thailand
Ask question

What are the advantages of using Airbnb for short-term rentals in Pattaya and Bangkok compared to other platforms?

AirbnbShort-term rentalsPattayaBangkokServiced apartmentsBooking.comAgodaRental adviceCondosExpats in Thailand
Oct 30, 2023
a year ago
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm just checking out some apartments for rent, short term, through market place and Airbnb, other than security there is there much of a benefit to using Airbnb? Checking out Pattaya and Bangkok

Has anyone got any advice on the process of booking a room through messenger/marketplace?

I'm booking last minute and Airbnb doesn't really have much choice for stays over 2 weeks!
1,509
views
1
likes
43
all likes
31
replies
1
images
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the pros and cons of using Airbnb for short-term rentals in Pattaya and Bangkok compared to other options like serviced apartments and booking platforms such as Agoda and Booking.com. Key points include concerns about additional fees on Airbnb, the legality of short-term rentals in certain condos, and personal experiences with renting directly from hotels or local listings. Suggestions include trying guesthouses initially and checking local real estate agents for better rates.
Lee **********
Unfortunately to find decent places at decent prices on Airbnb, you need to book way in advance.. the decent places are always booked out fast
a year ago
Like
Reply
Donna *******
Hi Craig, I've been using Airbnb for the last 2 years travelling around Thailand and Vietnam. Airbnb you don't need to pay a deposit unlike alot of market place units. When looking at Airbnb see if includes electricity, water, wifi and cleaning. Airbnb check how many reviews as some hosts relist if they get bad reviews.

You can also go into most condo buildings and they have onsite agents/office who list available units and some can be short term.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Donna ******
 what if the ad says deposit required and bills not included on Airbnb? Seems most of the apartments that are over 4 week stay are like that?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Donna *******
@Cr***
 hi, I have booked every apartment for 1 month plus (you usually receive a discount for over 28 days) and never have paid a deposit. With bills just make sure you are happy with price + extra's. Electricity is the biggest + I estimate an extra 2- 2500thb per month if bills are not included but that depends on each person.

I wouldn't book an Airbnb that asks for a deposit, they have cancellation and payment schedules as part of Airbnb policies.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Donna *******
Reply
Jim **********
Given up on Air BnB for a long time. High prices (driven by their cut, and by greedy landlords) and very little else to justify it (their support and service is crap).

The disruptor just bacame a part of the system and a part of the problem for me so I ditched it.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Tom **********
Renthub.com
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gordon ********
Keep in mind the “extra charges” when using Airbnb.

Best to rent direct.

Market place or “ local rentals” sites
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Gordon *******
 you mean cleaning? That's to provide linen change and cleaning after you leave. There's no deposit paid.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gordon ********
@Lynnette ******
Hi

Have you looked lately?

“Fees and cleaning” can be substantial unless amortized over a long period.

Example:
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Gordon *******
 and it's one payment paid at end of stay. Unless arranged differently.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gordon ********
@Lynnette ******
Hi

I have used Airbnb for many years before these charges were added.

I would prefer it in the listed price for fair comparison rather than at the end of transaction.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Gordon *******
 the cleaning fee is shown on the booking detail before you book and pay. We've been using Airbnb as a platform for about 15years for properties in several countries.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Gordon *******
 I have 2 airbnbs. The cleaning/ laundry fee goes to the cleaner not the owner.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Mike *******
Have you tried searching in Booking dot com? Aside from conventional hotels and homestays, they also have a lot of Air BnB style accommodation listings. Good luck.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
The benefit of AirBnB as opposed to a hotel is that the properties are usually well equipped if you want to cook your own meals for example.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
Book a guesthouse for the first 2-3 nights, get there, chose the surroundings where you would like to live, check real estate agents around. The safest, the easiest.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Julane *******
Many condos in Thailand forbid Airbnb rentals unless they are over 1 month. I've often seen signs up stating that. Since many buildings have guards and cameras, you wouldn't want to fork out money and get booted out.

Fir the past 18 months in Thailand, we've used Agoda and Booking.com. And sometimes rent monthly at hotels (which include wifi, and cleaning and sometimes water and electricity). They include a fridge and sometimes a microwave too.

I've seen that Airbnb often charges fees for these on top of the posted rate. Just go to hotels and ask for monthly rates. Surprisingly much cheaper than Airbnb.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ruth *******
@Julane ******
 booking.com and I think agoda have the exact same problem as Airbnb. They both allow homeowners, not registered as hotels, to rent short-term rentals. The companies don’t take responsibility for the legal ramifications.

Regarding the signs, yes, they’re there. Have you ever heard of someone actually being booted? I stay in places with those signs all the time. I stay for longer, but there are many people staying for short-term. Nothing is done. The signs are an attempt at a deterrent.

