Skip to main content

Tagged With "airbnb"

Reply

Re: Suggestions wanted: Andalusia

PortMoresby ·
Will you have a car? I ask, because if you will, you might consider stopping at one or more of the White Towns between Seville & Granada. I stayed a week in a house just outside Iznajar, a lovely little place, and visited a bigger town, Antequera, worth a stop. For a brief stop I'd recommend the smaller town, one of a number in the area, millions of olive trees everywhere. There is no train there although Antequera has a station, but outside the town. Below the town of Iznajar, beside...
Reply

Re: Suggestions wanted: Andalusia

Paul Heymont ·
I should have said, but no: no car...although I did consider taking one for a day, for the Jerez excursion. Sounds more and more, though, like we'll have to plan on returning to Andalusia another time...
Comment

Re: Amsterdam's Valentine to AirBnb: New short-term rental rules

PortMoresby ·
It's interesting that it's a European city to officially recognize value for it's citizen in an American innovation. I guess that means maturity comes packaged in more ways than nice old buildings. New York City and others, take note.
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
From the Bloomberg article: "Airbnb has been working hard in recent months to change the law in the company’s favor." This limited characterization makes me wonder whose side Bloomberg is on, given any individual NYC host or user has more to loose or gain than Airbnb, since the company will succeed with or without NYC listings. Given the timing of the original law, it seems clear that it's largely commercial interests that back the law limiting just who can participate in the short-term...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

DrFumblefinger ·
Bloomberg is a big business type publication so I believe they would tend to favor the big corporate guys. And the unions they employee. And the government officials these big corporations tend to grease. I personally believe in free choice. Let people decide where they want to stay. New York City, being one of the most expensive for hotel rooms in the world, needs more consumer choices in my opinion. AirBnB is one of the most innovative products to hit the travel market in a long time.
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: " Bloomberg is a big business type publication so I believe they would tend to favor the big corporate guys. And the unions they employee. And the government officials these big corporations tend to grease." Indeed, it is. I didn't really wonder.
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
As a frequent Airbnb renter (about 16 times) I obviously think it's a valuable thing and want it to succeed. I also think that there's room for reasonable regulation that's sensitive to local needs, and that a reasonable compromise can be found. Let's take the case of New York City...there is a real shortage of affordable housing. While it's not caused by Airbnb, but rather by a series of market issues that I won't rehearse here, it's reasonable for the city/state to ban short-term rentals...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Everything you say, P, is logical and fair. The problem becomes compliance and enforcement, not a separate issue. A segment of people will always try to game the system and it's impossible to enforce these kinds of regulations in such a complex and populous place. Even here, where I live in a relatively rural place, I suspect I'm the only one in a large county collecting and paying the short-term occupancy tax. I do it, not because I'm honest, but because I don't want to think about possible...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
I think my proposal as written could work; in my haste I left out one aspect and that is that Airbnb or similar would be expected to require that a host supply his or her city registration number, or look it up on city website. The company would be subject to penalty for unlicensed listings or for handling rentals beyond the limit. Of course if the host rented through other agencies beyond the limit, that would not be on Airbnb...some city enforcement mechanism would be ended but that's true...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
Listings on Airbnb are done as independent contractors and while Airbnb can advise their listers to comply, and do, I don't think they will, or even should, be responsible for that compliance. Companies who hire independent contractors , including Airbnb, aren't responsible for those people doing what they're supposed to do. I think it's unrealistic to suppose that what isn't a requirement in other industries, should be in this one. One may want them to be responsible for everyone's...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
Well, I see the point of your argument, but even without any liability on Airbnb's part it could work. Part A) If the local jurisdiction (NY or elsewhere) catches you in violation you can be fined, or whatever penalty. Part B) on notification by local jurisdiction that a listing is in violation, agency required to remove listing. I'm sure Airbnb and others would be able to work with that...they're willing to collect taxes and this would be far less burdensome than that!
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
I missed something...what taxes do they collect? None in my case. I collect it, include the bed tax in my price, which Airbnb gives to me in their payment, and I file a return with the county quarterly when I pay them. Income reported to IRS, but my responsibility to pay any tax due. But I think the rest is reasonable. No requirement that Airbnb enforce anything except in response to local authorities that a rental is illegal. In theory, they already remove substandard listings, so much the...
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
In their negotiations with New York and San Francisco, among others, Airbnb has offered to collect and transmit the taxes imposed. Don't know if they currently have an agreement along those lines in any jurisdiction.
Comment

Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
I'd love it if they collected the bed tax here. Since they don't, and it's my impression that few here pay it, including it as part of my fee creates an imbalance for me, making it appear as though I'm getting more than I do. I state the breakdown in my listing but hardly anyone actually reads the listings. If they collected it, it would give a fair comparison of the room rate with the taxes added on at the end, as the fees are now. I think, though, despite what seems a good idea from the...
Comment

