First Time Airbnb Guest: The Complete Guide to Your First Booking

You've heard about Airbnb. Maybe friends have raved about their stays, or hotels just aren't cutting it anymore. You're ready to try it—but you're not sure where to start.

This guide covers everything you need to know for a successful first Airbnb experience, from creating your account through checkout.

What is Airbnb, Really?

Airbnb connects travelers with people who have space to rent. That could be:

• A spare bedroom in someone's home
• An entire apartment or house to yourself
• A unique property like a treehouse, boat, or tiny home

Unlike hotels, there's no front desk, no room service, no daily housekeeping. You're renting someone's space—and that comes with different expectations.

The best part? Often more space for less money, especially for longer stays or groups. The tradeoff? Less standardization. Every property is different.

Step 1: Create Your Account

What You'll Need

• Email address
• Phone number
• Government ID (for verification)
• Payment method

Identity Verification

Airbnb asks for ID verification to build trust between guests and hosts. You'll typically:

• Take a photo of your government ID
• Take a selfie for comparison
• Verify your phone number

This might feel invasive, but it protects everyone. Hosts want to know real people are booking, and you want hosts to be verified too.

Create a Complete Profile

Hosts see your profile before accepting bookings. A good profile includes:

• A clear, friendly photo (face visible)
• A brief bio about yourself
• Verified email and phone

Think of it like meeting someone new. Would you let a stranger with no photo and no information into your home? Hosts feel the same way.

Step 2: Search for Properties

Understanding Listing Types

Entire place: You have the whole property to yourself. No host, no other guests. Most privacy.

Private room: You have your own bedroom but share common areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room) with the host or other guests.

Shared room: You're sharing a room with others—like a hostel.

For first-timers, "entire place" is usually easiest. No navigation of shared spaces with strangers.

Using Filters Effectively

Start with:

• Dates: When you're traveling
• Guests: Total number including children
• Type: Entire place, private room, or shared room
• Price: Set a realistic range

Then refine with:

• Amenities: WiFi, kitchen, washer, parking
• Location: Neighborhood or distance to attractions
• Superhost: Hosts with top ratings and experience
• Instant Book: Properties you can book immediately vs. requiring host approval

Reading Listings Carefully

The listing description tells you what you're getting. Read it fully, including:

• House rules: Quiet hours, shoes off, no smoking
• Check-in/check-out times: Make sure they work with your schedule
• Sleeping arrangements: Bed sizes and configurations
• Amenities: What's actually included
• Location description: How the host describes the neighborhood

Step 3: Evaluate Before Booking

Check the Host Profile

Click on the host's name to see:

• How long they've been hosting
• Response rate and time
• Reviews from other guests
• Whether they're a Superhost

Superhosts have maintained high ratings (4.8+) with many completed stays. They're typically safer bets for first-timers.

Read Reviews Strategically

Don't just skim. Look for:

• Recent reviews: The last 3-6 months tell you current conditions
• Specific feedback: "The bed was uncomfortable" vs. "Great stay!"
• Patterns: If three people mention noise, expect noise
• Host responses: How does the host handle criticism?

Check the Full Price

Airbnb shows a nightly rate, but your total includes:

• Nightly rate × nights
• Cleaning fee (one-time)
• Airbnb service fee
• Taxes

A $100/night listing for 2 nights might total $320 after fees. Always check the full price before booking.

Understand Cancellation Policies

Each listing has a cancellation policy:

• Flexible: Full refund up to 24 hours before check-in
• Moderate: Full refund up to 5 days before check-in
• Strict: 50% refund up to 1 week before check-in
• Super Strict: No refund (rare)

Know what you're agreeing to before you book.

Step 4: Communicate with the Host

Before Booking

You can message hosts before committing. Good reasons to reach out:

• Questions about parking or transportation
• Confirming amenities for your needs
• Asking about early check-in or late checkout
• Gauging their responsiveness

A quick exchange tells you a lot. Do they reply promptly? Do they answer your actual questions? Are they friendly?

Introducing Yourself

When you book (or message beforehand), introduce yourself briefly:

• Who you are
• Why you're visiting
• How many guests
• Any relevant needs (quiet work space, early arrival)

This builds rapport and helps the host prepare for your stay.

Keep Communication on Airbnb

Until you check in, keep all communication on the Airbnb app. This creates a record that protects you if anything goes wrong.

Step 5: Book the Property

Instant Book vs. Request to Book

Instant Book: Your reservation is confirmed immediately. No waiting.

