Next Door drama

[meganew]

Feb 28, 2023 16:06:37 GMT -5 shortstax said:

Anecdote time:

In our latest neighborhood happy hour, a neighbor talked about how a house up our street rents out a room on Airbnb and shared a link. Owners still stay there, you just have a private room. It has 1k positive reviews and when we clicked in further, nearly all the reviews are from people who live in our metro area.

We’re in a nonwalkable suburb—not a destination. So why are so many locales staying there?

We decided that we’ll all put in $20 and draw a name to spend the night there to find out what’s up 😂

My SIL and her bf rented a room out like this when they went away for a long weekend. I guess they’ve done it before where you’d have a private entrance, not really interact with the owner. But they said within 5 minutes of getting there they could tell this was an older woman who had lost her husband and was feeling lonely- so she like, made them dinner and they hung out with her watching tv. Lol. Not the weekend they had planned, but turned into a good story.

[meganew]

Adding that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I just can’t comprehend wanting to cook and clean on your vacation. I hate doing that shit at home! I get it for big groups, but it’s still such a hassle the day you leave- who’s taking the barely used ketchup? Are we throwing out all these leftovers? Remember to strip the beds! Where’s the dumpster for trash? Etc.

Team hotels all day.

[definitelyO]

Feb 28, 2023 16:06:37 GMT -5 shortstax said:

Anecdote time:

In our latest neighborhood happy hour, a neighbor talked about how a house up our street rents out a room on Airbnb and shared a link. Owners still stay there, you just have a private room. It has 1k positive reviews and when we clicked in further, nearly all the reviews are from people who live in our metro area.

We’re in a nonwalkable suburb—not a destination. So why are so many locales staying there?

We decided that we’ll all put in $20 and draw a name to spend the night there to find out what’s up 😂

probably a small percentage - but I stayed at an Airbnb about 2 miles from our house - in a nonwalkable suburb - with DS for a week last year.  We were in the middle of a renovation and were getting the floors refinished so wanted a place close to work and school where we could still make dinner, etc...  

[goldengirlz]

Mar 2, 2023 12:32:40 GMT -5 meganew said:

Adding that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I just can’t comprehend wanting to cook and clean on your vacation. I hate doing that shit at home! I get it for big groups, but it’s still such a hassle the day you leave- who’s taking the barely used ketchup? Are we throwing out all these leftovers? Remember to strip the beds! Where’s the dumpster for trash? Etc.

Team hotels all day.

I mean, you don’t have to cook just because you have a kitchen. When we did house rentals, it was only for road trips, and we saved some money bringing our own beer/wine and snacks. But we always did take-out (this was during peak covid) because no way in hell H wanted to prepare meals! (He’s the family cook.)

We followed reasonable rules but didn’t when they were stupid. Strip the beds and put the trash in the bins? OK. That takes a couple minutes. But I’m not washing and folding the towels or rolling cans to the curb. I still managed a five-star rating.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2023 12:32:40 GMT -5 meganew said:

Adding that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I just can’t comprehend wanting to cook and clean on your vacation. I hate doing that shit at home! I get it for big groups, but it’s still such a hassle the day you leave- who’s taking the barely used ketchup? Are we throwing out all these leftovers? Remember to strip the beds! Where’s the dumpster for trash? Etc.

Team hotels all day.

All of this. 

When we rented one last summer (out of necessity for lack of nearby hotel options by my family), I had all these groceries/condiments and just sent it all with my mom. She tried to convince me to pack the dry goods and fly home with them. I told her if she wasn't there everything would have gone in the trash. 

Also, this house leaves you 1 1/2 rolls of toilet paper per bathroom. And it was this absurdly thin stuff to begin with. The 1/2 roll had about six squares on it. If we were peak COVID, fights-in-aisles over toilet paper I understand, but holy hell. I spent $2k on five days and you give me barely enough to make it to the next morning with six people in a three bedroom house. Nope. Hotels FTW. 

[wildrice]

Mar 2, 2023 13:32:48 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mar 2, 2023 12:32:40 GMT -5 meganew said:

Adding that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I just can’t comprehend wanting to cook and clean on your vacation. I hate doing that shit at home! I get it for big groups, but it’s still such a hassle the day you leave- who’s taking the barely used ketchup? Are we throwing out all these leftovers? Remember to strip the beds! Where’s the dumpster for trash? Etc.

Team hotels all day.

