Friends of Comic Cons

Comic-Con International => SDCC Housing, Parking, and Transportation => Topic started by: mark on July 31, 2016, 11:08:01 AM

Title: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on July 31, 2016, 11:08:01 AM
We used airbnb for the first time ever at SDCC. I was pretty nervous about it going in so I wanted to share our experience and thoughts. I realize of course that an airbnb experience won't generalize like a hotel stay would, but I'm going to write about it anyway. Hopefully others will share their experience as well.

Would I do airbnb again? Maybe. I would prefer to have a downtown hotel close to the convention center, but if I had to stay farther away I would definitely look at the airbnb listings. I would certainly stay at the same place again but I would also be more careful and ask more questions. For example, the place was listed as not having a parking spot but it actually did have one. This would have completely changed our travel plans and since I was hoping to bring my car I should have asked if parking was a possibility. Likewise, it would have been smart to ask about access to the apartment. With hotels you can get as many keys as you need but here, while we had 2 keys to the door, we only had one fob to get into the building. Made it tricky when we wanted to split up and do different things.

Mention up front that you are coming for SDCC, I had several people reject me since they hadn't yet decided if they would rent those days or hadn't yet "adjusted" their pricing. I would also check the comments history to see if they have rented during SDCC in the past and if they have a history of cancelling reservations. You will probably not be able to cancel the rental without a large penalty, which can be a minus if the hotel lottery gods (Zeus, Tyche, both?) favor you late in the process. We booked the airbnb right after we landed at the Town & Country in the lottery. Later on we had the opportunity to nab a gaslamp hotel but we had already committed. And of course book a backup hotel that you can cancel, just in case.

The main benefits are easy to list: Full kitchen, lots of space, washer/dryer, 2 bathrooms, quieter than most hotels. The location was great. Was just a block away from the hotel we stayed at last year so we were already familiar with the area. Easy walk to trolley and shuttle, close enough to go back and forth during the day, but far enough for it to be quiet at night and for the increased prices not to be too wacky. Price was comparable to hotels in the official sale.

We were able to use the kitchen and save money that way, but it did require more discipline from me than I expected. We arrived in San Diego on Monday, so I had time to shop, bbq and prep food for the week. I still found that I had to force myself to get things ready each evening for the next day. Also took more time to pack up when it was time to go. When everyone is in a hotel room you kind of have to be organized, with so much space I found I was pretty lax.

Compared to a hotel, things were mixed. There were nice features, better wifi, plenty of outlets, a lot more closet space. But it also lacked some of the basic things that you would take for granted, like trash cans. There was just one trash can in the whole place. No extra sheets or blankets but we must have had 20+ towels.

The only real issue we had was that we think the people who stayed there last left some messes that the cleaning staff didn't catch. Some dishes had been put in the cupboards dirty, a bath mat had a weird stain on it, things like that. (And I had to fix one of the toilets.) I didn't want to get blamed for these things so we took care of as much as possible, though we never did get the stain out, and made a detailed list for the owner. The owner was cool about it all and gave us a small but appreciated discount at the end of the stay.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC?
Post by: Zero on August 01, 2016, 11:28:29 PM
Forum Housekeeping:
Renamed from "Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC?" to "Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)."

Hopefully that will help clarify the topic and get more people to provide some good advice for renting a condo for Comic-Con.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on August 02, 2016, 05:41:33 AM
If you're thinking of renting a condo, start asking around now. Especially if you're using VRBO or HomeAway. Many will start lists or if they aren't available then you'll know and you can move on. Most of the time in their listings (VRBO anyway), they'll have an area with their rates and in most cases they're aware of SDCC and you'll see the increased rates.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: justboogie on August 02, 2016, 09:38:59 AM
I remember when I tried going the Airbnb route for a downtown condo...prices were insane! Hosts required that renters stay the entire week for as much as $6000. I thought that inquiring early would help, but I would get messages back like "Comic con is way too far in advance, please message me 6 months before the event."
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on August 02, 2016, 12:15:26 PM
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I remember when I tried going the Airbnb route for a downtown condo...prices were insane! Hosts required that renters stay the entire week for as much as $6000. I thought that inquiring early would help, but I would get messages back like "Comic con is way too far in advance, please message me 6 months before the event."

Yeah. It's a bit insane. And since every condo has a different owner, you never know how soon someone plans on renting out. I was talking to a guy who got $1,000 a night this year for a Gaslamp 1 BR condo, and was planning on asking for $1,500 a night for 2017.

I did find someone who was ready to rent out now, but then I just booked a hotel that was open instead.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: alyssa on August 02, 2016, 01:30:35 PM
i was in a 3 bed studio in the gaslamp for abt $3600 for the week- it broke down to under a grand per person for 8 nights

studio is the wrong term- more like an open floor plan one bedroom
i was happy
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: Madmax on August 02, 2016, 01:54:40 PM
YouThinkMeMad,

that's insane!!! $1,500 a NIGHT when most SDCC attendee barely even uses the room.  eck!!!  You mind as well just book the MMM or hilton Byfront outside of Onpeak and just pay the 800-900+/night and get the closest hotels to the convention center.  Man, talk about people gouging.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: indiglow on August 02, 2016, 02:01:31 PM
That's seriously ridiculous. Agreed that you might as well get a downtown hotel at that rate. I feel I'm in the minority as both years have been great Airbnb experiences. We paid $835 for 4 nights for a 2bed 2.5bath condo in mission valley so each person was about $90 total.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on August 02, 2016, 05:10:07 PM
I pretty much told the guy for that price I could book the Hilton direct and for "just" $799. The thing is, he'll find someone to rent it. He said this past year ($1K a night) was booked within 24 hours of putting the listing up.

