Does AirBnB work For Business Trips?

Are you sick of the hotel gig? Tired of bland rooms that all start to look the same after weeks on the road, generic hotel breakfasts, never really feeling “at home”? What if I told you that there was another option? A choice for accommodations that will give you so much more than just a hotel room.

AirBnB is a website that connects people with houses, apartments and rooms to rent with travelers just like you. Most people think of AirBnB when they thinking about planning a leisure trip, but this website can work just as well for business travel if you keep these tips in mind:

Need to Cancel?

Keep cancellation policies in mind when choosing accommodations on AirBnB. If your business plans have a habit of changing like the direction of the wind, book accommodations that have a flexible cancellation policy.

Late Arrival

If you are flying in on a late flight (or if your flight is just late) will the host be able to give you access? Do they live close by or far away? Some accommodations even have the capability to give you access via a code or a coded key box. These are the most convenient. Find out how you will get in if you are late arriving.

Get Connected

Fast Wifi is a very important amenity to offer today, especially if you are traveling on business. Check with the owner about wifi access and as a double check, be sure to read through the reviews to see if anyone has complained about slow or non-existent wifi access.

Get Around

How are you going to get around during your trip? If you are renting a car, do the accommodations there easy access to convenient p arking? If you are planning on utilizing public transit, is the location that you are looking at booking convenient to a transit hub?

Fine Tune Your Search

Sometimes, a search on AirBnB brings up so may results, it is hard to narrow down your choices. A lesser known feature on AirBnB is the ability to add filters to your search by keyword. For example, if you need access to the subway/metro during your stay, you might add the relevant keyword to your search to help you find the right choice. You could also use this feature to search for accommodations with gyms/exercise facilities, pools, easy access to a grocery store, or almost any other specific request that would make your stay easier.

By Yourself or with someone else

You have the option through AirBnB to choose private accommodations, a private room or a shared room. Each option has pros and cons. A private room is just that. Private. Quiet. No one around to bother you, but also maybe no one around to help you if any problems arise. Staying in a room in someone else’s space has the advantage of giving a more home like feel to your stay, as well as access to a local who can point you in the right direction if you have any questions.

If you just can’t bear the thought of one more night in a hotel, AirBnB can be a great tool for booking accommodations for your next business trip!

Image by B. under Creative Commons License.