Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb? Well, this past weekend we had our first Airbnb family experience during our trip to Yosemite National Park. I’ve always been hesitant about using Airbnb but because this was a last minute trip and lodging was scarce during the busy Thanksgiving holiday…I figured, why not. Fortunately for us, it was a great experience and I want to share my booking tips with you!
Our First Airbnb Family Experience
We’ve been to Yosemite twice before and each experience has been different. You can read about our first Yosemite National Park experience, here. This time around we stayed in Mariposa, which is about an hour drive to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance on HWY 140. The house we stayed in was rustic, yet very comfortable, clean and provided all the amenities our family needed. The bonus for me was the well-equipped kitchen that included a slow-cooker and a cabinet filled with spices (I forgot to bring Cumin for my chili)! After a long day at Yosemite, it was just nice to come “home” to a hearty dinner waiting for us. AND yes, I had a “This Is Us” slow-cooker moment and was a little worried about the house.
Airbnb Booking Tips
Before this trip, I was hesitant about using Airbnb – from reading mixed reviews to simply not feeling comfortable staying at a stranger’s home. But at the same time, you hear about issues with hotels (i.e. bed bugs, bad customer service, poor cleanliness, etc) – bottom line, there’s pros and cons to both lodging experiences. When traveling, especially with kids, don’t hesitate to research all the options. We had one of the best times during this trip (minus Caiden getting sick) and I’m so glad we booked with Airbnb and in case you’re wondering – no, this is not a sponsored post. But I do have a special promo to share with you, down below. When researching for your Airbnb stay, double triple check these tips before booking!
Location
Airbnb does not list the exact address (until booking) but it does map the location’s cross streets, so you’re able to research the neighborhood and surrounding areas. For this trip, it was important to see how far it was from Yosemite’s entrance, nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
Read Reviews
It’s so important to read the reviews and frankly I won’t stay at place with zero-reviews, sorry new hosts. Travelers share the good and the bad, so be sure to share yours to help out others. And don’t let that one bad review out weigh the good ones, remember its not a hotel so minor issues can’t be fixed right away.
Look at Photos
If the listing says 3 bedrooms, make sure all 3 bedrooms are pictured. You want to look for a place that provides all the details, including the configuration of the house. It just helps to see how the space will work with your family needs.
Amenities
Read the amenities to help determine what your family needs to bring. For me, I need a well equipped kitchen (so I didn’t have to pack my cooking essentials), air conditioner, heating, WIFI, towels, and washer/dryer so I can bring less dirty clothes home.
House Rules
Read the rules before you book and make sure your family can comply!
Check-In Details
Some listings offer a self check-in by using a keypad while others will meet you there. Just be clear of the procedure prior to your arrival.
Message Host
When a host gives you a quick response, its usually a good sign. Message your host with any questions/concerns.
Airbnb Promo
Are you ready for an Airbnb stay? Well, since I stayed at our first Airbnb, they gave me a $40 off promo to share and I’ll get a credit towards our next stay…its a win-win! Sign-up here and get $40 off your first stay!
I hope these tips helped you. Happy Traveling!
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