AirB&B

[spidergawd]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

[Marco]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

Spider, be careful using this service in the future. The amsterdam gov is using the database to crack down on what they call illegal apartments.

http://www.itworld.com/it-management/34 ... al-rentals

You should be ok, but keep an eye out.

[matty223]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

Spider, be careful using this service in the future. The amsterdam gov is using the database to crack down on what they call illegal apartments.

http://www.itworld.com/it-management/34 ... al-rentals

You should be ok, but keep an eye out.

anything on Amsterdamstay, Marco??

[Marco]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

Spider, be careful using this service in the future. The amsterdam gov is using the database to crack down on what they call illegal apartments.

http://www.itworld.com/it-management/34 ... al-rentals

You should be ok, but keep an eye out.[/


anything on Amsterdamstay, Marco??

Nope, but will keep my eye out

[matty223]

Thanks, dont want to be put on the street in April

Peace Matty

[spidergawd]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

Spider, be careful using this service in the future. The amsterdam gov is using the database to crack down on what they call illegal apartments.

http://www.itworld.com/it-management/34 ... al-rentals

You should be ok, but keep an eye out.

Thanks Marko, I will contact them and make sure they have the correct insurance and a current gas safety ticket, if not then the booking will be invalid, and I haven't lost any money. . And I'll shop 'em .

[Marco]

I've just booked a nice houseboat through this site for what seems a fair price in April, I was beginning to think I was going to have to spend about £600 for 2 bedrooms for my Daughter and myself over 4 days either a hotel or apartment but these seem a bit cheaper. In all the years of tripping to Amsterdam I've never stayed anywhere but a hotel so we are looking forward to a "unique Amsterdam experience." .

You have to contact the owners direct via fakebook but my daughter did that .

https://www.airbnb.com/search/?location ... ams_airbnb

Spider, be careful using this service in the future. The amsterdam gov is using the database to crack down on what they call illegal apartments.

http://www.itworld.com/it-management/34 ... al-rentals

You should be ok, but keep an eye out.

Thanks Marko, I will contact them and make sure they have the correct insurance and a current gas safety ticket, if not then the booking will be invalid, and I haven't lost any money. . And I'll shop 'em .

If you are renting someone's home, they won't have any such insurance, etc. but that would not stop me personally. Just don't pay until you get to the apartment.

[spidergawd]

Yea, I read that article, I can see where they're coming from. We've taken a houseboat on the Lijnbangracht and the owner apparently has 3 for hire, but I will check them out, especially the gas safety certificate.

I always pay for these things with a credit card so insured if things come adrift.

[worldcitizen1723]

Hey Marco,

Do you have a list of those sites that are under investigation - or a link, maybe?

Thanks.

[Slip & Sal]

When we went, we stayed in an Awesome apartment from the Airbnb site. We had no complaints. Cheap.

[mafufero]

When you book an apartment with Airbnb, you pay when you book, not when you get there. However, the owner of the apartment or room doesn't get the money from Airbnb until the day after you check in. So if something really weird happens on the day of your arrival (the apartment is total crap and not what it appeared to be in the photos, or the scenario Marco is describing, which does happen), you are to contact Airbnb and they will hold the money and not give it to the owner. I've read that the problem is when you check in on a weekend, sometimes its hard to get a hold of the customer service people at AirBnb.

Having said all this, I've booked an apartment with them in May. I know that there is a little bit of a risk involved, but the person who is renting it to me has had several other guests, so I feel pretty confident. They have fairly positive reviews. At the risk of stating the obvious, it's probably not a good idea to book a room or an apartment if there are too few or no reviews. And hotel prices in May are insane in Amsterdam (even higher than the summer months for some hotels), which would make my trip too short.

[SmellyJK]

Me and my lady stayed in an apartment rented through airbnb when we visited in december.

we found it to be better value for money and more flexible that staying at a hotel. plus, the apartment was smoker friendly which is always a positive

overall a great experience, and i would recommend to others

[worldcitizen1723]

Yes on apartments!

Always get one or a boat.. Soo much more room and a kitchen! Woot!

[matty223]

when i was there in November/December i remember hearing about a hit team ( lady with clip borad writing down adresses), going out and looking for illegal apartments, heard the owners talking about it , and later that day i actually seen them on the Warmoerstraat , so they are cracking down on the illegal apartments,

Peace Matty

[mafufero]

A bit more about the Airbnb situation in Amsterdam; the comments at the bottom of the article are insightful as well, giving a local perspective

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/02/0 ... -a-permit/