To Airbnb or Not to Airbnb? Episode 330

<p>In this episode of the podcast Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin discuss the pros and cons of Airbnb for people who visit France.  The apartment rental giant is facing more and more scrutiny because it has disrupted the travel market and now rents more rooms than several hotel chains combined.</p> <p>This episode features my frequent guest Elyse Rivin. You can book a tour with her through her <a href= "https://toulouseguidedwalks.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">website</a> and you can also support her on <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/elysart" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Patreon</a>.</p> <p>Even if you think it's great that the hotel industry is facing increased competition there are some things you need to think about before booking an Airbnb in France:</p> <ul> <li>Neighbors getting fed up with ever-changing occupants.</li> <li>Owners canceling a few days before you're due to arrive.</li> <li>Local residents being priced out of the rental market.</li> <li>Apartments with hidden flaws.</li> <li>Owners taking a long time when there is a problem.</li> </ul> <p>Having said that, there are times when Airbnb is the best option. This is true for visitors who have special dietary needs and will cook for themselves. The same goes for groups who need more bedrooms. We're not anti Airbnb but we think there are better options, especially in France.</p> <h2>Get the Real Local Flavor</h2> <p>France is littered with Maisons d'hôte aka Bed and Breakfast. They are all over the country and there are even some in central Paris! There is no better way to meet locals. The question is how do you find such accommodations without searching for days? <a href="https://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=954523">Booking.com</a> makes that easy!</p> <p>We also love the <a href= "https://www.gites-de-france.com/en">Gites de France</a> site and the properties they list. A Gite is a furnished apartment or house you can rent for a few days or a few months. There are none in Paris, but they are literally <em>everywhere</em> else in Fran