You can find some with weekly flat rates that aren't horrible but when it's just two of you, even that can be too much.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Tips and Tricks)
Post by: hikanteki on August 03, 2016, 05:32:15 PM
From looking around, the Airbnb listings right in downtown were at least as much as downtown hotel prices. However, when you get further out (i.e. Mission Valley), Airbnb prices drop dramatically and can be significantly cheaper than Mission Valley hotel rooms. I saw plenty of listings 5+ miles out of downtown for under $100/night.
Title: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: battlestar81 on January 14, 2017, 08:16:13 AM
Hey Everyone, so I decided to try Airbnb this year instead of a hotel. Our group that flies from CT to comic con has grown to around 7 people now and the hotel juggle game is getting rough since we need 2 rooms and still we are on top of each other when we stay. Just found a place about a mile away and booked after have a good few days convo with the owner of the place and he seems pretty nice. I am actually getting married 2 weeks after comic con this year so our trip I am hoping for a nice relaxing time to allow my fiancee to unplug from wedding craziness in a condo with actually room to breath! I will let everyone know how the experience goes if anyone is curious about dipping their toes in the airbnb world. Thanks!
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: TardisMom on January 14, 2017, 08:22:35 AM
Sounds great!  I've used VRBO in SD a few times, but for beach rentals (not downtown).  I've always been pleased.  Fingers crossed you have a wonderful stay!
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 14, 2017, 09:53:25 AM
I would make sure the owner knows you are coming for Comic Con. There have been a few horror stories about owner canceling last minute, when it's too late for people to fid other arrangements.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: battlestar81 on January 14, 2017, 09:59:03 AM
Thanks for heads up. I talked to a few owners and made sure to let them know it was for comic con which is why they jacked up their prices as they did not realize it was that week. The one I got I was able to negotiate him down to a more reasonable rates for the event week. So he is well aware!  Hopefully he doesn't cancel last minute that would be a nightmare.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: mark on January 14, 2017, 10:18:47 AM
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Hey Everyone, so I decided to try Airbnb this year instead of a hotel. Our group that flies from CT to comic con has grown to around 7 people now and the hotel juggle game is getting rough since we need 2 rooms and still we are on top of each other when we stay. Just found a place about a mile away and booked after have a good few days convo with the owner of the place and he seems pretty nice. I am actually getting married 2 weeks after comic con this year so our trip I am hoping for a nice relaxing time to allow my fiancee to unplug from wedding craziness in a condo with actually room to breath! I will let everyone know how the experience goes if anyone is curious about dipping their toes in the airbnb world. Thanks!

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding! We did airbnb for the first time for SDCC last year and it worked great. There's a pinned thread here, maybe you can add your experiences too?

http://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=7197.0 (http://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=7197.0)

One of the nicest assets is one you mentioned, space for people to relax. Having a washer/dryer too. To build on what others already mentioned, make certain your host knows it is for SDCC beforehand. Our host was fine with that, but hadn't thought of it initially and wanted some additional reassurance that we wouldn't be having parties and get her into trouble.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 14, 2017, 01:16:26 PM
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Thanks for heads up. I talked to a few owners and made sure to let them know it was for comic con which is why they jacked up their prices as they did not realize it was that week. The one I got I was able to negotiate him down to a more reasonable rates for the event week. So he is well aware!  Hopefully he doesn't cancel last minute that would be a nightmare.

Sounds like you did it right! Yeah the problem if they don't realize it's SDCC is that when they figure it out, they may cancel on you and try to rent it out for more $$$, or try to negotiate with you for more $$$. If they know up front, then they're much less likely to do either of those things.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: perilla on January 16, 2017, 09:28:54 PM
Congratulations! The advice that everyone has given is completely accurate; I was one of those unfortunate souls who booked an AirBnB last year and while the owner had already increased their prices for comic con (and I made them aware that that was my reason for staying) they cancelled on me and asked me again for more money.

Because of that I would be very careful of booking a place so early, even if the person has already increased their price! I would also suggest checking in with the owner every so often, as they may plan on being out of town closer to when the date arrives. That was another unfortunate mishap that happened to me with another listing I tried to book which left me searching for a place two weeks before the con.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: stl_ben on January 17, 2017, 11:59:04 AM
I stayed at an air BnB 2 years ago, worked great for a family of 6.  Last year was a smaller group so we went back to staying at a hotel.
Love the closeness of hotels....but if you have a big group it's hard to say no to some of the Air BnB deals.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: battlestar81 on January 18, 2017, 10:30:32 AM
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Congratulations! The advice that everyone has given is completely accurate; I was one of those unfortunate souls who booked an AirBnB last year and while the owner had already increased their prices for comic con (and I made them aware that that was my reason for staying) they cancelled on me and asked me again for more money.

Because of that I would be very careful of booking a place so early, even if the person has already increased their price! I would also suggest checking in with the owner every so often, as they may plan on being out of town closer to when the date arrives. That was another unfortunate mishap that happened to me with another listing I tried to book which left me searching for a place two weeks before the con.


I hope the host doesn't cancel and try and re-negotiate since he already knows we are there for the Con as it would leave the 6 of us homeless! Goal here is to give my fiancee LESS stress lol. Plus one of the ways I talked her into going to the con so close to the wedding haha.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: lolaswill on February 24, 2017, 01:00:30 AM
I've stayed at an AirBnB twice. But you guys are right, many, many owners I contacted retracted their reservation to jack up the price when I mentioned I was going for ComicCon. I promptly reported them. That being said, I really didn't like my experiences with AirBnB. The owners charge a cleaning fee, but clearly no professional cleaners were there and we had to launder our the sheets before we left. Another time was an amazing downtown loft, and we broke a household decoration that was sitting on a window sill. I understand it was our fault, but the owner wanted $100 for a chachki and to pay her via paypal and not through airbnb. Shady
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)
Post by: mark on March 01, 2017, 01:14:50 PM
Where we stayed last year, it worked out pretty well as we were close to both a shuttle route stop and also the light rail.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)
Post by: mrha7 on March 07, 2017, 02:02:39 PM
If anyone is thinking about rentals, they should start looking now. Which in reality is really late. Most condos are booked by now. I used airbnb two years ago and it was way more expensive then any hotel downtown.  In fact we only rented one so we wouldn't have to go through hotel apocalypse. It was nice but waaayyyy too expensive.
Title: Re: Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel
Post by: mrha7 on March 07, 2017, 02:13:22 PM
Agree with all of the above. Once the owners know you are there for sdcc they jack up the prices big time. Totally not cool but they know we'll pay those prices for a guarantee place to stay.
Title: Re: Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)
Post by: Zero on March 10, 2017, 01:42:06 PM
Forum Housekeeping:
Since these two threads are basically on the same topic, with discussion with a few fellow moderators, we've agreed that it would be less confusing to merge them together.  (Because the posts in each thread are far enough apart, this merge will not disrupt the natural flow of conversation.  ^__~)

Hopefully this will help people find what they're looking for and get the advice they need.