Re: Spain's booming tourism hits record numbers

DrFumblefinger ·
Most countries would envy Spain this particular problem. Given how week other aspects of their economy are, I can't see the government putting a stop on this, despite the actions of some mayors. I'd suggest they look at diverting tourists to less traveled parts of the country. Spain is a large place and there are lots of places tourists hardly ever go.
Comment

Re: Avoid Airbnb scammers by following the rules

PortMoresby ·
In my experience, as a host with around 100 guest experiences behind me, I know people tend not to read either the listing thoroughly, likely relying on the photos, nor anything in the message threads other than what they're replying to. I just had a look and there is, indeed, a warning on the messaging page as described above. But it's in the same smallish print as the entire page so doesn't stand out, and is on the lower righthand part of the page with nothing to draw one's attention.
Comment

Re: Avoid Airbnb scammers by following the rules

HistoryDigger ·
Thanks for posting this. I was not aware of the scam but am glad to know about it. I use VRBO more often than AirBnB for no other reason than I got used to it. I suppose the same kind of scam could come through most of these 3rd party vendors. Thanks for the heads us. I am probably one of the few people who does read the small print and the owner instructions when I rent a place. I treat rented apartments as if they belonged to close friends.
Comment

Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

PortMoresby ·
As an Airbnb user, and also a host, again I have the feeling that the company, while tooting their "community" horn, has again proceeded with changes to the site with no input from users, but rather as conceived by the designers working in their own little world. Particularly as a host, it regularly becomes a case of "you can't get there from here". This interview is an example, telling us that corporate users will be directed only to entire properties, rather than all properties available...
Comment

Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

Paul Heymont ·
I definitely agree that the interface has become more difficult to use in many ways, although easier in a few. In particular, some parts of the filtering and some information...more difficult. But I do think that the point of what McCabe was saying was that the corporate travel departments want to place restriction on what their employees can rent, and that Airbnb will help them do that...for their employees. Independent business travelers, or those who work for corporations with a more...
Comment

Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

PortMoresby ·
My point, more succinctly, is that while I have no problem with Airbnb expanding it's customer base, a surprising number of my guests are first-time users and I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to extract them from dead-ends they've gotten themselves into on the site. Until the booking process is a straight line, easily negotiated by new users, I believe their efforts would be better spent serving the customers they already have, before heading in new directions.
Comment

Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

Paul Heymont ·
They were fortunate to have a guide like you! There was a time when it was easy to say what part of Paris you wanted to stay in, and what rent range you were willing to pay, and what type of place, as well as desired amenities. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that these days you have to settle for some of those criteria and waste time hunting through the rest. Honestly, as much as I've had good experiences, my business is ripe for the picking if anyone could match the selection and...
Comment

Re: Solo Travel: Four unexpected essentials

Travel Rob ·
Great tips! And 'international badass' has to be the coolest description for a solo traveler I've seen!
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

PortMoresby ·
It's big news - BBC had an interview with one of the Airbnb guys this evening, talking about just this. I'm getting ready, just watched 'Our Man in Havana', (1959, Alec Guinness).
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

Paul Heymont ·
Great film. Graham Greene novel and screenplay.
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

GarryRF ·
The internet is accessible for most people in Cuba. Phone lines are still a rare item for private houses. Many share a local service with business and families using the same web address. Just like we used to - when we shared a public phone. Yes - years ago - I know !
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

Paul Heymont ·
I know this is open to double meaning in this context...but yes, I remember sharing a party line. Leavenworth, KS, 1951. Our number was 779-J and we were #10 of the 12 families on the line. There was a distinct ring for each family...can't remember ours (I was 7 at the time).
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

GarryRF ·
Did it go Brrr....Brrr... or was that the Polar Bear without his coat on ? Yes party lines were great fun if you picked up the receiver when someone else was talking.
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

DrFumblefinger ·
Garry, it seems like you were a naughty boy. I suspect you actually took part in some of these party line calls, rendering some good advice, I'm sure -- whether wanted or not.
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

Paul Heymont ·
Don't remember exactly what it sounded like, but I remember what my mother sounded like when she caught me listening...
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

PortMoresby ·
Ours was 2 shorts and a long (or was it 2 longs and a short?), also early '50s, Danville, California. It was an idyllic new subdivision in the rolling golden hills, golf course next door and a community pool under the oaks, a short walk from home. It would never have occurred to us that a party line made life any less wonderful.
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

My Thatched Hut ·
Apparently Airbnb in Cuba, so far, is only for Americans who have permission to go there.
Comment

Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

GarryRF ·
Many of my Canadian friends travel independently to Cuba. They all stay with these guys -Pinot and Agnia. Too far from Havana to travel but it will give you a taste of what to expect from Casa Particulars. http://www.hostalpinoyagnia.com/
Comment

Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.

Travel Rob ·
I've noticed the press in general is more positive in their reporting for companies such as Airbnb and TripAdvisor when they became mainstream.
Comment

Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.

