How to Save Money on Your Next Airbnb Rental!

For many of us, this approaching spring season marks an official year to the start of the home-office era. And as nice as it has been to skip the morning commute, work in pajamas, and drink that preferred brand of coffee again (no offensive, break room coffee), the FOMO of traveling is real. We hear you, Pirates!

Now that places are beginning to open up, despite that tempting urge to explore the world again, there also lies the moral dilemma of should we travel. It's certainly a controversial topic, but that's why we want to share with you some hacks on how to enjoy a long-term stay for cheap(er). With this idea in mind, you can still getaway, but remain socially distanced in a secluded Airbnb rental — the best of both worlds!

Keep scrolling for some tips on how to save some cash for your next long-term stay.

Details

Tip #1: Negotiate the Price of Your Airbnb Stay

The traditional order of operation on Airbnb is to first select your desired dates of travel, click "Request to Book" for the set price and then wait until your host confirms your request. What many users don't know, however, is that you can actually attempt to negotiate your price instead! Here are some steps we recommend in order to accomplish this.

Step One: Instead of clicking "Request to Book", click "Contact Host" first.

Step Two: Enter your desired travel dates (doesn't have to be exact just yet)

Step Three: Add a brief introduction of yourself in a message to them. Try to be as friendly as possible, since the goal here is to make a good first impression.

Step Four: Wait for the host to "pre-approve" your message/stay request.

Step Five: Once you have been approved, you can then message the host and ask if they would offer a special discount for your stay. Keep in mind, that many of the Airbnb hosts are using these rentals as a source on income, so please be considerate when bargaining a price.

Generally, we recommend only negotiating a price when you are planning a long-term stay, or are booking last-minute.

If the hosts agrees with you to grant a "Special Offer", you will then receive another message containing the readjusted details, in which you will need to confirm by clicking "Book It".

Tip #2: Search for Your Accommodation on Other Websites

It's not uncommon for bigger operations with Airbnbs to have their accommodations also listed on other websites. It can even be the case that the listings on Airbnb cost more than on other sites due to the fact that the owner of the property has to make up for the lost revenue taken from the listing by using a separate platform. (If you've ever noticed that some hotels or hostels ask for you to book directly on their site, this is exactly why.)

By booking on a separate website, you have a chance at finding a cheaper price if the owner isn't having to contribute their earnings to a third-party.

Tip #3: Book Longer-Term Stays (Even If You Don't Intend on Staying the Full Time)

Many Airbnb rentals offer discounts for longer stays (even without having to first negotiate). There are two tips of discounts that you'll generally find; a weekly discount (7 nights) or a monthly discount (28+ nights). If you find this to be true for your desired Airbnb, it's possible that it would be cheaper in the end to rent your stay for 7 nights instead of 6, or 30 nights instead of 27, for example.

Tip #4: Search for Deals in Neighboring Areas

If you are looking to stay near a trendy area and have access to a car, chances are you'll be able to score a deal a lot cheaper 15-30 mins outside of the city. For example, a chic Airbnb in downtown Charleston might go for $181 a night, whereas the same size property in the neighboring city of Summerville can be found for $102 a night. In the end, the gas money/commute might just be worth the extra cash you'll be saving each night.