I mean, you don’t have to cook just because you have a kitchen. When we did house rentals, it was only for road trips, and we saved some money bringing our own beer/wine and snacks. But we always did take-out (this was during peak covid) because no way in hell H wanted to prepare meals! (He’s the family cook.)

We followed reasonable rules but didn’t when they were stupid. Strip the beds and put the trash in the bins? OK. That takes a couple minutes. But I’m not washing and folding the towels or rolling cans to the curb. I still managed a five-star rating.

This is exactly how we do it too. I have never cooked a meal in a rental and don't intend to. We do sometimes buy muffins or something simple to eat for breakfast because we often like to get up beat crowds if we're in a popular tourist place, or just relax without having to run out the door for food if we're somewhere more relaxing. And we might bring snacks because snacks are fun. But the kitchen typically goes mostly unused and the kind of eating we do is the same as we could do in a hotel. If we do use some dishes (like wine glasses) you just run the dishwasher. It's not hard.

Funny illustration of this, we stayed in an airBNB over Thanksgiving last year and didn't buy any food to keep at the rental at all, so on Thanksgiving afternoon we were STARVING but nothing was open to just stop by and grab a snack. We still had a couple of hours before our dinner reservation so we stopped at a liquor store and bought a couple of dusty bags of snack size Fritos. I told my H this was the weirdest Thanksgiving ever - usually by 5pm that day I'd be stuffed with food and my stomach was actually growling.

[lolalolalola]

We have been renting through vrbo since way before Airbnb made it so popular! I love having a a full apartment with a fridge, kitchen and separate bedroom for the kids. 🤷‍♀️ for a couple nights we like a hotel but for a week or more it make a a huge difference.

[Roc A Bee]

What do people with older kids do?

I honestly prefer a hotel, but traveling with a 14 and 16 year old, one bathroom and all in the same room is only comfortable for 1-2 nights. We have rented condos in Mexico because I need the space! I also never cook on vacation.

I’ve also really used Airbnb on international trips (Mexico and Greece) and didn’t have to clean a thing. The last trip to Mexico came with housekeeping just like a hotel and we could pay extra to have someone buy us groceries and cook breakfast/dinner. I wish I could travel like that everywhere!

[definitelyO]

Mar 2, 2023 16:59:12 GMT -5 Roc A Bee said:

What do people with older kids do?

I honestly prefer a hotel, but traveling with a 14 and 16 year old, one bathroom and all in the same room is only comfortable for 1-2 nights. We have rented condos in Mexico because I need the space! I also never cook on vacation.

I’ve also really used Airbnb on international trips (Mexico and Greece) and didn’t have to clean a thing. The last trip to Mexico came with housekeeping just like a hotel and we could pay extra to have someone buy us groceries and cook breakfast/dinner. I wish I could travel like that everywhere!

we prefer airbnb/vrbo/condo rentals over hotels with our 17yr old DS.  for something quick we'll do a hotel room with 2 beds, but we like having 2 bedrooms or a bedroom with a pull out couch - so there is some privacy.  And - I much prefer making breakfast or having cereal/bagels, etc.. vs. paying so much for a breakfast out.  and snacks   

one time we did get a hotel room with an adjoining room for him - only b/c it was a screaming deal...  

I do cook on vacation - not huge meals - but I like having breakfast as mentioned, snacks, sometimes a dinner in especially if we're with friends or a group - we like all hanging out together vs. figuring out reservations, etc...  

[mpm]

Mar 2, 2023 13:32:48 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mar 2, 2023 12:32:40 GMT -5 meganew said:

Adding that everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I just can’t comprehend wanting to cook and clean on your vacation. I hate doing that shit at home! I get it for big groups, but it’s still such a hassle the day you leave- who’s taking the barely used ketchup? Are we throwing out all these leftovers? Remember to strip the beds! Where’s the dumpster for trash? Etc.

Team hotels all day.

I mean, you don’t have to cook just because you have a kitchen. When we did house rentals, it was only for road trips, and we saved some money bringing our own beer/wine and snacks. But we always did take-out (this was during peak covid) because no way in hell H wanted to prepare meals! (He’s the family cook.)

We followed reasonable rules but didn’t when they were stupid. Strip the beds and put the trash in the bins? OK. That takes a couple minutes. But I’m not washing and folding the towels or rolling cans to the curb. I still managed a five-star rating.

I’ve never had a rental require more than taking the trash to an outside garbage can and turning on the dishwasher for any dirty dishes. Have never had to strip a bed. We typically cook easy kid meals like Mac n cheese then enjoy take out in peace and quiet after the kids are asleep. Trying to keep my oldest silent in a dark hotel room after 7:30 while her toddler sibling is sleeping sounds like torture.

