What it does
Airbnb lists entire places, private rooms, hotel rooms and shared rooms. Its search filters cover needs such as self check-in, pets and accessibility features, while reservations may use Instant Book or a request to the host.
Enter the dates and guest count before narrowing the type of space. If a particular amenity or access detail is essential, use the relevant filter and ask the host any remaining questions. Airbnb’s own guide identifies the host as the source for specific property details.
At reservation time, watch the button: Confirm and pay indicates an instant booking, while Request to book starts a host-approval process. Those are different states, so keep them distinct while arranging the rest of the trip. The booking help also describes geography-specific payment differences, including Indian-rupee requests. Read the payment and policy information shown for your reservation instead of assuming every request is charged at the same point.
Before paying, open Cancellation policy under the listing’s Things to know and expand its details. For a confirmed stay, the policy is available through Trips, Your stay and Reservation details.
Strengths
- Distinguishes entire places from room-based stays
- Explains instant bookings and host reservation requests separately
Watch out for
- Some listings require host approval rather than offering immediate confirmation.
Best for
- Travellers comparing spaces with particular property requirements