View after booking

[Neil603]

Hi everyone

I hope it's ok to ask a question as a guest, I couldn't find anywhere else to ask.

I have found what looks to be a really nice place to stay ( from the pictures anyway) The problem is it only has 2 reviews dispite not being a particularly new listing. The cost for our stay will be approximately £6k, so a lot of money. We are traveling from a different country but one of the guests lives relatively local to the property. I know airbnb do not allow viewings before a booking but If we make the booking would it be unreasonable or cheeky to request a viewing just to make sure the pictures are accurate. As you can appreciate it's a lot of money to spend and I don't want to get caught out but there is not a lot of properties in the area suitable for a large family group.

Thanks

[Ted307]

@Neil603 This is a frequent question. Here is the ABB answer:

When someone wants our address in advance, I send the this info.

"Hi Guest,

Due to safety and security of hosts and staying guests, Airbnb only releases address and check in info 48 hrs before check in. If for any reason, this does not work for you, we'll understand if you need to cancel. You'll find more info in the link below.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/100/where-to-find-your-checkin-instructions"

I know that this is not the answer that you want to hear. But, you can have your local person check it out 48 hours before your check in time. Hope this helps.

[Neil603]

@Ted307  thanks for the quick reply. I think I will just find somewhere else to stay. It would not normally be an issue but just the lack of reviews. Due to time differences we will already be travelling 48 hours in advance. We are traveling with an elderly relative and toddler so arriving to find the accommodation is unsuitable or even worse unavailable is not something I'm keen to do.

[Ted307]

Hi @Neil603 

AirBnB is not perfect for everyone. I had zero reviews when I started. My guest checking in today has zero reviews, I take a chance every time I accept such guests. I usually try to have some communication with such guests, to see if they are OK. Expressing your thoughts to your prospective hosts might clear up your questions. You can message the host without making a booking.

If your trip has no room for chance, best to reserve sufficient rooms at a local hotel. Best of luck on your trip!

[Gwen386]

@Neil603 

Look at it from that host’s side too. You've only had one review and you’ve been an Airbnb member since 2016. A host would be taking a chance with you too. Just food for thought. 

[Neil603]

@Gwen386  that's a fair point but is it not a lot more likely for a guest to have 1 review because they didn't use their account than a host having 2 over the same period.  Plus they will have the security of a £6000 payment and a copy of my passport.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Neil603 does the host have more reviews than the property. Some hosts create new listings to hide previous reviews. 

[Ted307]

@Neil603 

I have my place listed on VRBO, and it has only 1 review on that site. I just started with that site even though I have been on AirBnB over 2 years. Some hosts end up renting long term, with no reviews on ABNB, but they still have great places. I can think of lots of situations where a fine place to stay might not have many reviews. I have been a member of ABNB as a traveler so my profile shows "Joined in 2015". I only have 64 reviews in all that time for our Bunkhouse because we started hosting in 2020.