------

Merged the "Trying AirBNB this year instead of a hotel" and "Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)" threads together.

Renamed "Thinking of renting a condo for SDCC? (Post your advice here!)" to "Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)" to clarify the subject heading.
Title: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: perc2100 on March 13, 2017, 06:23:54 PM
A co-worker of my wife lives in downtown, a short walking distance from the Convention center.  They are looking to rent out either a room, or their entire condo for Comic-Con.  They've never done this before, and unfortunately refuse to let me use the condo for free, even for a few days  :P

A few questions:

* what's the going rate for a room-for-rent downtown?
* what's the going rate for a condo-for-rent downtown?
* how long is the ideal rental time-span: Wed - Sun? Tuesday-Monday?  A few Monday-Monday week?

While I have unfortunately not known anyone willing to let me use their condo downtown for free, I am fortunate enough to live in San Diego and have never participated or looked into getting a place for Comic-Con.  I'm just wondering on thoughts from out-of-towners on this.

Thanks
Title: Re: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: Zero on March 13, 2017, 06:49:34 PM
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A co-worker of my wife lives in downtown, a short walking distance from the Convention center.  They are looking to rent out either a room, or their entire condo for Comic-Con.  They've never done this before, and unfortunately refuse to let me use the condo for free, even for a few days  :P

A few questions:

* what's the going rate for a room-for-rent downtown?
* what's the going rate for a condo-for-rent downtown?
* how long is the ideal rental time-span: Wed - Sun? Tuesday-Monday?  A few Monday-Monday week?

While I have unfortunately not known anyone willing to let me use their condo downtown for free, I am fortunate enough to live in San Diego and have never participated or looked into getting a place for Comic-Con.  I'm just wondering on thoughts from out-of-towners on this.

Thanks

Forum Housekeeping:

Merged this new thread with our already established thread on "Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)."  Hopefully this will help get some more answers and replies to the questions asked.

^__^d
Title: Re: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: perc2100 on March 13, 2017, 07:00:21 PM
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Forum Housekeeping:

Merged this new thread with our already established thread on "Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)."  Hopefully this will help get some more answers and replies to the questions asked.

^__^d
Thanks; I saw this thread not long after I posted and was trying to find my post to delete/move.  I swear I'm not regularly this hard to clean up after  :P
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Zero on March 13, 2017, 07:05:08 PM
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Thanks; I saw this thread not long after I posted and was trying to find my post to delete/move.  I swear I'm not regularly this hard to clean up after  :P

Regular forum members can't merge or move threads on their own.  (Only designated moderators for that forum, global moderators, or administrators can.)

Sure... Ha ha.  ;p
Title: Re: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: mark on March 13, 2017, 07:34:30 PM
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A co-worker of my wife lives in downtown, a short walking distance from the Convention center.  They are looking to rent out either a room, or their entire condo for Comic-Con.  They've never done this before, and unfortunately refuse to let me use the condo for free, even for a few days  :P

A few questions:

* what's the going rate for a room-for-rent downtown?
* what's the going rate for a condo-for-rent downtown?
* how long is the ideal rental time-span: Wed - Sun? Tuesday-Monday?  A few Monday-Monday week?

While I have unfortunately not known anyone willing to let me use their condo downtown for free, I am fortunate enough to live in San Diego and have never participated or looked into getting a place for Comic-Con.  I'm just wondering on thoughts from out-of-towners on this.

Thanks

On your first note, I hear you. Our former neighbors are an elderly couple who now live in an apartment a few blocks from SDCC, want nothing to do with SDCC and complain about it every year, have a son and grandkids in Australia that they could visit, have had us housesit before when we were neighbors, BUT STILL HAVEN'T REALIZED THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION TO THE WHOLE THING.

Sorry, I feel better now.

On the actual question, prices will be all over the map and their best source of research would be airbnb and vrbo I think. But expect it to take a while to sift through it all. It sounds like the location is great but the price will depend a lot on capacity and amenities, (parking, AC, etc.) Also keep in mind that people in the gaslamp will typically raise prices during SDCC, plus people that have more reasonable rates may already have booked. You should still be able to get a good read by looking at dates outside of SDCC and comparing the differences.

A more devilish approach might be to call up some of those management companies you come across, say you are trying to decide if it would be a good financial idea to start renting the place and see if they can give a rough estimate to help with the decision >:D

Time range is trickier, we have always done at least a week with airbnb but part of the reason is that the places we have stayed have offered a discount for a week's stay.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: stl_ben on March 14, 2017, 06:51:02 AM
Have now booked 3 different Air BnBs for SDCC this year...all have been cancelled a few weeks after booking for various reasons....blah.
Title: Re: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: perc2100 on March 16, 2017, 09:44:42 AM
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On your first note, I hear you. Our former neighbors are an elderly couple who now live in an apartment a few blocks from SDCC, want nothing to do with SDCC and complain about it every year, have a son and grandkids in Australia that they could visit, have had us housesit before when we were neighbors, BUT STILL HAVEN'T REALIZED THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION TO THE WHOLE THING.

Sorry, I feel better now.

On the actual question, prices will be all over the map and their best source of research would be airbnb and vrbo I think. But expect it to take a while to sift through it all. It sounds like the location is great but the price will depend a lot on capacity and amenities, (parking, AC, etc.) Also keep in mind that people in the gaslamp will typically raise prices during SDCC, plus people that have more reasonable rates may already have booked. You should still be able to get a good read by looking at dates outside of SDCC and comparing the differences.

A more devilish approach might be to call up some of those management companies you come across, say you are trying to decide if it would be a good financial idea to start renting the place and see if they can give a rough estimate to help with the decision >:D

Time range is trickier, we have always done at least a week with airbnb but part of the reason is that the places we have stayed have offered a discount for a week's stay.

