With the rise of remote working and digital nomadism, travellers are opting for longer stays in destinations rather than taking brief vacations. Extended stays allow you to immerse yourself in a new locale, establish a comfortable home base, and save money compared to multiple hotel bookings.
For stays over a week or two, Airbnb is an extremely practical accommodation choice that offers benefits traditional hotels simply cannot match. From home-like comforts to budget-friendly rates, Airbnb rentals are ideal for travellers planning extended getaways.
Benefits of Long Stay Airbnb
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Airbnb for an extended stay is the cost savings compared to a hotel.
Airbnb listings often offer discounts for weekly and monthly stays, whereas hotel rates remain static or even increase for longer bookings. For example, a centrally located one-bedroom Airbnb apartment for a month may be cheaper than a single hotel room for just a week.
With access to amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, you can also reduce food costs by cooking yourself rather than eating out for every meal.
Comfort and Convenience
Hotels can feel cramped and impersonal for stays beyond a few days. Airbnb rentals provide the comforts and conveniences of home with more space and privacy than a hotel room.
You can settle right in and make the space your own for the duration of your stay. Enjoy home-like amenities from a living room to relax in, to a kitchen to cook in, an office to work in, and laundry facilities.
The ability to control your environment without hotel rules makes for a comfortable and enjoyable extended stay.
Flexibility
Unlike rigid hotel bookings, Airbnbs offer flexibility that suits longer stays. You can often arrange early check-in or late check-out to suit your travel plans. House manuals allow 24-hour access so you can come and go as needed.
Choose from a huge variety of rental types like entire serviced apartments with work friendly spaces, private rooms, shared homes, and unique properties. Go for a central city apartment or a tranquil countryside cottage - whatever meets your needs. The range of options and flexibility Airbnb provides is extremely practical for extended stays.
How to Choose the Right Airbnb for Long Stays
Location Considerations
For longer stays, location is key when selecting an ideal Airbnb rental. Consider proximity to public transport links, shops, parks, restaurants, and other essential amenities you’ll need access to. Check the neighbourhood is safe and has a vibe you’ll enjoy coming home to for an extended period.
Dive into online resources and local knowledge to ensure the location suits your planned activities and interests during your stay.
Popular Locations for Long Term Airbnb Stays
Many countries offer friendly spaces for digital nomads. These are the most popular destinations for extended stays.
Chiang Mai, Thailand - A major digital nomad hub with great coworking spaces, cafes, and amenities. Affordable living costs are ideal for stays of 1-3 months.
Bali, Indonesia - Tropical island paradise with abundant villas and bungalows suited for extended stays. Great for digital detoxes or completing a passion project.
Medellin, Colombia - Cosmopolitan Latin American city with spring-like climate year-round. Great urban base for weeks or months in South America.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Beloved beach town near Tulum on the Riviera Maya. Offers both relaxation and convenience for stays under 6 months.
Lisbon, Portugal - Charismatic capital city with vibrant culture, food scene and coastal access for perfect month+ long stays.
San Diego, California - Laidback beach vibes meets urban amenities and great weather. Well set up for multi-week stays.
Barcelona, Spain - Iconic Spanish city blending history, culture, cuisine and coastal living. Ideal for 1-4 month Mediterranean immersion.
Tokyo, Japan - Hyper-convenient mega-city with virtually unlimited attractions and amenities suited for long stays.
London, England - Cosmopolitan capital for month+ stays with endless entertainment, culture, sights and convenience.
Berlin, Germany - Dynamic and affordable European capital perfect as a creative hub for digital nomads on extended stays.
Amenities and Facilities
Scan listings carefully to find a long term Airbnb rental with all the facilities and popular amenities you require for a longer stay, such as dedicated working spaces. Having a well-equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals is a major plus. Laundry facilities are a necessity for extended stays whether onsite or at a nearby laundromat. Fast WiFi is essential for remote work.
Packing light and minimising luggage is easier when you know amenities are covered in your Airbnb accommodation.
Host Interaction
One of the joys of Airbnb is connecting with locals, and hosts can provide insider tips on life in your chosen destination. Read host reviews to get a sense of their communication style and character. Some hosts prefer minimal interaction while others enjoy socialising with guests.
