Tuesday Travel Tip: How to negotiate (and save) on your next Airbnb stay
While the coronavirus pandemic continues, many travelers may be itching to go on their first vacation in months. A home-rental platform, like Airbnb, might be the ideal place to find your next stay. That's because it is easy to find properties that have enough personal space in our era of social distancing.
Whether you're an experienced Airbnb guest or just a novice, did you know that there may be an opportunity to negotiate on your next booking? It only makes sense to do in certain situations, but with 42 Airbnb stays under my belt, I have been able to negotiate — and save — on reservations around the world.
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How to message a host before booking
While searching for the perfect Airbnb, you can actually message the host prior to going through the booking process. After selecting a property from the search results, scroll down to information about the host. Here, you should see the "contact host" button, highlighted below.
From there, you can explain why you're reaching out. Since this article is all about negotiating the rate, read on to learn more about how — and when — to do so.
Negotiate delicately — and be respectful
First, I want to make this clear: don't message every host that you come across and demand a lower rate than published. Like with any negotiation tactic, restraint and respect are necessary. In fact, Airbnb can outright ban you if enough hosts complain that you are aggressively asking for a reduction on the listed price.
Many hosts have thought pretty carefully through their pricing and — especially in light of the pandemic — will be looking to recoup some of the lost revenue from the downturn in travel. However, that doesn't mean you can't negotiate at all.
Although by no means exhaustive, here are a few things to consider when negotiating your Airbnb stay.
Related reading: When Airbnb is better than a hotel for families
When you're staying for a week, a month or more
If you're planning on staying for weeks or months at a time, let the host know this ahead of time. If you can guarantee revenue for the host for an extended period, the host may be willing to discount the total cost of your reservation. Keep in mind that hosts already have this functionality — you may see a "weekly" or "monthly" discount when searching for these respective time periods.
But it can still be worth messaging the host, as long as you're straightforward about your intentions.
When you're staying during off-peak time periods
A non-peak period is another opportunity to message a host to inquire about a discount. If it's summer and you're renting in a ski town or it's winter and you're traveling to the beach, you're more likely to come across hosts that may be willing to shave off the cost of a nightly rate.
When you're staying at new rentals with few ratings
New hosts just trying to get their properties on the map, so to speak, may also make for good candidates to negotiate. If you notice that they have few reviews or ratings, politely message them to see if there's any wiggle room with the reservation.
Again, do not cold-message all hosts who don't have any reviews. If you're seriously interested in a property, inquire within.
Related reading: Best credit cards for Airbnbs
Bottom line
There are numerous other factors to consider when negotiating your next Airbnb stay. Do you have a good rating as a guest? Many hosts may work with you only if you have established yourself as a reliable Airbnb customer.
Are you booking last-minute or far in advance? If a host is desperate to fill their space and the reservation is imminent, they may be more willing to negotiate.
The biggest rule of thumb is to put yourself into the shoes of the host — why would they be interested in discounting their property for you? Be tactful, clear with your intentions and drop the negotiation if it's obvious the host isn't interested.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.