Thanks for the input!  I'm trying to not only help our friend, but also try to give her fair prices for attendees.  I'd hate to be complicit in any way of price gouging! 
Title: Re: Question regarding downtown room for rent
Post by: epicaz on March 16, 2017, 02:39:42 PM
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Thanks for the input!  I'm trying to not only help our friend, but also try to give her fair prices for attendees.  I'd hate to be complicit in any way of price gouging!

I'd definitely like to note that if you check vrbo or other r rental sites as a price example, most if not all "reasonable rates" during SDCC reflect their usual asking price, but does not account for the inflated comic con price. Every time we've went for a rental, we've found that these are the listings that either weren't taken down (but are accounted for), or they just haven't changed the price for that week but it is in fact, very inflated :/ We've even stayed 12 blocks away before and the price is still well over any hotel rate
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: fborrego79 on April 22, 2017, 06:16:57 AM
I've heard a few horror stories for people who booked though services like AirBnB. Be sure to read the fine print and specifically what the companies policy is if the location cancels on you. You dont want to be shut out at the last minute because the owners friends/family decided to go to SDCC!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on April 22, 2017, 08:39:54 AM
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I've heard a few horror stories for people who booked though services like AirBnB. Be sure to read the fine print and specifically what the companies policy is if the location cancels on you. You dont want to be shut out at the last minute because the owners friends/family decided to go to SDCC!

I would definitely look at their history, not sure about VRBO but in airbnb you can tell how often the owner canceled on somebody. I would also look to see if anyone stayed there during previous SDCC dates.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: kihou on April 26, 2017, 03:01:44 PM
I tried to book a place with instant booking last month, and the host messaged me back saying he had it priced too low and that if I didn't like the new price, I should cancel.  After bringing it up with Airbnb, they sided with him and canceled my booking and now his place is up again for $1000+ more.  They offered me a $200 re-booking credit but now that it's after the badge sale, all the nearby places are way more expensive. 

It might be worth trying for it if you don't secure a good hotel, but I wouldn't risk it again.  I took my refund and ran.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: hikanteki on April 26, 2017, 03:15:57 PM
My Airbnb canceled on me yesterday. :(

Fortunately, this was right before the hotel lottery so I just decided to try my luck in that. If we don't get one of the Downtown hotels in the low 200s, I'll probably look for another Airbnb.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on April 26, 2017, 06:52:14 PM
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My Airbnb canceled on me yesterday. :(

Fortunately, this was right before the hotel lottery so I just decided to try my luck in that. If we don't get one of the Downtown hotels in the low 200s, I'll probably look for another Airbnb.

Dang, close call!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: chaosdreamer on April 26, 2017, 07:37:04 PM
Anyone using VRBO should also remember that they starting charging a "4%-9% booking fee" last year on top of what the owner actually charges for the rental.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Deathbyjackal on May 01, 2017, 09:40:05 PM
Hey gang,

It looks like we have secured ourselves a hotel room in the sale and will NOT be using our backup, a condo off of AirBnB. I've paid for it, but it's fully refundable. I can cancel anytime, but if there's someone that's particularly interested, I can cancel at a convenient time so that someone else can swoop in and grab it!

Of course, it's an AirBnB, so there's always a chance that the host will cancel, or something won't work out, but it's worth a shot!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17435725

PM if interested.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: alyssa on May 02, 2017, 05:37:29 AM
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Hey gang,

It looks like we have secured ourselves a hotel room in the sale and will NOT be using our backup, a condo off of AirBnB. I've paid for it, but it's fully refundable. I can cancel anytime, but if there's someone that's particularly interested, I can cancel at a convenient time so that someone else can swoop in and grab it!

Of course, it's an AirBnB, so there's always a chance that the host will cancel, or something won't work out, but it's worth a shot!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17435725

PM if interested.
how much was it?
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Deathbyjackal on May 02, 2017, 07:42:01 AM
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how much was it?

My apologies, should have listed.

Tuesday-Sunday
$1734

Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Deathbyjackal on May 02, 2017, 10:44:46 AM
[member=1]alyssa[/member] , is this the best thread to post about the available AirBnB? I can always post on some other thread, if it felt relevant, say the Hotel Exchange chat, etc.

If not, I'll keep it right here!

Thanks!

Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: alyssa on May 02, 2017, 10:50:06 AM
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[member=1]alyssa[/member] , is this the best thread to post about the available AirBnB? I can always post on some other thread, if it felt relevant, say the Hotel Exchange chat, etc.

If not, I'll keep it right here!

Thanks!


keep it right here
i think once hotels get sorted next week you'll know one way or the other if someone wants it- everyone is absorbed in the hotel sale right now.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Mel on May 02, 2017, 12:09:55 PM
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Hey gang,

It looks like we have secured ourselves a hotel room in the sale and will NOT be using our backup, a condo off of AirBnB. I've paid for it, but it's fully refundable. I can cancel anytime, but if there's someone that's particularly interested, I can cancel at a convenient time so that someone else can swoop in and grab it!

Of course, it's an AirBnB, so there's always a chance that the host will cancel, or something won't work out, but it's worth a shot!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17435725

PM if interested.

Wow, that place looks amazing. I'm bookmarking it for friends who visit SD!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Deathbyjackal on May 02, 2017, 12:41:10 PM
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Wow, that place looks amazing. I'm bookmarking it for friends who visit SD!

I know right! It looks like a fantastic spot. I hate to give it up, but I'd be happier if I knew a forum member in need had a place to stay. Full disclosure, I'm not certain if the owner knows it's Comic-con week.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: EscoBlades on May 08, 2017, 07:27:36 AM
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Hey gang,

It looks like we have secured ourselves a hotel room in the sale and will NOT be using our backup, a condo off of AirBnB. I've paid for it, but it's fully refundable. I can cancel anytime, but if there's someone that's particularly interested, I can cancel at a convenient time so that someone else can swoop in and grab it!

Of course, it's an AirBnB, so there's always a chance that the host will cancel, or something won't work out, but it's worth a shot!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17435725

PM if interested.

