I’ve heard a lot about Airbnb; lots of my friends and business connections have been avid users for sometime. They’ve all had terrific experiences and have used this platform globally. I’ve always used online travel websites to do more ‘traditional’ hotel bookings but thought I’d give Airbnb a go for an upcoming Melbourne trip with a friend.

What is Airbnb?:

Airbnb is a global travel community that offers end-to-end trips.   Founded in 2008, Airbnb’s accommodation marketplace offers access to millions of places to stay in more than 191 countries, from apartments and villas to castles, treehouses and B&Bs. With Experiences, people can see a different side to a destination through unique, handcrafted activities run by locals. It also provides access to the best local restaurants in selected countries. Airbnb includes options on where you stay, what you do and the people you meet. Airbnb leverages its technology globally to millions of people allowing them to unlock and monetize their spaces and ultimately they become hospitality entrepreneurs. All of this is brought together in a user friendly website and app.

How user friendly was Airbnb website?:

As a first timer on Airbnb the process of signing up was so simple. It was great to explore this easy to navigate and user friendly website.  I have to admit I got easily distracted on searching all the diverse possibilities of global stays. Getting back on track…..

I also loved the fact that you can search for whether you are after a private room, shared room or an entire place for your stay. It was great to have to added options of price, bedrooms required and preferred location.

Melbourne has always been a favourite of mine. I mean, who doesn’t love the coffee, the shopping, the dining and the arts this place has to offer; but my real love for Melbourne lies within its laneways! I entered in my requirements for an entire place with two bedrooms, air conditioning and a laneway location as preferences.

Airbnb search came up with numerous suggestions, in fact I was pleasantly surprised as to how many properties were suggested! The other great feature Airbnb has is a blurb of the property, location, its amenities, house rules, and authentic reviews from previous guests on their overall stay and experience. It’s these reviews that I take note of and use to make my final decisions on anything these days.

After searching a few suggestions, I stumbled upon a property that ticked all the boxes! It was everything I was looking for (and its an old converted warehouse apartment IN A LANEWAY!!). Communication with the superhost Chammy, was fast and accommodating, everything was so easy. As a first timer; I was actually concerned a little, as it was all TOO EASY!

Arriving in Melbourne, still feeling a little unsure, we were dropped off at the end of our laneway. Instantly hit by the amazing smell of really good coffee, we had about 20 metres to walk until we arrived at the our destination for the next few days! It was a simple self-check-in process, with all information supplied to us by our great host Chammy. I’m calling it… I’m converted, it was really that fuss free and easy!

The property was exactly as described. The location was beyond amazing with a bustling coffee shop within the building and an artsy laneway filled with little quaint bars and every type of cuisine you could ever imagine and more!  I can see why this property is so highly rated. The great thing from my Airbnb adventure is I feel it gave me an experience that is unable to be achieved when staying in a hotel. Airbnb really has changed my outlook on future travel and stays.

For a quick overview:

  • Will I use Airbnb again – Yes, most definitely!
  • Will I go back to Chammy’s property in Hardware Lane – Yes indeed, but fear after this review it maybe near impossible to get availability!!
  • Is Airbnb ideal for families – A big yes!
  • Is Airbnb ideal for budget solo travellers – Yes – so many options available,
  • Is Airbnb ideal for business travellers – Yes, the free wifi is a big drawcard!

Additional things you may want to know about Airbnb:

You can earn up to $125 AUD travel credit. Give your friends $55AUD off their first trip on Airbnb and you’ll get up to $125 AUD in travel credit – conditions apply.

Super Host Chammy’s Property

Going away for a period of time? Why not consider becoming an Airbnb host and makes some passive income whilst away!