If you're an older adult who wants to give Airbnb a go, we've put together some tips to help you find the right stay for your trip.
Airbnb allows property owners to list their rooms, apartments and homes as hospitality locations so individuals can book them for overnight stays. Some people offer a bedroom, which means you pay to stay in their home as a guest. Other people offer entire apartments or full homes, and you can even find camping sites on Airbnb.
When you book through the Airbnb website, everything is handled on the site — including communication with your host and payment. This provides a bit of protection, as you can work through Airbnb if something goes wrong and you believe you're owed a refund. Airbnb hosts also have to meet minimum requirements, and you can read reviews to see how other people have liked the accommodations.
You may have the option to pay the total amount immediately or break your payment into two or more payments. Payments must be made via a digital method, such as a credit card or PayPal account.
Airbnb hosts set their own rates, so you can find a wide variety of price points. Do pay attention to the cleaning costs, taxes and fees, as these increase the amount you pay for each night.
When you book your stay, you may be asked to let the host know why you're booking the stay. Airbnb is designed to promote authenticity, as people are renting to people. So just give a quick explanation, such as "I'm traveling to the area with my adult daughter to visit some assisted living communities."
Once your stay is confirmed, your host will provide additional information, such as instructions for checking in. You can also message your host if you have any questions or need assistance.
Note that most Airbnb stays require some level of DIY. You may be provided with a code to check into your stay via a digital lock on the door. Hosts also provide checkout procedures you should adhere to. For instance, you might be asked to load any dishes you used into a dishwasher, put the kitchen garbage bag in an outdoor trash can and leave all used towels on the shower floor.
Quality and amenities can range widely on Airbnb, so as you review options, look for specifics like:
15475 Gleneagle Dr
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Phone: (719) 481-5481
Email: geninfo@ba.org