Wow, that place looks amazing!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Deathbyjackal on May 09, 2017, 01:40:08 PM
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Hey gang,

It looks like we have secured ourselves a hotel room in the sale and will NOT be using our backup, a condo off of AirBnB. I've paid for it, but it's fully refundable. I can cancel anytime, but if there's someone that's particularly interested, I can cancel at a convenient time so that someone else can swoop in and grab it!

Of course, it's an AirBnB, so there's always a chance that the host will cancel, or something won't work out, but it's worth a shot!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17435725

PM if interested.

A user has been found for this AirBnB!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: s3rndpt on May 16, 2017, 06:20:31 AM
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A user has been found for this AirBnB!


Edited: It was snapped up pretty quickly! No longer available!

And now the fantastic AirBnB condo is up for grabs again! Deathbyjackal graciously helped me book it, and then I was able to get a hotel I wanted through the waitlist. $300 a night, fully refundable until July 15. I've currently got it booked for the 18-24th, but as long as it's a 4-night stay, you can book it for whatever days you need that week.


Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Loliiz on July 11, 2017, 03:17:13 PM
My airBnb Host cancelled today... It was because of an accident but is ONE WEEK BEFORE THE CON!
I'm all over the sharing room thread looking for something
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: ninjagoblin on October 03, 2017, 03:27:13 PM
I just got super lucky. Ive been doing some digging through VRBO fora few days and found a really nice place to rent for 2018 SDCC. And considering I'm planning (going to do my best) to bring my niece and nephews out from GA for their first ever SDCC. I ended up working with a woman named Gail Feldman who was extremely helpful. if you are looking for a rental and you see her name id say go for it. If the place you are looking at is booked she is pretty good about suggesting other properties she manages that may suit your needs.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Kmd2103 on January 09, 2018, 07:05:32 AM
My group of 6 is thinking of changing it up this year and doing a VRBO rental on the beach. I'm hesitant because of the horror stories I've read, and I worry about the transport for the individual members to/from the convention. Any advice is appreciated!!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on January 09, 2018, 07:46:30 AM
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My group of 6 is thinking of changing it up this year and doing a VRBO rental on the beach. I'm hesitant because of the horror stories I've read, and I worry about the transport for the individual members to/from the convention. Any advice is appreciated!!

Is there a particular area you were looking at?
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 09, 2018, 08:16:16 AM
If you're on Coronado, I think there are water taxis that can drop you off behind the convention center?
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Kmd2103 on January 09, 2018, 09:32:22 AM
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Is there a particular area you were looking at?

We were originally thinking of the Mission Beach area, kind of combining two vacations into one.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Kmd2103 on January 09, 2018, 09:32:55 AM
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If you're on Coronado, I think there are water taxis that can drop you off behind the convention center?
Oh, that is interesting, I'll look into that, thanks!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: TardisMom on January 09, 2018, 09:52:56 AM
Our first SDCC we were staying on the beach in Pacific Beach (just north of Mission Beach).  We attended on Thursday and Sunday.  We took the city bus and transferred to the trolley, which dropped us right in front of the convention center.  It took about an hour each way (I think) and we only attended during daylight hours.  It wasn't nearly as easy as staying downtown but it was workable.  Also, we were renting a place through VRBO which worked out great!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on January 09, 2018, 10:21:31 AM
We've done 2 years at Coronado, 2 years in the Mission/Pacific Beach area, and even several days in Encinitas (at hotels through, not rentals.) Transportation is a main consideration, especially if you want to do activities that require you to be there really early or really late since you might not be able to make use of the SDCC shuttles.

For Coronado there is a ferry that drops off by Joe's crab shack behind the convention center. It has a regular schedule and during SDCC they usually add a few extra runs, here's last year's schedule http://www.flagshipsd.com/sites/default/files/userfiles/files/2017_Comic-Con-Ferry.pdf (http://www.flagshipsd.com/sites/default/files/userfiles/files/2017_Comic-Con-Ferry.pdf). The cost can add up since you have to pay each way and there aren't any discount passes you can buy, having said that it's a nice change from the crowded trolleys. Coronado has a free summer shuttle that you can use to get around the island. There is also a water taxi that picks up behind the Marriott, it's pricier and the hours were somewhat irregular iirc. Oh, and there is an MTS bus that goes between downtown and Coronado. (Wherever you're staying, if you have some extra time then taking the ferry and shuttle over to the Del and the beach there is a pretty sweet side trip.)

For Mission Beach it's like [member=842]TardisMom[/member] said, there are buses that go to the Old Town transit center where you can get the trolley. It's not bad $ wise since you can get a pass that covers both the buses and trolley.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Kmd2103 on January 09, 2018, 12:27:40 PM
Thank you for your thoughts [member=842]TardisMom[/member] and [member=4270]mark[/member]! We were out late most nights in 2017, so I am worried about the transport. Even if we do a parking pass, the 6 of us are bound to separate throughout the day. It's a lot to consider!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: needles1985 on January 09, 2018, 02:47:40 PM
Anyone have any suggestions for a good but cheap airbnb for Thurs thru Saturday? Thanks!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on January 09, 2018, 03:12:23 PM
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Anyone have any suggestions for a good but cheap airbnb for Thurs thru Saturday? Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend a place unless I had stayed at it and unfortunately that limits it to one place in little italy that isn't available. Some general comments though, I would be wary of places that don't have substantial history and reviews, or places that use stock photos in their descriptions. I would also try to see if people have stayed there during SDCC in the past and make certain the owners know you are trying to book for SDCC.

