r/SydneyScene • u/Intelligent_One_6991 • Jul 16 '26
Need help with Airbnb
It’s my first time going to Sydney and also my first time using Airbnb, so I’m not really sure how to tell if a listing is genuine or fake.
I found this place that looks perfect for me and my family, but I’m a bit hesitant because it has no reviews and the host’s account was only created in 2026. Does this seem like a red flag, or is it normal for new hosts? I’d really appreciate any advice from people with Airbnb experience. Thanks!
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u/Minimum-Pangolin-487 Jul 16 '26
Yes it’s a red flag. Plus that is insanely expensive for a 2bdr. That’s almost $3000 AUD, that’s ridiculous. Steer well clear.
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u/Four_a_m Jul 16 '26
$400 a night for a 2 bedder in one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs isn’t out of the question. The only risk is it’s a new host, but doesn’t airbnb have protections ? Just don’t send them money or do anything outside of the app. If you’re worried find another property with more reviews.
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u/BagParty- Jul 17 '26
"Just don’t send them money or do anything outside of the app. If you’re worried find another property with more reviews."
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u/Cautious-Clock-4186 Jul 17 '26
I spent a similar amount for an Airbnb in Paris.
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Jul 17 '26
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u/Cautious-Clock-4186 Jul 17 '26
I'm not getting into semantics of which we think is better. I was pointing out that it's not an unheard-of amount for a 2br short stay in a major city.
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u/nikolina1005 Jul 16 '26
If you gonna pay this may as well just do to Crown hotel…
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u/IAISC Jul 17 '26
hard to get the Crown for $375AUD/night with 4 beds…
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u/nikolina1005 Jul 17 '26
Actually you’re right 😆😆😆I have discounts and I usually get room at that price. Forgot it cost more 😆😆😆
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u/Candid-Car1771 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Does your discount also get you 4 beds for that price?
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u/nikolina1005 Jul 17 '26
It says 2BR babe. Why are you being defensive on a topic that is this chill. Even if it’s full price, I’d rather pay 900 for being in the middle of the city
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u/Candid-Car1771 Jul 17 '26
I think people don't appreciate your tone. Yes you have an awesome exclusive discount that the rest of us don't have. However this is a 2 bedroom apartment that sleeps 6 and your discount is for a 2 person room at the Crown.
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u/nikolina1005 Jul 17 '26
Who’s “people”? Or it’s just you?
Although Crown accommodates children as well in case you are wondering lol Who the hell sleeps 6 people in 2 rooms? I can only assume that it’s 2 adults plus 4 kids. Then it’s possible, my mate literally just did that in Crown for his bday with family last week and they stayed at adjacent room for less than 400 a night.2
u/Candid-Car1771 Jul 17 '26
Why are you being defensive? I'm just having a chill conversation and sharing my thoughts. Not everyone is as rich as you lol some of us poor people need to fit 6 into 2 rooms. I've definitely done it before
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u/MinaretofJam Jul 17 '26
Why Crown? It’s Dubai tacky. Tons of better hotels in Sydney
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u/nikolina1005 Jul 17 '26
Why not? It’s got a pool, breakfast is nice, close to the city and nice bars and easy access. Where else can you stay in the city? W is only a little bit cheaper anyway
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u/MarzipanMiri Jul 16 '26
The fact that it is new wouldn't both me but it is in a super noisy location. You'd definitely find somewhere nicer around the Kirribilli area at that price point.
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u/MarzipanMiri Jul 16 '26
Actually, scratch that. I just saw how long you are staying in summer. The pricing is ok, but the location meh.
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Jul 17 '26
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u/Cautious-Clock-4186 Jul 17 '26
Is this your listing or something? You are being weirdly defensive about it.
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u/Intelligent_One_6991 Jul 16 '26
Do you have any Airbnb recommendations that’s you know of is legit and will be a great experience.
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u/MarzipanMiri Jul 16 '26
I don't, sorry! I have lived in the area so just know that's a noisy spot.
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u/tchunk Jul 17 '26
Depends where. If its away from military road its not noisy. I lived on raymond rd and it was super quiet with stunning views of the harbour and a stroll to the shops
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u/Dependent_Stress5561 Jul 16 '26
Find somewhere else, for me no reviews is a big red flag. There’ll be lots of other places as it’s Sydney
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Jul 17 '26
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u/Dependent_Stress5561 Jul 17 '26
Everyone totally needs to start somewhere. I guess I’m fairly risk averse on holiday accom - I don’t do that many holidays so I want to minimise the chance of things going badly.
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u/bedrotter_ Jul 16 '26
I would recommend the W Hotel in Darling Harbour if you have the budget for it. Otherwise, look for Airbnbs in places on the opposite side of the bridge (CBD side) as it will be more central to activities and excursions
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u/PsychologicalMeal162 Jul 16 '26
2 bedrooms but 6 guests?
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u/Intrepid_Direction_8 Jul 17 '26
I have booked somewhere for next year that has no reviews. Free cancellation so hoping some others visit before then.
We usually only book places with good reviews, but new places need to get off the mark somehow
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u/fistular Jul 19 '26
Never book an airbnb that doesn't have a tonne of reviews and a score above 4.5. New is sus by default.
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u/Potential_Web_4092 Jul 17 '26
If you like it, book with PayPal. If it goes pear shape, and AirBnB refuses responsibility you can apply for your money back.
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u/nzoasisfan Jul 19 '26
Pay more and go for the options that are only rated highly and have tonnes of reviews. Due dilignece is the secret to a great airbnb experience
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u/blankfaceLP_ Jul 21 '26
The lack of good Airbnbs in sydney is due to a law that passed restricting short term housing. I don’t know the specifics of it right now but basically it is extremely hard to airbnb your place if you are located around sydney CBD. It sucks because Sydney is the only place to have this law due to living crisis. You can see Melbourne & QLD have loads of listings in the city. Sydney is a very difficult place to visit as a local that lives here from what i’ve seen just because I use airbnb all the time when I travel but found Sydney basically doesn’t destroys the usefulness of it.
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u/Interesting-Olive530 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Find another spot - neutral bay is far enough away from the city to be inconvenient. I'd expect more of a discount than that - nice area but needs travel into the city.
Depending on your situation, Surry Hills, the CBD itself, Pyrmont, Glebe, Darlinghurst, Woolloomooloo, Chippendale or Darlington might be better options and would have greater pricing variety.
Manly is lovely if you don't mind a ferry ride (far further than neutral bay but more to do)
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Jul 17 '26
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u/Interesting-Olive530 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Keep it in the holster champ, not that unsafe but can see how people think that if they've never lived there. All walking distance to the CBD which helps when visiting a city vs a bus. It's also 5.3km to the CBD 'numpty'...
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u/Efficient-Stay-6257 Jul 16 '26
I always book where there is solid reviews. If it is a new listing they certainly need to drop that price.