Have heard of some folks doing so, but imo, pretty gutsy and pretty risky, too, since Airbnb obviously has your personal data before you hit the rack.
imo any host who figures out that a provider is potentially compromising his security by meeting clients in the bnb will likely report the user to corporate.
Not sure what Abnb terms of service encompass, but best to check those before considering any action.
A hotel discovering a provider in its rooms will just kick her out. Maybe annotate a brand loyalty account, but usually won't call LE.
AirBnB ? I have no knowledge on what it might do if action were reported.
otoh, using AirBnB as a residence while traveling is quite innocent, and a decent refuge from hotel rooms used for sessions.
I agree with CK and will add:
Airbnb is well aware of the issues and has "helpful hints" for folks that rent out their places on how to avoid renting to various folks.
Note that AirBnb and the like do not actually book the rental. These outfits pass along the rent request to the actual location owner who makes the decision.
Last, outfits like AirBnb can block folks in their booking systems similar to hotels putting blocks on folks in their reservations systems.
I've used Airbnb in Baltimore, Dallas and Austin. I think it's great. But for hobbying, I would prefer a hotel. It's like eBay and it relies on a feedback system.
I'm considering of airbnbing my house when I am gone.
An idea worthy of inspection for both up and down side potentials and possibilities.
Ups - obviously the financial and possibly some tax benefits; possibly meeting some very interesting people from all over the world
Downs - exposure of your personal space and property to misuse or theft; and, city/state ordinances and laws regarding short-term rentals and sales taxes; HOA issues
^^^
Hoping I am that you reported the issue to Air BnB -- it takes those kinds of things very seriously; at the very least you can also post that in your review.
I would not recommend it for providers. You will still have the lookie-loo problem if you have multiple men coming in and out during your rental.
If you’re a client who needs an outcall, it has potential if you know what to look for. I’ve not used AirBnB for hobbying yet. But I have used it and other vacation rental services about a dozen times in the last five years. I’ve only met two hosts in person. The rest communicated through text to let me know how to let myself in. And the checkout procedure is usually put the sheets in the washer, leave the keys on the kitchen table, and clear out before the cleaning crew gets there.
Never use a private room. Always get the whole apartment/house.
Avoid places where the host is on site. They can be very helpful, but they can also put two and two together. Not a dealbreaker, but risky.
You want a place that is either run by a management company or a local entrepreneur who is renting out multiple units. A bit of research will get those answers.
The sooner you book, the better. The rentals go up quickly as you approach the date. Two weeks can be the difference between $50 and $150 for the same unit.
Follow the rules (most of them). There is a standard set of rules in the rental agreement and there may be supplementary rules for a specific unit. Some of the entrepreneurs are renting out places they are specifically not supposed to. Follow their rules and They will leave you alone.
Don’t tempt fate and keep it discreet. Having two different girls over in the same day can be suspicious to lookie-looks. But there ain’t no law against having a rendezvous with your “girlfriend”. I’m sure that is a pretty big segment of their business.
That’s my take based on my experience with these services. Take it as you will.
Ive used it in San Antonio, great savings but not good for entertaining as the homeowner was present the whole time. She said I could have "visitors" but I wouldn't have felt comfortable.
I have used AIRBNB when traveling and locally when I was in a pinch. You have to book the ones that will rent you the entire home, not just a room but the entire home/apartment suite. Also, make sure they allow you to check-in with a keypad code so you don't have to meet them or anything. There is actually a lot more privacy than a hotel that has housekeepers, neighbors just a few yards of you in every direction, hotel maintenance men, and everyone. I love AIRBNB for the hobby personally because it's much more private.