If you are looking for something inexpensive, it's not likely to be downtown since owners will jack up prices during the convention. One thing to try would be to look for places close to hotels on the shuttle route, or to look for places that are close to trolley stops.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: cabler30 on January 09, 2018, 03:34:00 PM
If not already mentioned but guessing it has been said that try get a place and knock on wood hope not cancel on u cause they find out u going to con and try charge more for space being rented for week. read stuff happend last year and sux if it happens, so have a back up incase of anything changes.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Kmd2103 on January 09, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
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If not already mentioned but guessing it has been said that try get a place and knock on wood hope not cancel on u cause they find out u going to con and try charge more for space being rented for week. read stuff happend last year and sux if it happens, so have a back up incase of anything changes.
Back-up is a good idea. I had also read to be up-front about renting for SDCC... I'm hoping being up-front will help avoid last-minute cancellations.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: needles1985 on January 09, 2018, 03:50:45 PM
Wheres the best place outside of downtown to get an airbnb? Somewhere close to trolleys or shuttle stops.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: ninjagoblin on January 09, 2018, 06:21:31 PM
My experience has been that unless they are new to renting in San Diego they have already taken SDCC into consideration and set their prices accordingly. Biggest issue i have found is negative reviews seem to be extreme in many cases. So much so that I have had to contact the property owner or manager for additional details. In most cases they have provided me with satisfactory answers and when i got there everything was as it should be. Best advice is to follow your gut, ask questions and when possible check out the crime statistics for the area where the place is located. Ive seen some beautiful places in some seedy neighborhoods.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: cabler30 on February 16, 2018, 01:34:15 PM
Im guessing any area can look seedy or shady so to speak if the people around dont try to keep it decent , but then i guess baddies so to speak have their bad intentions and can ruin it for everyone. if anything dont leave anything in line of sight for others to be temptd if anything and hide values in trunk , etc.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: battlestar81 on February 19, 2018, 10:08:24 AM
We did Airbnb last year for a group of 7. It was about 1.1 miles away and worked out pretty well and we are trying a different one this year closer. My experience so far has been ok but I can say that people do get super greedy with the Con price uphike. Last year and this year the first 3-4 places I found I wanted to put money down to hold the place the owner suddenly said, "well since this is for the con I need to increase price. and suddenly the week cost went from 2500 to 5-6 grand. It happened to me 3 times this year until I finally had someone say their listed price is the cost con or no con and I put a deposit down. So definitely be upfront about going for the con to mitigate price changes\cancellation last minute. Also, I try and keep communication with the owner keeping pulse up until the week before.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: cabler30 on February 19, 2018, 11:46:58 AM
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We did Airbnb last year for a group of 7. It was about 1.1 miles away and worked out pretty well and we are trying a different one this year closer. My experience so far has been ok but I can say that people do get super greedy with the Con price uphike. Last year and this year the first 3-4 places I found I wanted to put money down to hold the place the owner suddenly said, "well since this is for the con I need to increase price. and suddenly the week cost went from 2500 to 5-6 grand. It happened to me 3 times this year until I finally had someone say their listed price is the cost con or no con and I put a deposit down. So definitely be upfront about going for the con to mitigate price changes\cancellation last minute. Also, I try and keep communication with the owner keeping pulse up until the week before.

Good that u try to plan ahead as much as possible. in ways it sad that renters or owners get greedy cause of con so they assume or think con goers who rent gonna have alot bank to spend so they on purpose charge more for the space for own gain and profit like ebay lol. but good u able to find people who not charge a bankload just to stay at a place for the week or less.

i might have mentioned before , that im thankfull i live close so able to save and spend less to go and enjoy and not stress over so many details to just go and have fun for the days i am able to go.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: grbggrl on April 10, 2018, 07:27:05 PM
We're considering a condo, or airbnb, but honestly, I'm terrified of the owner canceling last minute. It nearly happened to me in London, not over a holiday/event weekend, and trying to scramble a the last minute to find a place for 5 people was a nightmare (luckily the guy came through in the end).
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: TardisMom on April 10, 2018, 07:30:25 PM
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We're considering a condo, or airbnb, but honestly, I'm terrified of the owner canceling last minute. It nearly happened to me in London, not over a holiday/event weekend, and trying to scramble a the last minute to find a place for 5 people was a nightmare (luckily the guy came through in the end).

If you look for something outside of downtown you should have a decent chance of having it work out.  Downtown owners know about SDCC and jack up their prices accordingly.  I got a VRBO at Pacific Beach a few years ago without any problem.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: grbggrl on April 10, 2018, 07:34:53 PM
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If you look for something outside of downtown you should have a decent chance of having it work out.  Downtown owners know about SDCC and jack up their prices accordingly.  I got a VRBO at Pacific Beach a few years ago without any problem.

My biggest problem is I NEED to be Downtown somewhere. I'm press (for my own very tiny site), and it's really a huge help to be in a hotel where I can go dump video to upload to my editor, and also just to have somewhere I can go to relax during the day. :(
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: TardisMom on April 10, 2018, 07:37:18 PM
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My biggest problem is I NEED to be Downtown somewhere. I'm press (for my own very tiny site), and it's really a huge help to be in a hotel where I can go dump video to upload to my editor, and also just to have somewhere I can go to relax during the day. :(

Yeh, I get it.  It's crazy the time commitment involved to get a decent hotel.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: xeorge710 on April 10, 2018, 07:57:28 PM
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We're considering a condo, or airbnb, but honestly, I'm terrified of the owner canceling last minute. It nearly happened to me in London, not over a holiday/event weekend, and trying to scramble a the last minute to find a place for 5 people was a nightmare (luckily the guy came through in the end).
Do you have any companions with you? Looking for roomates? I'm also press and I'm having a problem to find something to stay in. If you're looking for someone let me know

Enviado desde mi SM-N950F mediante Tapatalk

Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: cciveg on April 11, 2018, 08:08:21 AM
I have had the sudden cancellation happen on abnb several times. Luckily, each time was early enough to find something else if some distance from downtown.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: grbggrl on April 11, 2018, 08:57:19 AM
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Do you have any companions with you? Looking for roomates? I'm also press and I'm having a problem to find something to stay in. If you're looking for someone let me know

Enviado desde mi SM-N950F mediante Tapatalk

I actually have a lot of people who are trying to share a room with me, because none of us got anything. But if I hear of anything, I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: grbggrl on April 11, 2018, 08:58:01 AM
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I have had the sudden cancellation happen on abnb several times. Luckily, each time was early enough to find something else if some distance from downtown.

See, I don't think I can take the stress of that. I hate that about Airbnb. Don't the customers get seriously punished for cancellations? Then the owners should too.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: mark on April 12, 2018, 04:36:44 PM
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See, I don't think I can take the stress of that. I hate that about Airbnb. Don't the customers get seriously punished for cancellations? Then the owners should too.