Paul Heymont ·
In the beginning, it wasn't so much not positive, as puzzled by what this strange new thing was. All the early articles try to explain by comparing with hotels, couch-surfing, etc. These days, things are often described as being "Airbnb-like." One of those Times articles, in late '09 or early '10, was the first I had noticed and it was a revelation, because we simply don't like hotel rooms. We love being able to be in two or more rooms, and do some cooking and feel like we're living...
Comment

Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.

Travel Rob ·
The NY Times wasn't so much negative, but I remember reports elsewhere that were strongly negative .I'm just not seeing the quanity of those negative stories .
Comment

Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.

PortMoresby ·
The most negative feelings I've seen expressed online directed at Airbnb have been on forums, almost all from those not adventuresome enough to try it but who consider themselves "in the know". I think it must be terribly frustrating for those who'd like us to think they know everything, but who know nothing but hearsay about what's really become a movement. I've been verbally turned on when I've posted anything positive, accused of shilling for the site, among other imaginary sins. I always...
Comment

Re: Airbnb's stunt: floating a house on the Thames

PortMoresby ·
Enter here, https://www.airbnb.com/night-at/floating-house if you live in the UK, care to write an essay, have an Airbnb account and can stay in the house on May 22nd.
Comment

Re: Denmark embracing 'sharing economy'—and taxing it

DrFumblefinger ·
I am surprised it took them this long to dig their finger into the pie....
Comment

Re: Denmark embracing 'sharing economy'—and taxing it

Paul Heymont ·
Doesn't really seem unfair, though. If it's a business...and it is...why shouldn't it pay its share of business taxes?
Comment

Re: Van Gogh comes to Airbnb: $10 a night

PortMoresby ·
Link to the listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10981658?s=9qhtAoOY
Comment

Re: Airbnb: 1 Night Free for New Users, Andorra new top choice

PortMoresby ·
"one night of your stay of at least two nights is on us (value up to $300)." So just 2 nights, apparently not "over 2 nights". It doesn't say apartments don't qualify so, presumably, they do.
Comment

Re: Airbnb: 1 Night Free for New Users, Andorra new top choice

PortMoresby ·
"At least two nights" is 2 nights. Otherwise it would be "more than 2 nights". I think it's exactly what they want, stay for "at least 2" (or more), pay for one (or more). Am I missing something? Anyone? It's an effort to encourage people to try the site and they've made it very attractive to do it. No dummies, those Airbnb folks.
Comment

Re: Airbnb: 1 Night Free for New Users, Andorra new top choice

PortMoresby ·
Given the way the system works, I don't believe it concerns the hosts at all who will be paid for all nights. The promotion is, I have to believe, at the expense of the company and not the individuals with listings. Since there's a promotion code, it should all take place at the website level when booking.
Comment

Re: Airbnb: 1 Night Free for New Users, Andorra new top choice

Paul Heymont ·
I'm lost folks. Is the confusion resulting from the brief comment with the news clip? If so, I apologize, although it seems to me to be a pretty good replication of this quote from the original document, which they copied from an Airbnb press release, by the way. " First-time Airbnb guests who book a trip between January 13-17 for travel by March 31 , for stays of at least two days, will receive a one night discount (up to $300 ) on their trip." I don't see why "over one night" is clearer...
Blog Post

Vacation Rentals to Pop Up on Expedia Soon

Paul Heymont ·
Expedia and HomeAway, a marketplace for vacation rentals, have announced that Expedia will start listing HomeAway rentals on its site starting early next year. It's an interesting move: Expedia has worried that listing vacation rentals might...
Blog Post

AirBnB continues its growth spurt

DrFumblefinger ·
AirBnB continues its impressive growth.  It is estimated that AirBnB will, in time, surpass hotel reservations.  This might not be in the distant future, as AirBnB bookings are expected to exceed those of even the large hotel chains in the...
Blog Post

Is it for real? Airpnp rents toilet time!

Paul Heymont ·
Perhaps the most bizarre travel/service startup I've ever seen, Airpnp (will Airbnb's lawyers show up soon?) is advertising on its web site that you can rent a pee break or a freshen-up in private homes, offices, and more, for fees ranging from $1 to...
Blog Post

Most hoteliers still ignoring the AirBnB threat to their business

DrFumblefinger ·
Seems the folks who run hotels in large cities still aren't too worried about AirBnB -- but maybe they should be.   AirBnB, which has experienced enviable growth and market penetration these past few years, doesn't concern those who run hotels in...
Blog Post

Solo Travel: Four unexpected essentials

thepoormadonna ·
I like to think of myself as an international badass seasoned solo traveller. It is my preferred way to see the world. For me, there is nothing more cathartic than knowing I can survive without anyone — knowing that my own company is enough....
Blog Post

London legalizes Airbnb, similar rentals

Paul Heymont ·
Making good on its February promise  to legitimize short-term rentals up to 90 days a year in London (already permitted elsewhere in UK), the UK government's Deregulation Act has been passed in Parliament and, with the Queen's assent, become law....
 
×
×
×
×