An AirBNB Horror Story

AirBnBs have become alternatives to hotels lately.  In areas where there are no hotels, one-star or three-star hotels, AirBnBs thrive and have become a source of income for the houseowners or unit owners.  Thank God for tourism and demand for alternative accomodations.  

I have tried an AirBnB in Cebu because I was going to see a friend whose accomodation is in Lapu-lapu City.  So I searched for an AirBnB in Mandaue, a middle ground between Lapu-lapu and the main city of Cebu where my relatives are living.   It was a condominium complex and kind of confusing at first to find by myself and the cab that I took from the airport.  But with the help of the guards and the employees of the complex, we were able to locate our unit.  

It was very secured, the lock is code-operated and automated.  I felt secured but also scared should I forget the code for the lock.  I'm sure I would be locked outside which did really happen.  So I had to solicit the help of the utility staff to help me open the lock by him climbing up the terrace and opening the door.  I was amazed at the ease he was able to climb it up that I had to lock the terrace door securely after that.  I tried hard to erase various horror images that flashed on my mind that night.  Fortunately, I was leaving the following day so I was not bothered by the fact that it was easy to enter our unit by the terrace.   

Of course, it was by no means the fault of anyone, but mine.  Silly of me to forget the code.  

If we stay in  an AirBnB, our houseowner or unit owner or what-have-you, gets to rate us also.  At first, I was not aware of it, fortunately for me, I was tidy and kept the place trash-free.  So my unit owner gave me high rating for that. 

For those who are still in doubt about AirBnBs, it is understandable.  You'll never know what you will be experiencing in the unit or house.   Here are some things to do before you book that AirBnB:

1.  Check the reviews and the ratings.  Ratings and reviews vary.  You'll never know what is objective and subjective.  So read  all reviews and if it is passable and if there's really no other choice in the area, then by all means, reserve it.  

2.  To be safe, just book for one night, if it is not to your liking, then you can leave and find another accommodation the following day.  But if you find out that you love the place, and it is booked by another client the following day, then you lost your chance.   

3.  Try to give an objective review about the unit or house.  By objective, you don't have to whine and complain about the amenities.  Don't be bratty.  You are aware of the conditions of the unit or house before you reserved it, so sometimes you have to adjust to the situation.      

AirBnBs are really good for those who prefer to cook their own meals, do marketing and those who are very choosy and selective of their food.  However, those that want the amenities and facilities that an expensive hotel offers, then by all means, stay in hotels.  Overall, both accommodations have good things to offer.