That was our big concern the time we did airbnb for sdcc, luckily it worked out for us. But I don't think I would do an airbnb unless the owner's history was free of cancellations and it looked like people had stayed there during sdcc in past years.

One neighborhood i would recommend, though there doesn't seem to be much listed there at reasonable prices right now, is Little Italy. We have stayed there several times, once at a hotel and once with airbnb and, while it's not a nice and walkable distance from the convention center, it doesn't take long to get there on the trolley and you can use the hotel shuttles in the morning when the trolley is too crowded.

There is also the new Homewood Suites, which is where we had our backup hotel reservation. They do raise prices during sdcc but they have a 2 queen bed suite with a sofa bed and a kitchen. They also have a 2 bedroom suite which isn't currently available during sdcc but it might be worth checking back later as people cancel their backup reservations.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: joey125 on April 16, 2018, 10:09:48 AM
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That was our big concern the time we did airbnb for sdcc, luckily it worked out for us. But I don't think I would do an airbnb unless the owner's history was free of cancellations and it looked like people had stayed there during sdcc in past years.

One neighborhood i would recommend, though there doesn't seem to be much listed there at reasonable prices right now, is Little Italy. We have stayed there several times, once at a hotel and once with airbnb and, while it's not a nice and walkable distance from the convention center, it doesn't take long to get there on the trolley and you can use the hotel shuttles in the morning when the trolley is too crowded.

There is also the new Homewood Suites, which is where we had our backup hotel reservation. They do raise prices during sdcc but they have a 2 queen bed suite with a sofa bed and a kitchen. They also have a 2 bedroom suite which isn't currently available during sdcc but it might be worth checking back later as people cancel their backup reservations.

Thanks for the info.

We’re still waiting to hear back today and remain hopeful, but my husband and I have talked about doing this in the past. While I’m not big on roommates in the 2 dbl hotel scenario (although we always used to let people crash and clean up if they were sleeping in hall h line) an Airbnb with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen area is intriguing. When I’ve looked in the past they seem so expensive for two people—even the studios. Have you roomed with a group in the past? Should have asked these questions last year, I just naively assumed we’d get a room as we have in the past.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Cut That Meat on April 24, 2018, 11:57:15 AM
Just passing along my tale: normally I'd stay with friends as an ex-SD resident, but this year with a couple extra people in tow, I decided to book an Airbnb for this year. In late February, I snagged a place in my old neighborhood, Clairemont, about 15 minutes from downtown, since I'm very familiar with that area and will be driving in that week. The hosts are not a Superhost which would have been nice, but I am fairly optimistic since I was upfront with them about it being SDCC. They only have a handful of host reviews, but based on all the dates blocked out on their calendar, it looks like a summer-only rental. Fingers crossed. I also believe Airbnb hosts are not allowed to relist for the dates in question if they cancel for no good reason (which admittedly is subject to interpretation).

We ended up negotiating what I thought was a fair price, since they did initially ask for more than their originally listed price. I'm keeping in regular-ish contact with questions and random notes just so we stay on their radar.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: clarrkkent on May 02, 2018, 07:27:38 PM
I’ve rented Airbnb and VRBO before for other travels and been burned once on each. Owners can cancel at any moment and the renter has no recourse.  One instance I was cancelled on 2 weeks out because the “owner” was caught subletting the place.

Airbnb offered a measly 10% “rebate” off the canceled property total that I could use toward another rental. At that point, $60 wasn’t going to do much for $1500 properties now available in the same area.

Always have a refundable backup plan if you NEED a place in a specific area or specific time frame. You don’t want to be left scrambling for a last minute hotel, farther away, and likely triple the price for a last minute booking.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: justboogie on May 03, 2018, 08:49:03 AM
In 2015 I booked an Airbnb. After booking a condo right in Gaslamp the host turned out to be a scammer and stopped returning my emails and phone calls just a few months before CC. I contacted Airbnb and I was able to get my deposit back 100% with credit to book future Airbnb's. It turns out that the host had scammed multiple people. After that experience, and the fact that hosts charge an arm, leg, and your first born during CC, I will never go through Airbnb for SDCC. I'm sure other people have had pleasant experiences, but for me it was too much of a hassle.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: dolphina on May 03, 2018, 03:20:22 PM
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Just passing along my tale: normally I'd stay with friends as an ex-SD resident, but this year with a couple extra people in tow, I decided to book an Airbnb for this year. In late February, I snagged a place in my old neighborhood, Clairemont, about 15 minutes from downtown, since I'm very familiar with that area and will be driving in that week. The hosts are not a Superhost which would have been nice, but I am fairly optimistic since I was upfront with them about it being SDCC. They only have a handful of host reviews, but based on all the dates blocked out on their calendar, it looks like a summer-only rental. Fingers crossed. I also believe Airbnb hosts are not allowed to relist for the dates in question if they cancel for no good reason (which admittedly is subject to interpretation).

We ended up negotiating what I thought was a fair price, since they did initially ask for more than their originally listed price. I'm keeping in regular-ish contact with questions and random notes just so we stay on their radar.
I didn't realize you could negotiate, I thought what was listed was the price, didn't realize there was wiggle room for negotiating.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Cut That Meat on May 07, 2018, 11:27:18 AM
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I didn't realize you could negotiate, I thought what was listed was the price, didn't realize there was wiggle room for negotiating.

In my case, I submitted the request to book with a message indicating it was for SDCC. Without accepting my booking request - they did not have Instant Book available as an option - they asked for a higher nightly rate than listed. As the listed rate was pretty reasonable to begin with and under my group's original budget, I countered with an amount that wouldn't break the group's budget and they accepted.

This is the only time I've negotiated price, as this is the first time I've used Airbnb in a situation with heightened demand and not just a normal trip. Since hosts are free to modify prices prior to accepting/confirming the reservation (unless it's Instant Book), I'm guessing you can always just message them directly and work it out from there. Think of it like eBay's Best Offer function.

