What to Look for in an Airbnb as an Older Adult

If you’re an older adult who wants to give Airbnb a go, we’ve put together some tips to help you find the right stay for your trip.

What Is Airbnb, and How Does It Work?

Airbnb allows property owners to list their rooms, apartments and homes as hospitality locations so individuals can book them for overnight stays. Some people offer a bedroom, which means you pay to stay in their home as a guest. Other people offer entire apartments or full homes, and you can even find camping sites on Airbnb.

When you book through the Airbnb website, everything is handled on the site — including communication with your host and payment. This provides a bit of protection, as you can work through Airbnb if something goes wrong and you believe you’re owed a refund. Airbnb hosts also have to meet minimum requirements, and you can read reviews to see how other people have liked the accommodations.

What to Expect When You Book a Stay Through Airbnb

You may have the option to pay the total amount immediately or break your payment into two or more payments. Payments must be made via a digital method, such as a credit card or PayPal account.

Airbnb hosts set their own rates, so you can find a wide variety of price points. Do pay attention to the cleaning costs, taxes and fees, as these increase the amount you pay for each night.

When you book your stay, you may be asked to let the host know why you’re booking the stay. Airbnb is designed to promote authenticity, as people are renting to people. So just give a quick explanation, such as “I’m traveling to the area with my adult daughter to visit some assisted living communities.”

Once your stay is confirmed, your host will provide additional information, such as instructions for checking in. You can also message your host if you have any questions or need assistance.

Note that most Airbnb stays require some level of DIY. You may be provided with a code to check into your stay via a digital lock on the door. Hosts also provide checkout procedures you should adhere to. For instance, you might be asked to load any dishes you used into a dishwasher, put the kitchen garbage bag in an outdoor trash can and leave all used towels on the shower floor.

What to Look for in an Airbnb

Quality and amenities can range widely on Airbnb, so as you review options, look for specifics like:

• Safety. Read listings to determine if a location has safety amenities you desire, such as walk-in showers or safety grab bars in bathrooms. Some Airbnb locations include sleeping lofts that are only accessible by ladders, while others are multi-bedroom homes without any stairs at all, so pay attention to details.
• Beds, bedrooms and bathrooms. You can filter your search on Airbnb by many features, including how many beds, bedrooms and bathrooms there are. Filters are helpful because then you only see accommodations that are most likely to meet your needs. However, always read the details of the listing and look at the pictures. A listing that includes two bedrooms and three beds might mean a bed in each room and a pullout couch in the living room.
• Kitchen and bath amenities. Airbnb hosts provide a varying range of amenities. Some may say two rolls of toilet paper are provided and anything you need beyond that is your responsibility. Others may provide as much toilet paper as you need and a basket of items like toothbrushes and small shampoos in case you forgot something. Reading listings ahead of time helps you know what to pack.
• Parking. Most Airbnb hosts provide information about where to park when you arrive. Reviewing parking information can also help you understand whether there’s convenient parking near the lodging or you’ll have to walk a bit — an important consideration for anyone who has mobility concerns.
• Location of host. Some people own numerous Airbnb properties and may not even live in the same state. Others live nearby. For example, you could book a basement apartment and the host could live above that space, or you might book a mother-in-law cottage and the host lives just up the driveway. Even when hosts live close to their Airbnb property, they typically ensure ample privacy for guests. Older adults may enjoy added peace of mind when the host is nearby, especially when they’re traveling alone.