AirBnB vs VRBO

On a recent family trip to Nashville (which you can read about HERE and HERE) the family stayed at our first Airbnb and I learned a few things, not the least of which is, I am not comfortable staying in someone's home when they are away. It borders on creepy even though the house we rented was nice enough and quite clean. It was located in just the right spot and the neighborhood was lovely. But it was someone's home. It was weird.


Airbnb website
The site is quite user-friendly and provides you with plenty various options depending on where you want to stay and how much you prefer to pay. Registration is free and easy. Not a problem.

Airbnb hosts:
I don't know about all of them but our guy was fabulous! He was quick to respond and friendly. We even ended up texting and discovered that the sister-in-law of our daughter's boyfriend and our host attended college together and are still good friends! Small world, y'all! Super nice, super friendly. Daughter 1 stayed at a different Airbnb and assured me her host was fabulous as well. Not a problem.

Airbnb accommodations:
Our Airbnb was located in a quaint, safe, family neighborhood and was quite clean. No bedbugs, complete privacy, comfy beds. Even the neighbors were friendly. The location was perfect as it was less than one mile from our daughter's apartment and a 10-15 minute Uber ride to downtown. Not a problem.

Airbnb costs:
I found the cost to be much less expensive than a hotel and in line with prices on VRBO. Of course, there are some rentals that are quite expensive but these balance out since they are HUGE and everyone can split the cost which still brings it in under the usual cost of a hotel room.

Airbnb benefits:
Privacy. Whole house vs a room although you can rent rooms in someone's house. Regardless of whether you rent a house or a room, it is less expensive than hotels. You're not surrounded by strangers. The hosts are more personable than hotel employees.

Airbnb, the downside:
It's someone's home You are staying in their home while they stay somewhere else and I just find that uncomfortable.

Airbnb suggestions:
Look carefully at the pictures provided by the host. Had I been thinking, this would not have been the
right fit for us as my dad and stepmother went along and there were no hand rails on the front porch and the master bed was on the floor, not raised. The other two bedrooms were kids' rooms with a twin in one room and bunk beds in the other. The living room sofa was low to the floor which made getting up difficult for older people and anyone with bad knees. None of that was suitable for older folks, though we made do just fine Plus, did I mention that it was someone's home? A stranger's home. It was weird.

Final thoughts:
If you don't mind staying in the home of a stranger, then Airbnb might be for you. The cost is fair and it's easy to find places close to the area of the city you are visiting. I found the Airbnb to be clean as well. However, pay close attention to the pictures provided to you by the host.

If you're going to Nashville, here's the link to Jim's house if you'd like to give it a try.

Will I try Airbnb again? No. But this has nothing to do with our host or his home. It's all because I find it too creepy to stay in a stranger's home with their possessions all around. Next trip to Nashville, TN (or any other place) will find us in a rental house via VRBO. Hey, VRBO, if you're handing out deals for reviews, let me know! I'll be glad to work with y'all! :)