In the case of SDCC, I would imagine hosts become more willing to be flexible as it gets closer to July and their listings remain available. Insert the usual caveats to tread carefully, YMMV, etc.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Cut That Meat on October 17, 2018, 05:01:28 PM
Figured I'd follow up on this in case anyone is thinking about looking into Airbnb or a similar rental service.

My 2018 stay went off without a hitch. The place was as advertised, I got a good rate per person, and am very pleased with the experience. I plan to grab another Airbnb for 2019, although this time with air conditioning!

Obviously Airbnb always carries a bit of risk whether it's SDCC or not, but I think the horror stories from years past aren't as common now. It's up to you how much you're willing to take on. If you are thinking about Airbnb though, I'd do the following to maximize peace of mind:

1) Avoid places/hosts with no or very few reviews (Superhost is recommended).

2) Don't book a place via Instant Book. Instead, look for listings where the host has to actively approve your booking request. With rare exceptions, if a host cancels for no good reason, they just can't relist their place at a higher rate (see here (https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990/i-m-a-host--what-penalties-apply-if-i-need-to-cancel-a-reservation?audience=host)). However, if you book via Instant Book, they do have a little more room to bail on you and be able to relist without penalty (hence my tip #2; see here (https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2022/how-do-penalty-free-cancellations-work-for-instant-book-hosts?audience=host)).

3) If you are still worried they are going to pull the rug out from under you, you can do what I did last year and be upfront in your message to the host about it being SDCC week. If they accept your request as is, great! If they ask for a higher rate, decide whether you want to negotiate or simply move on to the next listing.

5) Keep in regular contact with your host in the months leading up to your stay.

As far as the ongoing debate over short-term vacation rentals in San Diego, maybe a local can weigh in but it looks like the status quo will remain at least through SDCC 2019, based on this (https://fox5sandiego.com/2018/09/25/referendum-qualifies-to-overturn-san-diegos-tough-new-airbnb-regulations/) and
this (https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2018/09/25/short-term-rentals-backers-have-enough-signatures-to-force-referendum-on-citys-ordinance/).
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: lawhoo on May 02, 2019, 07:54:07 AM
I guess I have the horror story.  Rented a place through HomeAway in what looked to be a great location (a short walk to SDCC) at a good rate.  The owner just informed me that he's cancelling the reservation because he got "evicted" from his place.  Yet, when I go to HomeAway, I see that he's listing the place at a 4x increase on the rate.  I did get my deposit back (yeah!), but HomeAway has been no help at all regarding this guy's relisting of the place or in helping me get some restitution from this guy's shenanigans.  Additionally, he cancelled AFTER the SDCC lottery process had completed, so I didn't get an opportunity to throw my hat into that ring. 

I did manage to find a place by the airport near a trolley station, but I'm paying significantly more (snagging something downtown is way out of the budget).  Given what I've seen about AirBNB, I think I'd stay away from HomeAway, they have been less than useless in this process and in helping me out. 
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: marcia29 on May 02, 2019, 08:09:36 AM
Wow..that is horrible.  Glad you got your deposit back, and that you were able to find something.  I appreciate you relating your experience!!
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: TardisMom on May 02, 2019, 08:42:31 AM
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I guess I have the horror story.  Rented a place through HomeAway in what looked to be a great location (a short walk to SDCC) at a good rate.  The owner just informed me that he's cancelling the reservation because he got "evicted" from his place.  Yet, when I go to HomeAway, I see that he's listing the place at a 4x increase on the rate.  I did get my deposit back (yeah!), but HomeAway has been no help at all regarding this guy's relisting of the place or in helping me get some restitution from this guy's shenanigans.  Additionally, he cancelled AFTER the SDCC lottery process had completed, so I didn't get an opportunity to throw my hat into that ring. 

I did manage to find a place by the airport near a trolley station, but I'm paying significantly more (snagging something downtown is way out of the budget).  Given what I've seen about AirBNB, I think I'd stay away from HomeAway, they have been less than useless in this process and in helping me out.

Sorry this happened to you!  It must be a new owner who didn't realize he could gouge people during SDCC. 
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: puppy on May 02, 2019, 09:17:14 AM
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I guess I have the horror story.  Rented a place through HomeAway in what looked to be a great location (a short walk to SDCC) at a good rate.  The owner just informed me that he's cancelling the reservation because he got "evicted" from his place.  Yet, when I go to HomeAway, I see that he's listing the place at a 4x increase on the rate.  I did get my deposit back (yeah!), but HomeAway has been no help at all regarding this guy's relisting of the place or in helping me get some restitution from this guy's shenanigans.  Additionally, he cancelled AFTER the SDCC lottery process had completed, so I didn't get an opportunity to throw my hat into that ring. 

I did manage to find a place by the airport near a trolley station, but I'm paying significantly more (snagging something downtown is way out of the budget).  Given what I've seen about AirBNB, I think I'd stay away from HomeAway, they have been less than useless in this process and in helping me out.


Ooh.  So sorry.  It's why I can't risk renting such places for SDCC.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Devorah on May 02, 2019, 10:25:51 AM
I did an AirBNB once and I would never do it again. It worked out great and was in a fantastic location right next to Marriott Gaslamp, but despite that it just wasn't worth the stress.

I worried right up until we got there that there would be an issue or a last minute cancellation. When we checked in I got the feeling that things weren't quite on the level with the place as the woman told us to lie to the neighbors about being "friends of the owner". So I was stressing about that too the whole time we were there.

So again, even though it worked out, I wouldn't do it again. As a Planner with a capital P, my heart just can't take the uncertainty of it all.
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: stl_ben on May 02, 2019, 11:24:16 AM
I've had Air BnB work out fine, and not fine.
Ive learned to be upfront when you book the place and let them know you are there for SDCC.  If you omit that, once they realize its that weekend its likely they will cancel / up charge. 
Title: Re: Renting a condo or AirBNB for SDCC? (Post advice or questions here!)
Post by: Cut That Meat on July 28, 2019, 08:10:48 PM
Just wanted to report back on my Airbnb stay. No issues again for a second straight year. It probably helps that both years I've done Airbnb that I stay a little further out (this year, in the Allied Gardens neighborhood northeast of the football stadium) where there's less likely to be sketchy listings than in or around downtown.