Yes, some charge fees for electricity if usage goes beyond a certain amount due to the relatively high cost and the fact that otherwise guests might leave a/c running in an empty unit.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Julane *******
@Ruth ******
 Well I came from Singapore where it was enforced. Heavy fines. But this is Thailand!

I did see some condo units on Agoda/Booking which surprised me. Guess everyone is on the Gravy Train now.

I figured here that neighbors would report abuse to management...esp the people who rent to make big parties. I guess it's up to the condo to enforce...or turn a blind eye. But I cant imagine signing a rental contract and then discovering your neighbors are changing every few days.

When I decide to sign a lease, I think I'll check closely which condos have a lot of listings on AirBnb and avoid them!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Julane *******
Reply
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Julane ******
 thanks for the recommendation, I didn't think to go seek a better rate from the hotels. Although I would prefer an apartment for kitchen facilities, as apposed to a hotel room

Are you traveling around Thailand or living there now?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Julane *******
@Craig ******
 Living AND traveling together throughout Thailand.

After renting a condo for 2 months at the beginning (directly from condo's juristic office), it wasn't worth the hassle. Kitchen was so minimal that we often just did take away there. Then add in: cleaning charges, sometimes higher electricity rates, setting up internet, getting deposits back, etc.

Plus it's more fun to eat out. (Homemade meals are now more just salad). I love cooking, but the amazing food here doesnt make me miss cooking...yet.

Plus renting longer term meant leaving the place empty while we travel... which is 85% of the time. Didnt make sense. So we got a storage room instead for the things we shipped over.

But most people who move to Thailand dont tend to explore the country and countryside.

Smaller run hotels often have monthly rates.high and low season prices. Also coin washing machines are often inside premises...or nearby.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Julane *******
Reply
Eric *****
Try Agoda
a year ago
Like
Reply
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric ****
 I find Agoda is only good for hotels? Do you use Agoda much?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@Craig ******
 I ise it most of the times. They have a hotline for Thailand if there is any problem.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marc ********
Reply
Brandon ************
You can look into serviced apartments for short term as well
a year ago
Like
Reply
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 where would you find serviced apartments to book?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@Craig ******
 Agoda
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Craig ******
 Google
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Lynnette *******
Depends where you are and how much you want to spend.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
*****
k baht per month I was thinking... Bangkok and Pattaya is where I'm looking
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Craig ******
 I'm sure someone on here might be able to help.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best websites to find a condo in Bangkok within my budget?
8 comments
2 months ago
What are the best options for renting accommodation in Pattaya and how do I get from Bangkok airport to Pattaya?
8 comments
2 months ago
What is the best strategy for renting a studio apartment in Bangkok as an expat?
25 comments
4 months ago
What are some recommended websites for short-term accommodation in Bangkok?
5 comments
7 months ago
What are the challenges of renting a condo in Bangkok and how can I find a trustworthy agent?
62 comments
7 months ago
What are the best options for finding accommodations in Bangkok close to airport transport and hospitals for short stays?
5 comments
a year ago
Is it better to rent a condo or stay in a hotel for long-term living in Pattaya with kids?
35 comments
a year ago
What should a foreigner consider when renting out a condo in Bangkok, Thailand?
28 comments
a year ago
What are the best rental property agents, sites, or apps in Bangkok?
8 comments
a year ago
What are the different living situations expats have in Thailand?
10 comments
a year ago
What are the best websites or agencies for short-term condo rentals in Thailand?
14 comments
2 years ago
What are the best websites to find short-term apartment rentals in Bangkok near BTS/MRT and parks?
6 comments
2 years ago
What are the best ways to find month-to-month rentals in Bangkok?
7 comments
2 years ago
Is it easier to obtain a Non-O retirement visa while staying in a hotel or Airbnb in Thailand?
13 comments
2 years ago
Is it normal for an Airbnb host in Pattaya to ask for my passport for immigration purposes?
18 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for finding a modern high-floor condo in Bangkok with a short-term lease?
14 comments
2 years ago
How can expats find long-stay accommodation in Bangkok for one year?
23 comments
2 years ago
What are the best accommodation options in Bangkok for a short stay without a deposit, suitable for a family?
30 comments
3 years ago
Are there any apartments available for rent in Phuket for 4 to 7 weeks?
6 comments
3 years ago
Can an extended stay Airbnb confirmation be used to open a bank account in Thailand?
31 comments
3 years ago
What are the best accommodation options in Bangkok for the 90-day visa requirement?
18 comments
4 years ago
What are some recommended condos for short-term rental in Bangkok near BTS, fruit markets, and parks?
1 comments
5 years ago
What should I know about TM30 reporting when staying at an Airbnb in Thailand?
12 comments
6 years ago
Can I use an Airbnb booking without the exact address for my visa application in Thailand?
17 comments
7 years ago
Does an Airbnb stay affect my Tourist Visa application for Thailand?
33 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.