With a surge of reviews and testimonies about Airbnb, it’s time to share our experience with iBestTravel as we dove into Airbnb Paris for the first time.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts who rent out their unique spaces. Options range from staying in a spare room, as we did, to entire apartments. While our stay was just one night, Airbnb allows for longer visits ranging from a few days to a month.
We find Airbnb to be a preferable alternative to hotels because it offers a genuine local experience, much like house sitting or Couchsurfing. Plus, it often provides better value for your money!
The Airbnb Paris Process
Finding the perfect host is a breeze with the user-friendly website. You can filter through various categories to suit your needs and see listings on a map to locate properties near main attractions. For instance, for our stay near the Eiffel Tower, I easily adjusted the price filter and checked for amenities like Wi-Fi and the option for ‘Entire Place’ for longer durations.
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After reviewing several profiles and sending personalized emails, we ended up getting responses from multiple hosts, all offering competitive pricing compared to hotels. Ultimately, we chose the first host who was available, and the experience was notably more enjoyable compared to finding house sits.
Deposits and References in Airbnb Paris
We decided not to consider hosts who required deposits, as this seemed unconventional compared to other forms of accommodation. Fortunately, there were still many choices available. Additionally, while references are helpful, we didn’t allow the absence of them to discourage us from moving forward with our plans.
During our stay, our chosen host had 11 reputable reviews. Although one mention of cat hair raised a concern, as pet lovers, this did not deter us. For travelers venturing alone, however, paying close attention to references is advisable.
A First-Time Airbnb Experience in Paris
How did our first experience with Airbnb turn out?
We were pleased to discover two significant advantages:
- Cost-Effective and Comfortable: Our private room was available for £50, significantly cheaper than any nearby hotels.
- Flexible Check-In: We could check in at any time, which was ideal since we arrived in Paris at 6 am after an overnight bus. Most hotels wouldn’t allow check-in until at least 2 pm, leaving us exhausted.
Upon settling in around 9 am, we enjoyed a room with an en-suite bathroom, coffee, and shared access to the kitchen.
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The two friendly cats in the apartment were a delightful bonus, and our hosts struck a great balance between being available for advice while allowing us privacy during our stay.
Overall, our stay in Paris was thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to the prime location of the Airbnb only 10 minutes from the Eiffel Tower. After a refreshing nap, we were energized to explore the city in just 24 hours, something that wouldn’t have been possible in a hotel.
For lunch and dinner, we decided to have a picnic at our host’s place due to the chilly weather. The kitchen access made it convenient and enjoyable, showcasing yet another advantage over traditional hotel stays.
As the evening came, we sought out local bars and received valuable insider tips from our host. The ambiance was warm and friendly, making for an excellent start to our trip.
Despite needing an early night to catch our bus the next day, we experienced one of the best night’s sleep we’d ever had. Surprisingly, we found it easier to drift off compared to a typical hotel setting.
Waking up refreshed in the morning, we were amazed at how comfortable we felt during our stay in the heart of Paris. We left a key for our hosts and departed before they woke.
Summary: Airbnb Paris Experience
Reflecting on our experience, we were highly satisfied. While house sitting remains our favorite accommodation choice, our Airbnb stay has certainly earned a spot in our travel plans for future short-term trips, perhaps in Sweden next.
With over 350,000 hosts in 190 countries, Airbnb offers unique opportunities for travelers to enjoy authentic local experiences. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in new cultures on your next adventure!
Have you ever experienced Airbnb? What was your initial stay like?