[emilyinchile]

I was always team hotel before having a kid. Now we need somewhere that allows us to eat dinner and generally be awake after the baby is asleep, which means at least two separate spaces with a door between them. I would still prefer a hotel for a grown ups only trip because I like the convenience and the free breakfast, but when traveling with L I prioritize not having to go to sleep at 7:30.

[al dente]

Mar 2, 2023 11:08:10 GMT -5 bears said:

In a city, I typically prefer to stay in a hotel, but I really wish more hotels had suite options. I really, really need a separate sleeping area from my kids. It's so damn difficult to search for these options and so many places that call themselves suites don't even have a door between the bedroom and living room area. (Can you tell I'm trying to book a place for travelling with my family right now and I'm very frustrated?)

ugh yes! My kid has always slept separate from us, and on the few occasions we've had a hotel room she stares into your soul waking up you up all night long. We need a physical separation at nighttime lol. Also idk where everyone here is going but hotels are as much if not more then Airbnb whenever I look. For much less space, and lots of added fees like parking and resort fees.

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I live in an area that has restricted Airbnb which with the housing I do totally understand and agree with. But they're limited to all the tourist areas with hotels, all of which I'm far from so it's a pain when I have family in town because there's no where close to me to stay. I think at it's inception Airbnb was good, but like everything it gets ruined by greed.

[bears]

Mar 2, 2023 19:06:15 GMT -5 al dente said:

Mar 2, 2023 11:08:10 GMT -5 bears said:

In a city, I typically prefer to stay in a hotel, but I really wish more hotels had suite options. I really, really need a separate sleeping area from my kids. It's so damn difficult to search for these options and so many places that call themselves suites don't even have a door between the bedroom and living room area. (Can you tell I'm trying to book a place for travelling with my family right now and I'm very frustrated?)

ugh yes! My kid has always slept separate from us, and on the few occasions we've had a hotel room she stares into your soul waking up you up all night long. We need a physical separation at nighttime lol. Also idk where everyone here is going but hotels are as much if not more then Airbnb whenever I look. For much less space, and lots of added fees like parking and resort fees.

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I live in an area that has restricted Airbnb which with the housing I do totally understand and agree with. But they're limited to all the tourist areas with hotels, all of which I'm far from so it's a pain when I have family in town because there's no where close to me to stay. I think at it's inception Airbnb was good, but like everything it gets ruined by greed.

In the mountains near us, most places are vacation homes owned by individuals and rented through agencies when the homeowners are at their primary home. The agencies have their own websites and use Airbnb to list the property. This is apparent often through the decor of the place (family photos) and info on the rental agency websites.

[mcmel]

We also enjoy cooking whether it be a big pot of chili and eating it by a wood burning stove or s’mores and hot dogs over a campfire.

Last summer we took our dogs to one that had a pool and we had the best time grilling out and being able to play in the pool with them.

We can leave our dogs kenneled for the day while we go exploring and don’t have to worry about them barking and bothering other guests.

Again, there is definitely an appeal.

[SusanBAnthony]

I have no need to rent from Airbnb but I do want 2 bedrooms (or even a hotel room that divides out one bed into its own room for less than 400$ a night). Because teenagers.

I am one who does like to "cook" on vacation. Not full meals but if we have a long day sightseeing or whatever I would often prefer a quick dinner and a bottle of wine vs a restaurant. Even stuff like making sandwiches..... It's a lot easier with a kitchen. A kitchenette 100% meets the need but a regular hotel room does not. And my dad has celiac for example. There are lots of reasons.

[InBetweenDays]

Mar 2, 2023 19:06:15 GMT -5 al dente said:

Mar 2, 2023 11:08:10 GMT -5 bears said:

In a city, I typically prefer to stay in a hotel, but I really wish more hotels had suite options. I really, really need a separate sleeping area from my kids. It's so damn difficult to search for these options and so many places that call themselves suites don't even have a door between the bedroom and living room area. (Can you tell I'm trying to book a place for travelling with my family right now and I'm very frustrated?)

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I was confused by this as well. I can understand if you're doing that to save money. But if you're against AirBnB because of the affordable housing issues and owners who may not be licensed and/or paying the correct taxes then I don't see how going through a rental agency versus AirBnB (for that same rental unit) makes a difference (not saying that in a snarky way - truly wondering if there is a difference).

