AirBNB was great when it first started out. It was basically people renting out a room in their home for a night or two, for far cheaper costs than hotels and in areas where a hotel wasn't as readily available. It was a good way for those folks to make some cash on the side and helped the traveler find convenient low cost housing for a couple nights

Unfortunately companies and people decided they could buy up properties and start a business selling out rooms, prices skyrocketed and it no longer became worth it. I just stick to hotels now (or hostels if I ever decide to backpack through Europe or something)

[–] Tordtorden@lemmy.world 34 points 1 year ago (7 children)

The last few times I've used AirBNB it's been a pretty much like borrowing someones home.

For one we were travelling in Portugal and stayed in this old portugese lady's home in a small village along the coast. Really sweet lady, but a bit of a language barrier as she struggled with both english and spanish.

Next weekend me and some friends are renting a whole 4 bedroom summer house in southern Norway to use as a base for a weekend of diving.

But in general I've grown tired of the concept, and the scarcity it brings to the housing market in some cities is predatory.

[–] Waker@lemmy.ml 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm Portuguese, Airbnb "crappy clean before you leave" and 600$ fees haven't caught up yet luckily. Last time I used a Airbnb was in 2016, rented a room on S. Miguel (main Azorean Island) for a fair price.

Since then I mostly just book hotels wherever I go, be it Europe or abroad. In Europe, because it's just easier, often times cheaper, more flexible check-in/check-out and doesn't have the language barrier like you said. And abroad because I just don't feel as comfortable and it's expensive

[–] Tordtorden@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It was honestly quite nice. We could communicate decently enough, and I believe it was her kids who handled the booking. Was down by Vila Nova de Milfontes, super nice and calm place, would definitely want to go back one day.

[–] Waker@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Oh yeah, English is very widely spoken in Portugal, mainly the younger generation but a good part of 40s to 50 year old people do have a good enough grasp of it. Older than that usually French is the main 2nd language and English is very basic to none.

You're welcome back anytime! Portugal is a great place to retire, not to work though :p

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