Air BNB - thoughts and advice, please

I've used Airbnb many times in UK and abroad, with family, with a partner and alone. I always book the entire apartment or flat, so I have sole use of the bathroom and kitchen. I've never been disappointed.

I have used Airbnb for several years.. usually choose to have entire place to myself... it can work out quite cheap if you are going off season.. gives you the freedom to come and go as you please, try out local restaurants or buy at local food markets.
Just read all the reviews and do a search on google maps.
Never had any problems.

We've used it very frequently, as have other family members. You can choose when searching whether you want a room in someone's house or a place to yourself - we always choose a place to ourselves, usually an apartment. It's basically a way of booking self catering accommodation. Advantages are that you can arrive and leave any day and stay for as long or short as you want (usually min 2 nights). Not really worth it for very short stays as the cleaning fee is the same whatever the length.

We prefer self catering when travelling as OH likes to shop in local markets and cook, but eat out some of the time too. If staying for a week or longer, having a washing machine is handy- the website lists all the facilities.

In response to OP - food is not provided though sometimes a few basic items are there.

If you want to travel self catering, we've found AirBnb the best site, but always read reviews carefully.

We've used several Airb&bs both in this country and abroad. Without exception they have all been exactly as described and we've been very happy. As a solo traveller I'd have no hesitation in using them, just check how they are rated before you book.

I’ve used Airbnb a few times. One a self catering apartment and the other a lovely self catering cottage. It usually states clearly on the site if you have sole use of accommodation. I used it last year to book a 3 bedroom caravan in Northumberland with my 4 grandchildren and it was lovely.

I’d recommend you search the site with your preferences in mind. Eg an apartment in a city, a cottage in a village? You don’t need to share accommodation unless that’s your preference. It’s unusual for meals to be included but likely to have full cooking facilities as well as nearby restaurants.

I’ve seen lots of listings around the country suitable for solo travellers.

I've used it a few times when I've not been able to get a hotel at a reasonable enough cost. I've been very careful about what I've booked and they've always been nice.

I did have one less than great experience. I booked, booking was confirmed and then the host changed her mind because she was going away. And then changed her mind back again, after I'd rebooked elsewhere (for a much higher cost). But she refunded my fee so...

As a single woman, I've only used a bedroom in someone's house. I would never book with a host that was a single man, only with a family, couple, single woman. I don't use their kitchen and stick to my room and the bathroom.

It's not my first choice though. Cleaning fees can be high (ridiculous! should be covered by the price). I prefer a hotel. More private and more anonymous.

It can be a room and usually a bathroom in someone’s home usually with a separate entrance.

More often it’s a flat or house with just one or several bedrooms. Some people leave you basic breakfast items and there are usually coffee and tea available . I’ve had some nice bnbs look for good reviews and message with questions if you want to check things out.

It can be just a room in someone's home, and there are always details of whether you have access to a kitchen/ your own bathroom etc, or if meals can be provided. Or you may have exclusive access to a whole flat. There are many different options to choose from.

We have used Airbnb twice - in Oxford and Brussells. Both worked very well. We had complete flats both times. Sometimes it can be just a room in someones house. No food involved.

My granddaughter does this or hostels all the time when travelling and has had some nice BnB stays
I have never done it so can’t give any advice you just get use of the room or house but no food or extras…. simply the stay

Room in a home or a flat or house used for short term lets. It's not like traditional bed and breakfasts.