2022 AIRBNB Recap

It's that time of the year again...

This year wasn't as eventful in terms of Airbnb visits as I was only able to visit 3 (technically 4 but that one is already mentioned in the previous recap). First on the list was an Airbnb I had previously had a chance to visit for a Friendsmas evening and as soon as I saw it I promised myself I'd go back to it again, and I did...

Airbnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43276077?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=9af3ab58-5eb4-4bc5-849c-907906df5c60

I visited this gem in the heart of Newtown, Johannesburg between the 21st - 23rd of April 2022 to film content for Instagram. The weather was rainy and gloomy during those days so the apartment lighting did no justice to my vision however, I did still manage to film a very last-minute apartment tour the day of checkout that performed well on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMFw2njCd/

When I tell you I had the time of my life at this Airbnb, I was probably the happiest I had been in a while during this time.

Pros:

• Located inside a Hotel with 24hr reception and security assistance

• The hotel has a lift

• It's got a very penthouse feel with industrial arty touches, lots of room, and large semi-soundproof windows that bring in the most incredible light and view of the city

• A large table in the center of the lounge with lots of seating space for extra guests and entertaining

• A fantastic sound system with Bluetooth and WiFi access!

• & THE VIEW!

Cons:

• It is only a 1 bedroom and NOT a loft (in the traditional sense) as labeled on Airbnb, it's more of an open plan feel as no doors are separating each "room" from each other

• The Airbnb is located inside a hotel in the heart of Newtown right by the busiest streets through Braamfontein so it does tend to get quite noisy outside

• Because it's got this industrial feel, there's exposed concrete everywhere which does make the place feel quite cold

In addition, The Franklin Hotel hosts a few of their rooms on Airbnb, all with completely different vibes so do yourself a favor and check them out, they're cost-effective and stunning!

Setback

21 - 23 April 2022 = R2 296.00

Overall rating

8/10

Closer to the end of April between a mate's birthday and SA Fashion Week, I found this stunning Airbnb based in Randburg...

Airbnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31706045?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=323be972-60bc-4162-b07c-e04f4776b42b

...For content reasons and to rest after what felt like a very LOOOOONG month. When I visited the Airbnb the hosts weren't there but were very quick to respond to any of my requests throughout my stay and also had someone house-sitting for them who was just as helpful to myself and my guests.

Pros:

• First of all the images don't do this Airbnb justice, you need to go there and see it for yourself

• Located in a private section right next to the main house, with its access key to the gate, garage, and entrance to the apartment

• There's a pretty dope sound system and stove available for use, access to Netflix and WiFi obvs

• The place feels secluded but is located just down the road from Parkhurst's popular restaurant strip

• There's a surprise outdoor area with stairs that lead you to a mini cozy balcony section overlooking the mountains (the Johannesburg Mountains chile), which is nice

Cons:

• They have dogs that are quite um, loud but once you're in your room you don't hear them as much.

• A few of the functionalities of the Airbnb are run from the main house which is kind of an inconvenience cause you need to message the hosts for assistance to get the heaters to work for instance

• As much as there is a water heater system, it does not heat up very well so the place does get a bit cold during the colder evenings

I'm yet to revisit this place.

Setback

29 April - 1 May 2022 = R2 301.46 (for 2 guests)

Overall rating

8/10

I try not to make a big deal of my birthday every year but still try and celebrate it in some way even when I end up having possibly the worst day of my life every time. This year I spontaneously decided to visit Cape Town for a few days with a friend for a drastic change of scenery to hopefully force me to go off on my special day and we had the best time!

Airbnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/30879145?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e8d63e65-dc54-4fb0-b290-7ee29efd6a83

Pros:

• The place was very affordable given the time of year, the number of days, and amounts of guests it allows

• The host is a very hands-on, kind lady who assisted with answering all my questions without any issues, an attitude, or complaints

• The pictures DO NOT do it justice because what a stunning place, located in Woodstock which is a very businessy suburb, close to most amenities and with plenty of transport options to be able to move around

The Airbnb listing is also very impressive and offers a guide to the area, with local suggestions for things to do across all categories so you will never run out of ideas.

Cons:

• Located in the heart of the city, right by the road and across from a shopping center so don't expect complete silence you will hear the taxis and busses picking up and dropping people at work

• The building did not offer backup power systems to assist with load-shedding so that was very anticlimactic not being able to access the WiFi when the power was out

I traveled to CT with a mate and we had a very tight itinerary, fortunately, a couple of the things we needed to do were only a few minutes away from where we were staying so moving around was very easy for the most part is that we also traveled during the week pre- the festive season rush.

PS there is also a cute gourmet ice cream shop across the street from the Airbnb that sells the most insane and delicious ice cream flavor combinations.

Setback

15 - 19 October 2022 = R4 207.27 (for 2 guests)

Overall rating

9/10

Updated pro tip, spend a lot of time on Airbnb to source the most cost-effective one that covers all your needs & wants, some Airbnbs are very overpriced for the space you're getting + including location, amenities, etc. Search filters: Superhost + entire apartment with WiFi, ALWAYS!