15:00 10/11/2015 Airbnb? Yeah a property owner will rent out their space either as a whole unit or just a room in the airbnb platform. That’s how I understand its concept. It was more like of a couchsurfing that comes with a fee. But actually it was more than that. Staying on a new or familiar place had been taken on the next level. It’s more of a personal. You get in touch with your host, communicating with your needs, throw a lot of questions about travel stuff , what to do’s and much more. Tailoring your preferences and comfort by warm host, that is how I defined it after my the first experience.
First, I was skeptic about it not until my travel friends rave about how good their airbnb experience was. I surrendered my quintessential preference of hotel comfort and embrace airbnb.
How to?
I signed up airbnb via facebook and just few clicks done, easy peasy. I updated my profile and make sure the account is verified which is advisable. The host will see you as credible guest when they see your account as verified.
I look up on potential hosts in Mactan, Cebu which is my desired location for layover of my next day domestic flight. There’s a quite a number of choices around the airport and luxurious ones near to beach fronts. But I prefer the closest property to airport which I shortlisted 4 of them. I selected a room which is 10 minutes away from Mactan airport. Apart from the location, the price is quite reasonable and the reviews from guests were all praises. Most of all Jarle (my host) is superhosts on airbnb, so I’m sold.
I send him message about my interest, travel itinerary and airport pickup arrangement. I got the response in less than 12 hours and informed me about the set up, house rules. After some few messages everything was set. I made the payment through my AirAsia ezpay card. I pay 14 Euros which is about 600 pesos for the single room. I received the confirmation via email and booking itinerary. I made this booking and payment two days before my intended stay.
My plane landed 15 minutes earlier from the expected arrival time. I message Jarle and got his response in no time and on it’s way to airport. Did I mention airport pick up is FREE? One of the reason I book this property. I was pick up by the Norwegian bloke (Jarle) and exchanging pleasantries on the way to the place. Before we reach he toured me around the vicinity to make sure I’ll get familiar with the place and how to commute. He didn’t know I’m Filipino until I broke the silence with the Cebuano language which he’s used to. “Wait, I thought you’re a foreigner, your English is not so Filipino”, he said. I know what he meant, I just returned a laugh and took it as a complement.
Jarle’s humble abode
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| I stayed in Room 2 |
The property is located near to Pusok road, few hundred meters at the back of Mactan City hall and Gaisano Mactan. It’s within a residential area but can assure the neighborhood is peaceful.
There are two rooms had been put on the listings, Room 2 which I stayed is for single occupancy while Room 3 is good for two.
Check in Time
Check in Time : 2:00 PM (Philippine time GMT+ 8)
Check out Time : 12:00 PM (Philippine time GMT+ 8)
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| Reception and dining area. |
The room
My room has confined space with a European charm and meant for single occupancy. Hotel style bed , same what I saw on the listings. It’s comfort reminds me of my old room at home.
A flat screen LED TV is mounted opposite on the bed for convenient viewing. An open wardrobe, small window with nice curtains and self controlled AC can be seen on the room. Room is equipped with a good wifi connection.
A kettle with complimentary coffee sachets and tea bags are available for coffee or tea making. Snacks, cup noodles and bottled water are convenient but comes with a price.
Comfort Room
A small lavatory with sleek mirror are in placed on the private comfort room. A shower head which can be mounted depending on one’s height which blast moderate pressure of cold water. The toilet is impeccable clean which I say well maintained. No worries, there are complimentary toiletries including clean face and bath towels.
Checking out was easy, just have to return the keys and hosts will inspect the room and it’s good to go. I subscribe for airport transfer since I have morning flight which comes with a fee (200 pesos). I arrived at the airport in less than 10 minutes which saves me from being tardy.
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| With my host, Jarle at Mactan Airport |
The Experience
My first airbnb experience was brief but memorable one, credit to my great superhost Jarle. Now I understand why this guy earned a lot of praises from his guests. He showed genuine hospitality and treat everyone with great enthusiasm. This is something rare to experience when you’re book into a hotel. Now I concur what my friends are hyping about. To experience is to believe.
How’s your first airbnb experience?
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Airbnb First Timer,
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Welcome Jarle, pleasure is mine. Your expansion is a best testament of you run the business. We'll look forward on that new development and catch up with you someday!
Thank you so much Joey, it was great to have you as a guest too 🙂 We now have 3 rooms, single, semi double and a studio apartment with kitchen and soon one more studio apartment that will be affordable luxury. Our experience using airbnb renting out our rooms have been all good. We love it and want to exspand, our next prosject is 10 rooms with swimmingpool, it will proberly take a few years but its good to have a plan. We hope to see you again soon, take care Joey 🙂