• Tordtorden@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The last few times I’ve used AirBNB it’s been a pretty much like borrowing someones home.

    For one we were travelling in Portugal and stayed in this old portugese lady’s home in a small village along the coast. Really sweet lady, but a bit of a language barrier as she struggled with both english and spanish.

    Next weekend me and some friends are renting a whole 4 bedroom summer house in southern Norway to use as a base for a weekend of diving.

    But in general I’ve grown tired of the concept, and the scarcity it brings to the housing market in some cities is predatory.

    • Waker@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      I’m Portuguese, Airbnb “crappy clean before you leave” and 600$ fees haven’t caught up yet luckily. Last time I used a Airbnb was in 2016, rented a room on S. Miguel (main Azorean Island) for a fair price.

      Since then I mostly just book hotels wherever I go, be it Europe or abroad. In Europe, because it’s just easier, often times cheaper, more flexible check-in/check-out and doesn’t have the language barrier like you said. And abroad because I just don’t feel as comfortable and it’s expensive

      • Tordtorden@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        It was honestly quite nice. We could communicate decently enough, and I believe it was her kids who handled the booking. Was down by Vila Nova de Milfontes, super nice and calm place, would definitely want to go back one day.

        • Waker@lemmy.ml
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          1 year ago

          Oh yeah, English is very widely spoken in Portugal, mainly the younger generation but a good part of 40s to 50 year old people do have a good enough grasp of it. Older than that usually French is the main 2nd language and English is very basic to none.

          You’re welcome back anytime! Portugal is a great place to retire, not to work though :p