We've never used AirBnB but we do use VRBO. Our last three times we've used it have been with groups of 9-14 people staying in Helena, MT; Schweitzer, ID; and Sandy, UT. So not big tourist areas with designated rental agencies. We could have split up and stayed in hotels but when traveling with a group we much prefer to have a house where we can cook, relax, and hang out together.

[redheadk]

Mar 2, 2023 20:29:24 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

Mar 2, 2023 19:06:15 GMT -5 al dente said:

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I was confused by this as well. I can understand if you're doing that to save money. But if you're against AirBnB because of the affordable housing issues and owners who may not be licensed and/or paying the correct taxes then I don't see how going through a rental agency versus AirBnB (for that same rental unit) makes a difference (not saying that in a snarky way - truly wondering if there is a difference).

We've never used AirBnB but we do use VRBO. Our last three times we've used it have been with groups of 9-14 people staying in Helena, MT; Schweitzer, ID; and Sandy, UT. So not big tourist areas with designated rental agencies. We could have split up and stayed in hotels but when traveling with a group we much prefer to have a house where we can cook, relax, and hang out together.

Rental agencies in vacation areas rent out legal rentals that follow laws, pay appropriate taxes, etc, and are often located in vacation zones, not homes that have been converted to a STR. For example, Hawaii is very restrictive about where rentals can be located and has been for quite a while. They also require rentals to have an on-island contact. If you find a rental that doesn't use a management agency, they either live on the island (not super common) or are an illegal rental. That's not to say that some owners don't allow you to book direct with them to save on fees but they still are represented by a management agency. I know if I use an agency, I'm getting a legal rental in the areas the island has set aside for vacationers. Same as ski condos in Breckenridge, etc. 

[tacokick]

Mar 2, 2023 19:06:15 GMT -5 al dente said:

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I don’t use AirBnB but what people are talking about is not dealing directly with the weird companies that own vast amounts of AirBNB properties, but an actual realtor, travel agency or management company that only handle rentals for individual vacation properties that are properly zoned and follow state and local laws.

These agencies are primarily in tourist areas but there are legit short term rentals all over.

VRBO focuses more on individually owned traditional rental properties so places on there are often cross listed there and at a locally run agency.

[sent]

I do my best to not patronize any business that exists because it is trying to “disrupt” some industry aka not follow the laws. AirBNB fits that definition so no to the neighbor trying to do this.

[al dente]

Mar 2, 2023 22:29:40 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Mar 2, 2023 19:06:15 GMT -5 al dente said:

I'm kind of confused by people saying they use Airbnb to then find rental property companies. My understanding is it's these companies that ruined it for everyone, not the homeowner that converted their basement into a short term rental. Airbnb made it possible for these companies to get business with basically no marketing, and they're the ones with the capitol to come in and buy up inventory.

I don’t use AirBnB but what people are talking about is not dealing directly with the weird companies that own vast amounts of AirBNB properties, but an actual realtor, travel agency or management company that only handle rentals for individual vacation properties that are properly zoned and follow state and local laws.

These agencies are primarily in tourist areas but there are legit short term rentals all over.

VRBO focuses more on individually owned traditional rental properties so places on there are often cross listed there and at a locally run agency.

hmmm I guess I'm just not seeing the distinction between "wierd companies that own vast amounts of property" and rental agencies. People still need to live where others vacation, and both groups are buying properties for STR that then are not going to local residents. Like are people doing the detective work to figure out if their vacation rental is someone's second home managed by a rental company vs a rental companies purchased property? I just feel like they're two sides of the same coin, reducing inventory and raising housing prices for residents.

But also I've never seen a vacation rental company like bears mentioned where it's clearly someone's second home with family pictures and all. So maybe I've just always had a different experience from people here? They're super regulated when I look and every airbnb listing I see always has the GE tax and license number whether someone basement or a rental company unit.

[basilosaurus]

Great. Now I'm worried I'm going to get charged extra because there are zero cleaning supplies, and I'm about to check out, although I paid a small cleaning fee.

Eta shortly after I posted I went to go find the trash dumpster. The guy across the hall came out and asked if I was there guest. Yes, I am, and could he tell me where trash is. He told me not to bother and go finish packing up, he'd get the key shortly. So either they really do include cleaning as has been my experience in all but one overseas stay, it else in about to get hit with extras. Fingers crossed

[gretchenindisguise]

Mar 3, 2023 0:29:50 GMT -5 al dente said:

Mar 2, 2023 22:29:40 GMT -5 tacokick said:

I don’t use AirBnB but what people are talking about is not dealing directly with the weird companies that own vast amounts of AirBNB properties, but an actual realtor, travel agency or management company that only handle rentals for individual vacation properties that are properly zoned and follow state and local laws.

