To Airbnb or not to Airbnb—that’s always the question, isn’t it? Let me just say, this isn’t my first rodeo, and I’m definitely not a princess. Fresh off our latest Airbnb stay in Notting Hill, I can’t help but think about how much of a hit-or-miss these places can be. Now, this one? It nailed the location—brilliantly (that’s British for “amazing”) just a block from Portobello Road. And the apartment? Adorable at first glance. Quaint décor, cozy vibes, and all the charm you’d expect from one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

But, oh, the honeymoon phase ends the minute you actually start living in the space. Turns out, the charm is mostly surface-level, except, I will say, the bed was extremely comfortable. Those website photos, perfectly angled and lit just right, didn’t quite capture the under-stuffed sofa sagging nearly to the floor, the bathtub that refuses to drain, the bus stop outside our kitchen window, or the unexpected house guest we hear chomping and scurrying through the night—eeeeek! It’s giving me déjà vu of our last place in the Marais. Remember that one? Promised Parisian elegance but came with a quirky kitchen sink, tired, stained furniture, a persistent whiff of mildew, and let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: a five-foot painting of a naked torso right at the foot of the bed. I mean, seriously?

It’s an Airbnb conundrum. The pros are undeniable. You get to live like a local in neighbourhoods where hotels are exorbitantly priced. The upfront costs and straightforward booking process make planning a breeze. And then there’s the allure of having your own kitchen, which is ideal for leisurely breakfasts or late-night snacks. But what about the cons? Uncomfortable furniture, dubious cleanliness, not enough cutlery, random pots and pans which make me question, who’s set up the kitchen? Or, does anyone cook?

With an endless selection of places to stay, photos aren’t enough. I’m stating the obvious, but reading the reviews is important. This will give you an insight into the property and how it functions, but it won’t guarantee a potato peeler. And let’s be real, not all reviews are completely honest—everyone’s trying to keep their ratings intact. Even armed with all this intel, you’re still not guaranteed the perfect accommodations.

So, where does that leave us? Caught between the romantic ideal of Airbnb—the fantasy of living abroad—and the harsh realities of peeling wallpaper and noisy radiators. Maybe the answer is not to put all our travel eggs in one Airbnb basket. Some trips might still warrant the hotel experience: room service, reliable plumbing, and someone else to make the bed.

For now, we’ve started to gather inventory of items the Airbnb didn’t provide; we may need a bigger suitcase. While we’re giving the Notting Hill apartment the benefit of the doubt, the house guest? Not so much! Stay tuned for the next chapter in our ongoing love-hate relationship with Airbnb. Next stop, Spain!

Do you have any wild or funny stories from your Airbnb stays? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!