Request to Book: The host has 24 hours to accept or decline. You're not charged until they accept.

Instant Book is more convenient but less personal. Request to Book gives hosts a chance to ask questions—which some travelers actually prefer.

Payment

Airbnb handles all payment. You'll pay:

• When booking (for most reservations)
• In installments (for longer stays)

Your payment is held by Airbnb and released to the host 24 hours after check-in. This protects you if something is wrong with the property.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Stay

What to Expect (and Not Expect)

Expect:

• A clean, accurately-described space
• Basic amenities as listed
• Responsive communication from the host

Don't expect:

• Hotel-level service
• Daily housekeeping
• Someone to carry your bags
• Room service

What to Bring

Airbnbs vary widely. Unless the listing specifically mentions them, bring:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
• Towels for beach/pool (towels for showering are usually provided)
• Any specific foods you need
• Chargers and adapters

Check-In Instructions

Check-in instructions are available in your booking 24-48 hours before arrival. They'll typically include:

• Exact address
• How to access the property (lockbox code, key location, smart lock)
• WiFi password
• House rules reminder

Read these carefully. Most problems on first stays come from not reading check-in instructions.

Step 7: During Your Stay

Arriving at the Property

When you arrive:

1. Document the property condition (photos/video)
2. Send any issues to the host via Airbnb messaging immediately
3. Test that you know how to use locks, appliances, etc.
4. Save the host's phone number for emergencies

If Something Is Wrong

Contact the host first via Airbnb messaging. Most issues—missing items, things that don't work, confusion about amenities—can be resolved quickly.

If the host is unresponsive or the issue is serious (safety concerns, major misrepresentation), contact Airbnb within 72 hours to be eligible for rebooking or refund.

Be a Good Guest

The basic expectation: leave the place as you found it.

• Follow house rules
• Don't make excessive noise
• Respect neighbors
• Use appliances and furniture properly
• Report any damage or issues immediately

You're not expected to deep clean. But basic tidiness—trash in bins, dishes in dishwasher, used towels in one place—goes a long way.

Using the Host as a Resource

Your host knows the area. Don't be shy about asking for:

• Restaurant recommendations
• Transportation tips
• Things to do nearby
• Local customs or tips

This is one of Airbnb's advantages over hotels. You have a local expert.

Step 8: Check Out

Review Checkout Instructions

Every listing has checkout procedures. Common requests:

• Strip beds and leave linens in one place
• Start the dishwasher or wash dishes
• Take out trash
• Lock doors and windows
• Return keys to lockbox

These are reasonable asks. If checkout instructions feel excessive (like demanding you clean the entire property despite a cleaning fee), message the host for clarification.

Leave On Time

Checkout time is checkout time. Hosts often have cleaners scheduled or same-day guests arriving. Being late creates real problems.

If you need late checkout, ask in advance. Some hosts are flexible; some aren't.

Step 9: Leave a Review

After checkout, Airbnb asks you to review the property. Reviews help other travelers make informed decisions.

Write an Honest Review

• Mention what was good
• Mention what could be improved
• Be specific about your experience
• Be fair—don't punish hosts for things outside their control

Remember: The Host Reviews You Too

Hosts review guests. Future hosts will see your review history. Being a good guest now helps you book better properties later.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

Booking Without Reading the Listing

"I didn't know it was a fourth-floor walkup" is your fault if the listing said so. Read everything.

Not Communicating Enough

Hosts aren't mind readers. If you have questions or needs, ask.

Expecting Hotel Amenities

Airbnb is not a hotel. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Ignoring Reviews

That one-star review about bedbugs exists for a reason. Take reviews seriously.

Breaking House Rules

"No parties" means no parties. "Quiet after 10pm" means quiet after 10pm. Rules exist for reasons—usually bad experiences with past guests.

Disappearing After Check-In

A quick "Checked in, everything looks great!" message costs nothing and builds goodwill.

You're Ready

Airbnb isn't complicated once you understand the basics. Your first stay might feel different from a hotel—but different isn't bad.

Choose a well-reviewed property with a responsive Superhost, read the listing carefully, communicate clearly, and be a respectful guest. Do those things, and your first Airbnb experience will likely become the first of many.

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Before your first booking, make sure you're choosing wisely. StayCheck analyzes reviews to surface concerns you might miss—cleanliness issues, noise complaints, host problems, and more. Verify your listing