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My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa & Helpful Tips!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

I finally rented an apartment using Airbnb!

It was my first Airbnb experience. I’ve had an account with Airbnb for several years, yet I never booked a stay using this service. After I stayed at an apartment in Ottawa with Airbnb, my only regret is that I didn’t use the booking site sooner.

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I enjoy staying at apartments when I travel. You really feel like you’re at home. After all, you’re living in someone’s home. You can choose the neighborhood and stay close to popular attractions, or live like a local. Many Airbnb rentals have kitchens so you can prepare your own meals (which can save you money). Speaking of saving money, Airbnb rental units are typically cheaper than staying at a hotel and many times come with similar or upgraded amenities.

Have I convinced you yet? Let me tell you all about my first Airbnb experience when I traveled to Ottawa.

MY BOOKING EXPERIENCE

First off, the booking experience was really easy. I signed into my account and earned a discount as it was my first time staying at an Airbnb. When choosing an Airbnb rental in Ottawa, I wanted to be within walking distance of most attractions. I was traveling there by train and didn’t have a car. Airbnb makes choosing a rental very easy by displaying every option on a map. I wanted to book an entire home, although you can rent a room or a shared space if you wish.

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

I decided to book the Modern Furnished Luxury Suite pictured above. It met all of the criteria that I was looking for: within walking distance of many attractions, near restaurants and cafes, and I had the whole place to myself. It was an apartment inside a condo building. The condo had a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a great view of the city, and a comfortable bed. While the apartment was a little on the small side, it was absolutely perfect as I was traveling by myself. I didn’t need too much space, and I wasn’t spending much time there. I needed a place to sleep at night and relax a little in between my outings.

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

I was pleased that this Airbnb listing had an excellent rating and many positive reviews. It had an “Instant Booking” option. Once I clicked to book the unit, it was reserved. I didn’t have to be approved in advance by the owner before booking. Furthermore, it was easy to get in contact with the owner. My host was able to answer any questions that I had, and I was easily able to get in touch should I have a question during my stay.

After I placed my booking, I received instructions on how to check in and out of the apartment, as well as the address. In this case, I never actually met the owner. There was a lock box where I was able to pick up and drop off the key. All in all, it was a simple process and I have no complaints.

THE APARTMENT

For $115 per night, less a first time booking discount, I stayed at this modern and convenient apartment right in the middle of town. The condo building was brand new, as was the condo itself. It was clean and comfortable, and I enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep here. I had an amazing first Airbnb experience.

Let me give you a photo tour!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

HOW TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT

Airbnb offers a discount for new customers, provided that you use a link when you sign up. I’ve got a sign-up link for you that will get you a discount! The discount changes from time to time – sometimes it’s $20 off your stay, sometimes it’s $30 or $40 off your stay.

Right now, the Airbnb discount is $50 off your first stay (in Canadian dollars)! It will automatically convert to your local currency.  Click here to sign up at Airbnb to get your discount!

Here’s a great tip. You can get the discount every single time you sign up. So, you can sign up using new email addresses each time and receive the discount each time.

If you have a Gmail account, you can place a period anywhere in your email address, and it’s the same exact email address. For instance, my email is justinpluslauren@gmail.com, justin.plus.lauren@gmail.com, or justinplus.lauren@gmail.com… and they all go to the same email account. However, Airbnb thinks it’s a new email address if you sign up with each one.

Once you sign up, you can refer your friends and family by sharing your own discount code. Every time someone books using your link, you receive credit in your account for your future travels.

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!THE VERDICT

Have I convinced you? My first Airbnb experience was a huge success. Airbnb is an amazing booking website and it’s really changed the way that we travel. By renting an apartment or a home, we can choose a place that exactly fits our own criteria and meets individual needs. The booking process is really easy and I had a wonderful stay. I’m sure I’ll book an Airbnb again in the near future.

 

My First Airbnb Experience in Ottawa, Plus a Guide!

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Tell me all about your experiences with Airbnb! And if you haven’t tried it yet, will you?

 

Kathleen Calado

Wednesday 5th of July 2017

Great photos! How was the apartment itself? I have tried Airbnb application in my country and sadly it wasn't successful such as yours. Though, at least you guys got a great apartment (which I thought was a condo). Keep sharing!

Melissa

Thursday 27th of April 2017

Hi, i need your help. If there's anyone who have ever used Airbnb, I would love to get your help to fill in my questionnaire for my undergraduate thesis. and maybe you can help me to share this post because i need to get as much answers as possible. I would really appreciate your help. Thank you so much and have a nice day! :) :) :) Here's the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7X6PyyBHVI39F1DNQu_5c8z0XkA7SPOUvqJAhe9sHL-PKpQ/viewform?c=0&w=1

Reshma Narasing

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

Loved this place that you scored on your first experience with Airbnb. I check the site every time during my travels but have never actually tried it so far. Yes, I'm aware of the discounts that they offer! I'm gonna try this next time

Megan Jerrard

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

So glad to hear your first Airbnb experience was a success - that's incredible value for a full modern apartment, beautiful interior close to everything for $115 a night! Awesome tip on getting the sign up bonus from multiple email accounts - thanks for that hack!

Anita Hendrieka

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

I love AirBnb! I feel like you get a more local experience and it's great to have a whole apartment to yourself!