completely reasonable because is not the same cancel a reservation for just a few days compared to a completely monthly booking.
Higher Cleaning Fees
Monthly rentals on Airbnb often have higher cleaning fees than short-term stays. This is because you will stay for longer periods, and hosts need to clean and maintain the property more frequently. You should factor in these extra fees when considering the total cost of their stay.
Also, hosts can just charge one cleaning fee just when you leave the property and with that, the cost will be lower but you have to clean the property by yourself during the period of your stay.
Limited Amenities
While monthly rentals on Airbnb provide you with the comforts of home, they may not offer the same amenities as hotels. For example, some monthly rentals may not have on-site gym facilities, swimming pools, or 24-hour reception services but all of this depends on the city where you are staying and the apartment that you book.
Tips for Choosing the Best Monthly Rental
Set a Budget
You have to set a budget for your monthly rental on Airbnb, taking into account the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and any additional charges. This will help you to narrow down their options and find the perfect rental that fits their budget.
Research the Area
When considering booking a monthly rental on Airbnb, it's important to research the area to ensure it's the right fit for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when researching the area:
Safety: Safety is a top priority when traveling and staying in an unfamiliar location. Research the neighborhood to ensure it has a low crime rate and is safe for travelers.
Accessibility: Consider the location of the rent concerning local transportation options, such as bus or subway stops, as well as nearby airports. This will help you determine how easy it will be to get around during your stay.
Local attractions: Consider the nearby attractions, such as restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. Are they within walking distance or will you need to take transportation? Are they open during the times you plan to visit? Researching local attractions can help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your stay.
Noise level: Some areas can be noisy due to traffic or other sources. Consider whether you prefer a quiet area or are willing to tolerate some noise during your stay.
Read Reviews
Reading reviews is an important step when booking a monthly rental on Airbnb. It can provide you valuable insight into the property and host, as well as help you avoid any potential issues or scams.
When reading reviews, it's important to take them with a grain of salt and consider the overall pattern rather than individual outliers. Look for common themes or issues that guests have experienced, such as cleanliness, communication with the host, or noise level.
If there are multiple negative reviews mentioning the same issues, it may be a red flag and a reason to reconsider booking that property. However, if the majority of reviews are positive and any negative reviews seem to be isolated incidents, it may still be a good option.
Communicate with the Host
You would have to communicate with the host before booking a monthly rental on Airbnb. They should ask any questions they may have, clarify the rental terms, and ensure that the host is responsive and willing to address any concerns.
Check the Amenities
You have to check the amenities of the monthly rental on Airbnb before booking. Making sure that the rental has all the necessary amenities for the stay, such as a kitchen, Wi-Fi, kitchen elements, amenities, and a washer machine.
Consider the Location
The location of the monthly rental on Airbnb is an essential factor to consider. Be sure that the rental is in a convenient location that is accessible to public transportation, restaurants, and other local attractions.
Compare Multiple Options
You have the option to compare multiple monthly rentals on Airbnb before booking. This will help you to find the best option that meets your needs, preferences, and budget.
Just a quick summary
Monthly rentals on Airbnb can be a great option for you, looking for a long-term stay away from home. They offer a cost-effective, comfortable, and flexible alternative to traditional rental agreements. However, be aware of the potential downsides, such as limited availability and stricter cancellation policies.
Following the tips outlined in this article, you can choose the best monthly rental on Airbnb that meets your needs and preferences. So, if you're planning a long-term stay away from home, consider this type of option as your next home away from home.