These agencies are primarily in tourist areas but there are legit short term rentals all over.

VRBO focuses more on individually owned traditional rental properties so places on there are often cross listed there and at a locally run agency.

hmmm I guess I'm just not seeing the distinction between "wierd companies that own vast amounts of property" and rental agencies. People still need to live where others vacation, and both groups are buying properties for STR that then are not going to local residents. Like are people doing the detective work to figure out if their vacation rental is someone's second home managed by a rental company vs a rental companies purchased property? I just feel like they're two sides of the same coin, reducing inventory and raising housing prices for residents.

But also I've never seen a vacation rental company like bears mentioned where it's clearly someone's second home with family pictures and all. So maybe I've just always had a different experience from people here? They're super regulated when I look and every airbnb listing I see always has the GE tax and license number whether someone basement or a rental company unit.

The difference is the owner.

Large rental corporations swooping around scooping up 100s of rentals to line pockets of business.

Vs

2nd home owned by single family that hires rental management company to do the transaction side of things.

Where the money goes is the difference.

[lolalolalola]

Mar 3, 2023 5:03:38 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Great. Now I'm worried I'm going to get charged extra because there are zero cleaning supplies, and I'm about to check out, although I paid a small cleaning fee.

Eta shortly after I posted I went to go find the trash dumpster. The guy across the hall came out and asked if I was there guest. Yes, I am, and could he tell me where trash is. He told me not to bother and go finish packing up, he'd get the key shortly. So either they really do include cleaning as has been my experience in all but one overseas stay, it else in about to get hit with extras. Fingers crossed

If they don’t tell you to put out the trash then it’s not required… I have never been required to clean anything or to use any cleaning products while at a vrbo. The most I’ve had to do is put out the trash and (rarely) start a load of towels. It’s not actual cleaning. Are there rentals that actually make you clean?

[al dente]

Mar 3, 2023 13:16:02 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Mar 3, 2023 0:29:50 GMT -5 al dente said:

hmmm I guess I'm just not seeing the distinction between "wierd companies that own vast amounts of property" and rental agencies. People still need to live where others vacation, and both groups are buying properties for STR that then are not going to local residents. Like are people doing the detective work to figure out if their vacation rental is someone's second home managed by a rental company vs a rental companies purchased property? I just feel like they're two sides of the same coin, reducing inventory and raising housing prices for residents.

But also I've never seen a vacation rental company like bears mentioned where it's clearly someone's second home with family pictures and all. So maybe I've just always had a different experience from people here? They're super regulated when I look and every airbnb listing I see always has the GE tax and license number whether someone basement or a rental company unit.

The difference is the owner.

Large rental corporations swooping around scooping up 100s of rentals to line pockets of business.

Vs

2nd home owned by single family that hires rental management company to do the transaction side of things.

Where the money goes is the difference.

ya I understand that lol. Just people here were saying they use Airbnb, and their use is ok since they only rent from rental companies vs I assume property owners? So, how do you differentiate between "good" second home property management companies, and the buying up all the real estate companies since Airbnb is known for expanding the latter? Again maybe just it's my experience, but if I see a rental company on Airbnb and click on their profile they own properties all over. I've never seen a "local" property management company.

[basilosaurus]

Mar 3, 2023 13:32:53 GMT -5 lolalolalola said:

Mar 3, 2023 5:03:38 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Great. Now I'm worried I'm going to get charged extra because there are zero cleaning supplies, and I'm about to check out, although I paid a small cleaning fee.

Eta shortly after I posted I went to go find the trash dumpster. The guy across the hall came out and asked if I was there guest. Yes, I am, and could he tell me where trash is. He told me not to bother and go finish packing up, he'd get the key shortly. So either they really do include cleaning as has been my experience in all but one overseas stay, it else in about to get hit with extras. Fingers crossed

If they don’t tell you to put out the trash then it’s not required… I have never been required to clean anything or to use any cleaning products while at a vrbo. The most I’ve had to do is put out the trash and (rarely) start a load of towels. It’s not actual cleaning. Are there rentals that actually make you clean?

I get that. But sometimes I rent over a month so it's just something I need for me.

