How to choose Airbnb accommodation in Europe

Indeed, what are our criteria ?
     Based on our experiences :

1. Availability of Free WIFI

2. Free parking on-site

Parking is expensive in the city.

3. Entire Home/appartment

It would also be good if the host is living nearby and not miles away, because if you need help, calling the host is not really a good option because you wouldn't want to spend money on an international call. If you have purchased a local SIM card for travel, then this should not be a factor.

4. Fully equipped kitchen (preferably with conventional oven)

• When you see fresh seafood, beef, meat or vegetables in the market, seafood shop or supermarket, well...you may want to try your hand at cooking it your own way. 
• We usually order 1 meal to share for 2 in a restaurant. Continental food is alright to try but it's heavy for us, so it's good to cook 1or 2 meals a day.
• Why the conventional oven ? If you want to grill your seafood and eat it naturally just seasoned with salt, well the oven is helpful. There are also walnuts, hazelnuts, etc... that you can try.

5. Washer, dryer, dishwasher if possible.

• This will take the hassle out of your daily cooking or laundry and leave you to enjoy your travel.

6. A lift.

• If you have suitcases to carry, a lift is definitely worth considering, especially in a low-rise accommodation. If it's a house with 2 storeys, it would be better to leave the suitcases on the ground level, if possible.

7. Heating, if you're going during the colder months.

• You may want to check with the host if heating is turned on or if heaters are available in all the rooms.
• When we went in Oct, the daily temperature varies from 4 to 16 deg C. The host may not turn on heating or turn it on minimally, as heating is expensive in Europe. Europeans may only turn on heating in the bedroom at night when they sleep. In the daytime, they wear enough clothes to keep themselves warm inside. So you will find the accommodation and bathroom pretty cold without heating.
• If there is a fireplace, you could buy firewood from the supermarket to burn wood for fun or to keep warm.

8. Non smoking.

     Budget of course will play a part in your choice of the Airbnb. Using Airbnb is the best alternative option if you want a kitchen, as compared to an Appart-Hotel, where the kitchen facilities are minimal. Cost savings will be more if you want to stay in a higher class hotel. It all depends of course on what you are looking for in an accommodation.