So while planning my first ever trip to New York City for Blogher12, I thought I may as well get in some sight seeing while I’m there. So I planned to arrive about 5 days earlier so that I can have the freedom to hop around the city as I wanted.
Since this was my first trip, I wanted to stay in or near Manhattan so I would be in close proximity to most of the activities/attractions I wanted to enjoy. But I’m sure you already know or have experienced the high cost of Manhattan hotels!
But I remembered reading about this company called Airbnb in an airline magazine and thought, “Hey, let’s check them out!“
So in a nutshell, Airbnb offers vacation rentals, private and shared rooms, and other spaces in over 27,000 cities and over 190 countries by people who are willing to “rent” their space on a nightly basis.
Sorta like a hotel…cool!
Was I skeptical? Of course. I’ve watched too many movies to not know the dangers of dealing with strangers, especially in a place I had never been. So, to feel safer, I decided to only look for spaces with single women hosts who had a private room (not shared).
My Lovely Host
After looking through a lot – and I mean a lot – of beautiful (and not so beautiful LOL) spaces, I finally narrowed it down to a space in the Upper West Side because of its glowing reviews and its location to the train station.
I contacted the host, Amber Crawford, an up and coming actress by the way which is way cool (I told her I need to get my autograph now before she really blows up!!) and expressed my interest in her space.
She responded almost immediately and confirmed the availability of her space during my stay. She even texted me around the time I told her I was arriving in NYC and told me the best way to get to her place by cab (so that the cabbie wouldn’t try to rip me off!). Very helpful!
When I got to her place, I was greeted by a very warm and lovely young lady and a great, inviting space space I might add. I tell ya, once I met Amber in person, I knew she was cool peoples!
She offered everything in her home to me including her well stocked frig, coffee and tea abound, organic fruits, take out menus (since I don’t cook much; ok, not at all for real!), and washer and dryer, which was very handy!
AND, guess what she surprised me with upon settling in??? Delish homemade chocolate chip cookies! Who needs a schmancy fancy hotel! 
More photos…
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- Warm, delicious chocolate chip cookies were awaiting me after arrival!
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- Amber Crawford, my great host, and I
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- I enjoyed the host’s style with bright colors and contemporary feel.
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- Loved the modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances (even though I didn’t use them)…ha!
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- Everyday, the toilet paper would have the signature hotel origami design. Love it!
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- I don’t care to touch shower curtain liners so was super glad that there was a curved shower curtain rod!
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- I would awake to nice little handwritten notes such as this!
Reviews and Social Proof are Key
As I was narrowing down my choices, the reviews became the ultimate factor in deciding where to stay. Amber’s reviews from previous guests and friends were glowing!
Airbnb also lets hosts connect their Facebook accounts so you can see tips/recommendations from their friends. This was also an added layer of comfort for me as you can “see” the host, their friends, their profile page (unless it’s private), and get a feel for them even before meeting them.
Final Thoughts on Airbnb
My overall experience was awesome! I couldn’t have asked for a better host. If you choose to use Airbnb, here are my tips from my trip:
- Great for solo travel – I can’t imagine a whole family going to share someone’s home (unless they had the space for it). When I was looking around on the site, most spaces had only one extra bedroom to spare. For solo travel, I found it to be a huge cost saver. I could then spend the money I saved for more shopping on my trip!
- Reviews, reviews, reviews – Just like the real estate industry declares “location, location, location” for lasting success, I urge you to pay close attention and read between the lines of the reviews people leave. There’s a lot to be said of the things because DON’T say too!
- Communication is key – Before booking with a host, contact them and see how quickly they respond. Airbnb has a rating of responsiveness that comes in handy. If they take too long to respond and/or unclear in their conversation with you, most likely they will be the same way once you get there. Find another space; there’s plenty to choose from!
You’d be amazed at some of the awesome, immaculate, spaces listed on Airbnb that will suit just about any taste!
I would absolutely do Airbnb again and recommend that you check it out on your next trip.
Over to you…
Have you ever used Airbnb’s service to find a place to stay on vacation? How was your experience? If you haven’t tried it, do you think you’ll give it a try on one of your upcoming trips?
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Funny, when you told me you were staying in the Upper West Side, I was like hmmm, she must have money or she’s staying in a dump lol
Now I see what’s up!!
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Marc ‘DrMarctagon’ A. recently posted..101 Best Running Tips
I use Airbnb all the time. I love the service and I agree that you must, must, must research the host before choosing a final spot. And now that you’ve recommended Amber, I’ll keep my eye out for her place the next time I come to NYC.
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DanielleJ recently posted..Yesterday Someone Called Me Bougie
I’m so glad you decided to try AirBnB out because I’ve been thinking of using their service but was scared, like you were. Mostly because I’m a single woman traveler and I’m worried I’ll get kidnapped or mugged. Lol. If I’m ever visiting New York, which I hope to soon, I’ll have to check out Amber’s place. She sounds like a fantastic host!
As a side note, I was planning to go to Blogher12 this year, but at the last minute something came up so I couldn’t make it.
Super bummed but maybe next year! I hope you enjoy your trip and thanks for sharing this great review!
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Carrie Smith recently posted..3 Benefits to Expanding Your Business with E-commerce
Hi Lakesha!
I am sitting next to you at Blogher in the Vlogging session! So glad you’re enjoying your stay in NYC! Thanks for the podcast info – I’ll probably now be annoying you with emails – until you beg me to go away!!
Kelly
Looks like you had a ball. What fun! You did right to get her autograph, because you never know. NYC is everything. It’s been 4 years since I first traveled there and this posting is making me look around at tix. Seriously!
Glad you are heading back home safe!!!!
Wow Airbnb sounds like a really good option especially for NYC! I am glad that everything worked out so well for you!
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MELISASource recently posted..Encouragement From Estelle: No Matter What Is Going On In Your Life You Must Keep Going
Hey Kesha! I’d never heard of Airbnb before reading this; thanks for the suggestion. Also, loving your blog — it’s so upbeat and filled with positive topics. I realize this comment sounds spammy, so I’ll add, I was the woman at BlogHer who wandered off in search of the Trojan table before Soledad’s session. That’s the last time I’ll bring it up or we’ll forever be referring to me as the Trojan wanna-be. #batteriesincluded.
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Ruth recently posted..Four Days in New York: Recovery