We rent our Key West house.

I oppose the entire concept. It's an illegal practice in NYC. It commercializes one's rental apartment or owner-occuppied co-op and condo. In NYC, the tax consequence would be major and folks do not realize that. Private hopes are assessed at 6% of market value; to the extend I rented out my home or part of it as a hotel, the assessment for that use would be 45% of market value. Co-ops and Condos are not treated fairly but still get fairer treatment than commercial properties and sometimes their market values are based on the rental properties around them. It is not just the vetting. If I move into an apartment building or a residential array of private houses, I expect a certain security and quality of life not associated with hotel life.

While Air BNB might be something that owners of single family residences may find appealing, having been in the hotel business for many years (long ago), I can assure you that all the "vetting" ABNB may claim they do will not filter out all of the kooks. As far as a multi-family residence, such as a condominium, co-op or apartment building, I am totally and unalterably opposed to ABNB. I do not wish to live in a hotel, with transient guests coming & going. If I wished to live in a hotel, I would move to a hotel.

My neighbor is doing it in her home, and has had some wonderful experiences renting out her adult kids rooms. I personally am completely freaked out at the idea of complete strangers sleeping in the room next to mine and sharing my bathroom. But who am I to judge? She is claiming the income, and it works for her. My concerns are that she is a single women that may be putting herself at risk.

As for staying at one, not a chance. I think the $185 a night spent in a real hotel is worth it for nice clean sheets, and a big lock on the door...

Beth & I have used it for a weekend wedding in Chicago. We were in a very nice apartment and the experience was lovely ! All the best, Mark Krieger

I wouldn't stay in any, except for with my friend Tori Carpenter in California on the Oakland/Berkeley border. Her house is clean, art-filled, interesting, good location, nice garden, and she is a great cook.but --- she has cats!
Check out the photos https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/916790

I often have clients ask about these rooms, since they are so much less expensive than the cost of a traditional hotel room. But I won't assume any risk by booking; I tell clients they are on their own if they want to book themselves. I agree - there is no regulation and ANYONE can book the room, so you have no idea who will be sharing/renting your space. I don't think it's a risk worth taking. On the other hand, One Fine Stay operates the same concept, but with luxury properties, very well regulated, and those we recommend.

I think it's creepy on both ends.

Hi Beth,
I used it in South Africa and it worked out fantastically. The owners were in an apartment downstairs and we were in an apt upstairs. I checked it out thoroughly. Would recommend the experience if done correctly. I know numerous folks who have fine it successfully as well. All the best, Sheryl-Anne

Remember that there is a reason that hotels put locks on their room doors!

I stayed in a studio apartment in NYC through AirBNB in for a few days recently. I had the entire apartment to myself and it was a great experience! It was spotless and in a great neighborhood. I wouldn't stay in one where the owners were also using it but it was fun to have my own space. I recommend it!