How to Choose the Perfect Airbnb

Why Choosing the Right Airbnb Matters

With thousands of listings available, finding the perfect Airbnb can feel overwhelming. Photos can be deceiving, reviews can be mixed, and not every property matches your travel style. Over the years, Kim and I have stayed at dozens of Airbnbs—some incredible, others not so much—and we’ve learned exactly what to look for before booking. In this post, I’ll share our step-by-step process for choosing the right place, plus examples from two recent stays that got it just right.

Our Step-by-Step Checklist for Choosing the Perfect Airbnb

Use this quick checklist to make sure your next stay ticks all the boxes:

• Define your priorities – location, budget, vibe, and must-have amenities.

• Read reviews carefully – look for consistent comments and recent feedback.

• Scan photos – check all rooms and outdoor spaces for authenticity and style.

• Double-check amenities – Wi-Fi, heating/cooling, kitchen setup, parking, etc.

• Trust your instincts when choosing a quality host – if something feels off, just move on.

✨ Tip: Keep this checklist handy when browsing Airbnbs. It helps you quickly filter out listings that won’t suit your needs and focus on those that truly match your ideal getaway.

Define Your Priorities Before Booking

The first step to finding the perfect Airbnb is knowing what you really want out of your stay. It sounds simple, but having clear priorities makes it much easier to filter out places that won’t suit you. Ask yourself:

• Location: Do you want to be close to attractions, public transport, or in a quiet countryside escape?

• Budget: Set a realistic nightly rate, but don’t forget to factor in cleaning fees and service charges.

• Style & vibe: Are you looking for a sleek apartment in the city, a cozy cabin in the forest, or something unique like an eco retreat?

• Amenities: Make a list of non-negotiables (Wi-Fi, heating/cooling, full kitchen, parking).

Kim and I usually start by writing down the “must-haves” versus the “nice-to-haves.” That way, we don’t get distracted by pretty photos of places that won’t actually meet our needs.

Read Reviews the Right Way

Reviews are one of the most powerful tools for choosing an Airbnb, but only if you know how to read between the lines. A five-star rating doesn’t always tell the whole story. Here’s what to look for:

• Consistency: Pay attention to repeated comments. If multiple guests mention “super clean” or “hard to find,” that’s a reliable indicator.

• Details over stars: Don’t just scan the rating—read the actual experiences. Look for mentions of comfort, host communication, or surprises (good or bad).

• Host responses: How a host replies to reviews can reveal a lot about their attitude and willingness to help. A polite, thoughtful reply speaks volumes.

• Recent reviews: Check the most recent feedback to ensure standards haven’t slipped.

When Kim and I travel, reviews are often the deciding factor. One of our recent stays had glowing comments about the host’s attention to detail, which turned out to be spot-on and made our experience seamless from check-in to check-out.

Scan Photos and Amenities Carefully

Photos and listed amenities often give the clearest picture of what your stay will actually be like. Don’t just scroll past the images—look closely for details that can make or break your experience.

• Authenticity: Are the photos recent and clear? Professional-looking photos are great, but make sure they reflect reality and aren’t overly staged.

• Complete coverage: Check that all areas you’ll use—bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living space, and outdoor areas—are shown. Missing photos can hide surprises.

• Amenities check: Make a checklist of must-haves like Wi-Fi, heating/cooling, full kitchen, parking, or workspace. Compare the listing to your priorities.

• Vibe & style: Photos convey the atmosphere—cozy, modern, rustic, eco-friendly. Make sure it matches the kind of getaway you’re imagining.

For example, on one of our recent stays, the photos highlighted the exact vibe Kim and I were looking for this time which included, walking distance to the beach /outdoor hammock and firepit. That, combined with great secure Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen, It ticked most of the boxes in our checklist.

Choosing Quality Hosts Makes All the Difference

Not all Airbnb hosts are the same. Some manage multiple listings remotely, almost robotically. This works for consistency but can lack a personal touch. Others host occasionally, just for extra cash, which sometimes means less attention to detail or unkempt facilities. Over the years, Kim and I have noticed that hosts who treat it as a full-time business or serious income source consistently deliver a higher-quality experience.

As Airbnb travelers and hosts ourselves, we understand what makes a stay truly memorable. At our place Andersons Eco Retreat, we focus on thoughtful touches, clear communication, where every detail is considered and thought through. Our goal is simple: to provide the kind of stay we, as travelers, would be thrilled to book.

Our recent stay in Cudmirrah, short drive from Jervis bay NSW

Below photo taken at the Berrara Creek Waterholes, very unassuming walks highly recommend.

Warada Beach House - Hosted by Sam - Highly Recommend

Freshly renovated, light and breezy beach house, fabulous outdoor space with hammock and outdoor fire pit. Warada is super comfortable, and a great place to centrally locate yourself to local attractions and activities.

The house contains 3 bedrooms - sleeping up to four adults in 2 queen beds, 2 children in bunks. It has been tastefully furnished and has a large open plan living/dining area and 2 bathrooms.

It is nestled amongst the trees and situated between the beach, lake, and national park. Paradise for nature lovers and people yearning for a slower pace. We spent a couple of days here and honestly could have stayed longer if time permitted. We will definately visit again.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Airbnb isn’t just about finding a place to sleep—it’s about the experience. The details matter, and the host behind the listing is super important. By knowing what to look for, reading reviews carefully, and prioritizing what matters most to you, your next getaway can be seamless and memorable. 

If you’re ever in Victoria feel free to come see us at Andersons Eco Retreat—an off-grid escape designed with guests in mind, where comfort, privacy, and nature come together for the perfect weekend getaway.

Scenes from Our Stay at Warada

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