Understand expectations around contact to ensure you’re comfortable with the host relationship during your extended stay.
Booking Tips and Tricks
Reading Listings Carefully
Pore over the Airbnb listing details before booking your extended stay. Scrutinise all photographs to get a clear visual sense of the property's size, layout, style, furnishings and amenities. Read the written description closely, checking details like the total number of bedrooms/bathrooms, any special features like balconies or fireplaces, kitchen and laundry facilities provided, and any access limitations to certain areas or times.
Carefully examine the cancellation policy, as a moderate or flexible policy is ideal for extended stays in case plans change unexpectedly. If any details are unclear, such as cleaning fees or proximity to attractions, don't hesitate to message the host for clarification before committing to the booking.
Engaging with the Host
Many hosts enjoy sharing local insights and building connections with incoming guests. Once you’ve booked the stay, take the initiative to engage with your host, both to ask any logistical questions about accessing the property, directions, parking etc., and to better understand house rules and expectations during your extended visit.
Pick your host’s brain for insider tips on local attractions and activities aligned with your interests, good nearby restaurants and hidden gems in the neighbourhood. Share your own reasons for visiting and what you hope to experience.
Maintaining open, polite communication with your host early on and throughout the booking ensures you start off and continue the extended stay on the right foot.
Budget Planning
When budgeting for an extended Airbnb stay, carefully factor in the nightly rate plus all additional costs like cleaning fees, service fees, taxes and any security deposits, which can be heftier for month-plus bookings.
Many hosts do offer weekly or monthly rate discounts, so don’t simply assume the base nightly rate multiplied by 30 days - clarify any discount terms upfront. Enquire if further discounts are provided for upfront partial or full payment as opposed to installment payments.
Create a detailed budget spreadsheet accounting for all accommodation costs as well as estimated expenses for food, local transport, activities, emergencies, and any other associated trip costs. Smart financial planning and budgeting will ensure your desired extended Airbnb stay realistically fits within your total trip budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Long Stay Airbnb
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when booking an Airbnb for an extended stay:
Not reading the full listing description carefully - Make sure to scrutinise all details, photos, amenities, rules, cancellation policy, etc. so there are no surprises later.
Not asking enough questions - Don't be shy about asking hosts questions before booking to clarify anything that's unclear. Good communication is key.
Not considering extra fees - Along with nightly rates, factor in cleaning fees, service fees and taxes which can add up, especially for longer stays.
Not checking amenities thoroughly - Ensure any amenities you require like wi-fi, parking, kitchen appliances, etc. are available and functional.
Not researching the neighbourhood - Check area safety, proximity to key places like groceries and transport, and general vibe to ensure it suits your needs.
Assuming discount for longer stays - While many hosts offer weekly/monthly discounts, pricing is at their discretion so clarify any deals before booking.
Not reading the cancellation policy - Understand cancellation rules in case you need to amend plans. A flexible policy is ideal for extended stays.
Not budgeting fully - Make a budget spreadsheet tallying all accommodation, food, transport and activities costs for your full stay. Leave a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Not asking about early/late check-in - If you need early access or late departure, check if the hosts can accommodate this before you book.
Not checking host reviews - Read reviews to ensure good host communication, transparency, and hospitality before committing to a long stay.
Avoiding these common slip-ups will help you find the perfect Airbnb rental for a smooth and enjoyable extended getaway. Do your research thoroughly!
Conclusion
For multi-night or multi-week stays, Airbnb provides an appealingly priced, comfortable, and convenient lodging solution for travellers. With plenty of experience hosting longer bookings, Airbnb rentals are designed to make you feel at home right away.
Next time you plan an extended getaway, confidently choose Airbnb over a hotel for benefits like cost savings, amenities, location flexibility, and host hospitality. Thoughtfully selecting the ideal rental that offers weekly or monthly discounts through location research, amenities checklist, host communication, and budget planning will ensure your next long stay with Airbnb is highly enjoyable and hassle-free.
FAQs
Do all Airbnb hosts offer long term stay discounts?
No, not all hosts offer discounts for longer monthly rentals.
Is a long term Airbnb stay cheaper than a hotel?