MY THOUGHTS ON AIRBNB AND WHERE WE STAYED IN BERLIN
Berlin is in the middle of tightening their laws and rules on Airbnb. We had a much harder time finding a place to stay. There was not as many units for us to choose from and the price was higher. If I had to estimate, I’d say we paid $15 per night more for a similar place in a different city. For the traveler – they suffer in options and price. The Airbnb host are more cautious and hesitant because of these changes and charge a higher fee.
Airbnb and home sharing sites have suffered criticism for taking home rentals off the market which causes a housing shortage and increased rental prices. On the other side, people like Bud and I, can now take a year off and afford to travel the world. We would never have been able to do this trip if we had to pay hotel prices. Hotels are expensive and don’t offer the option to cook for ourselves. Hostels are an option but for a couple who do not want to bunk with ½ dozen 20 somethings for a year straight would have made the trip less attractive.
Home sharing is still so new and I believe the market will eventually find a good middle ground. There are only so many tourists out there to fill the home sharing rooms and as home share operators compete for those travelers, the prices will drop to the point that it is more profitable to offer the unit as a full time dwelling. Beth
Our Airbnb was $81per night and a 20-30 minute metro ride to most tourist areas.