From what I'm hearing here is places do actually make you scrub fully. People do have horror stories

It's considered a personal offense where my most recent years and travels have taken me (you're taking away a job from an immigrant sending money home. Um yeah, literally I've heard that, and oh so uncomfortable).

I don't mind picking up tp (often not included which you learn at the worst moment) from the corner market, and I've met good local people that way. But I absolutely get why travelers don't want to do that. And why residents don't want that.

I do get my overseas exclusive experience may be not what people encounter in the us. I just know it's been standard for my living and traveling over 5 years. It's probably kinda like I cannot look up a menu unless I use Facebook.

So ignore my experiences if they don't apply. But I have many year friendships and offers of return without such surcharges due to friendships made from host/guest.

I'm also still on couch surfers. And still have friends from that

[jwright]

Hotels for couples trips, more than 4 we get a house to use the common areas.

[tacokick]

Mar 4, 2023 3:49:11 GMT -5 al dente said:

Mar 3, 2023 13:16:02 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

The difference is the owner.

Large rental corporations swooping around scooping up 100s of rentals to line pockets of business.

Vs

2nd home owned by single family that hires rental management company to do the transaction side of things.

Where the money goes is the difference.

ya I understand that lol. Just people here were saying they use Airbnb, and their use is ok since they only rent from rental companies vs I assume property owners? So, how do you differentiate between "good" second home property management companies, and the buying up all the real estate companies since Airbnb is known for expanding the latter? Again maybe just it's my experience, but if I see a rental company on Airbnb and click on their profile they own properties all over. I've never seen a "local" property management company.

Local real estate and rental offices that do vacation rentals are all over.

You can search on AirBnB and get some of the same independent listings that are listed with agencies but it’s a much more tedious process because you have to click and investigate each person. You can also look for clues like owner maintained or owner on premise or local owner. The pictures of the homes often look more like actual people’s homes and not cheap flips.

When I rent from a real estate agency, they tell me it’s the Seashell Cottage owned by Mr and Mrs Smith. It’s in a properly zoned and taxed short term rental/vacation area and follows local and state laws not massive amount of possibly illegal random properties in residential areas or buildings.

These agencies sometimes use AirBnB but more often they are on VRBO or just their own site.

The real estate agencies themselves are often decades old, family run and very well established. It’s easy to tell this by looking at their website and/or reading reviews.

[nothingcontroversial]

Wow, I came in here expecting to read about drama on Next Door and this post is actually GBCN drama about using AirBnB.

Anyway, there is a 1920's mansion about a block away from my house. Local business owners bought the property hoping to revitalize it and turn it into a restaurant and Bed and Breakfast. They managed to open the restaurant part. However, they decided that instead of trying to open the Bed and Breakfast, it worked out better in their interests to fix up the bedrooms and rent them out on AirBnB. So, loophole, I guess.

My town isn't any kind of tourist attraction. I guess that the big "selling point" is that, in addition to the novelty of this being a mansion from the 1920's,  the closest hotel or motel is about 20 or so minutes away, so if someone in the neighborhood is looking for a place for out of town guests to sleep, this would be an option.  

[mcppalmbeach]

I wouldn’t say I enjoy cooking on vacation by any means, but if it wasn’t an option we wouldn’t be able to travel anywhere for any length of time. Even at a casual sit down place, it’s easily $100 for my family of 5 per meal these days without alcohol…just for lunch and dinner on a week’s vacation that’s over $1000: We just can’t do it. We’ll be skiing next week and the kids will ski until 4pm. They’ll come home and everyone will be wiped and have no energy to get changed and dressed to leave for dinner. We stay in timeshares or use a property management rental company though. I also would not survive without laundry on vacation with kids for anything more than three days. Someone is guaranteed a bloody nose, skid marks, to make a mess eating and I can’t stand having clothes sit there dirty. No, my vacations are not really restful for me, but it is what it is 🤷‍♀️

[Nonny]

Re: stupid house rules.

We rented a VRBO last summer on the Oregon Coast because it was significantly closer the campground where my sister and BIL were staying than the nearest hotel, and it was about the same price for significantly more space. Super cute place, and I'd absolutely stay there again.

That said, one of the house rules was no shoes in the house and to take them off and leave them in the bin OUTSIDE on the uncovered porch. Now, I don't know if you know what the Oregon Coast is like, but it's very wet. Even if it's not raining, it's often foggy AF, which then leaves everything wet.

We honored the no shoes inside the home request by moving a dining room chair to just inside the front door and taking our shoes off and leaving them there, but it was a hard pass on having wet shoes the entire trip.