How To Choose An Airbnb for your Bachelorette Party in Scottsdale, AZ
Bachelorette parties have been going strong in Scottsdale for several years now, which means many of the kinks have been worked out by hosts for their guests. There are many styles of homes to choose, but don’t just let the selfie backdrops sway you! There are several things to consider, besides neon signs. Our 7 secrets to the perfect Airbnb stay are:
Location
Vibe
Size
Add-on Amenities
Host
Arrival and Departure Times
Cost
1. Location
Myth: Scottsdale is the only place to visit
Fact: Don’t get me wrong, you’ll like wandering around Old Town Scottsdale’s shops and restaurants. However, Downtown Phoenix has some of the best restaurants and cocktail bars in town. Choosing a home that sits between the two can leave you the opportunity to see both.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Scottsdale is long and narrow, so there are some areas of Phoenix and other towns that are just as close to Old Town as some areas in Scottsdale itself. For instance, if you were to stay in Central Phoenix, you may be just a quick Uber ride to Old Town, where some sections of Scottsdale would be further from the Old Town Entertainment District. Choose a home that suits your group while considering distance to the attractions you want to visit, not necessarily town name.
2. Vibe
Myth: All Scottsdale Bachelorette Airbnbs have cowboy decor and neon signage.
Fact: No two Bach Parties are the same. Choose the Airbnb that fits the vibe of your tribe. Maybe you’re having a Spa themed Bachelorette Party, so choose one that is zen like with the amenities to go with it.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:
For the most complete experience, check the listing for what is included in your Airbnb. If the vibe is zen, does it come with yoga mats? If the vibe is tequila, does it come with all the things to make a margarita? Check with your host to be sure what you are expecting is going to be there when you arrive.
3. Size
Myth: We just need a house that sleeps the number of people on the trip.
Fact: It’s going to be a long weekend of different personalities and adventures. Choose a home that fits your group comfortably.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Changes in your group size.
Because many Bachelorette Parties plan so far in advance, often booking 9 months to over a year in advance, Airbnb hosts must put in a stricter cancellation policy since a cancellation would wreck the schedule if it occurred within 3 months of your stay. As with any group traveling together, some will drop out and others will decide they want to join. Leave room in your budget and the home size to accommodate these changes. You may decide to take a deposit from everyone that commits in the beginning so if someone does have to drop out, the others aren’t left footing the bill. Work out amongst yourselves and good luck with that!
4. Add-on Amenities
Myth: It’s just about the house.
Fact: More then the house itself will help create the perfect Bachelorette experience. Add-on experiences will help round out the fun.
Book a home with a host that has experience with these add-on experiences. Some, like us, offer concierge service such as stocking the fridge before you get there or setting up snack boards, margarita bars or light decorations for arrival. In addition, some hosts partner with reputable companies such as Scottsdale Bachelorette and other vendors that are trusted to come set up at the house before you arrive or assist in booking something for inside or outside the home.
What to Watch Out For:
Let your host know your plans! There have been times a guest has scheduled add-on experiences without our knowledge which ended up putting them in a bad situation. These homes are in neighborhoods with regular ole neighbors. Had we known, we could have shared to not book that vendor knowing there will be a noise complaint. Additionally, not all vendors are a great experience. Us hosts just want you to have a good, safe, uninterrupted time!
5. Host
Myth: It’s just about the house
Fact: Speaking of the host, your Airbnb host can make or break your stay.
What To Watch Out For:
Choose a host that is experienced with Bachelorette Parties and can guide you in your decision making. It’s not fun to be told what you can and cannot do, but take it from your host, they know what flies around here and what doesn’t. Too many times we’ve seen guests spend money on a vendor only to find out that having that vendor to the house violates Airbnb party policies, as well as creates noise complaints and really puts a damper on your adventure. And it’s not just about that one house in that one neighborhood.
Another great thing about a great host is it’s like having an additional travel guide! They likely have a list of great places to visit, but don’t hesitate to ask them other things you might want to know about the area!
6. Arrival and Departure Times
Myth: I’ll just get early check-in.
Facts: Airbnbs often have people coming and going on the same day, which makes early arrival and late departures virtually impossible. Not only that, many flights arrive at PHX in the morning around 8am which means you’ve just traveled for God knows how early and now have to wait another 8 hours to get into the house.
What To Watch Out For:
Figure out your arrival and departure times as soon as possible so you can see if the check-in time is going to work for your group. Most Bachelorette Parties want to prepare for the bride and have some people arrive early to get things ready. There are a couple of solutions to getting into the house earlier than the typical 4pm check-in time:
Book the night before. This guarantees you’ll be able to get into the house before the bride. You can book the night before even if you don’t plan to come until the next day. You’re just saving yourself from having to sit around somewhere for 8 hours. Just tell your host your plan so the know why you didn’t show up first night.
Book a half-day. We started offering this because of those early flight arrivals. For a half-day fee, you can show up to the house as early as 9am on the day your reservation begins. Many hosts don’t offer this and if you ask about it, they’ll probably think you’ve gone crazy. But, it doesn’t hurt to ask. We saw a need for it so started offering it.
Ask for an early check-in or late checkout. An Airbnb that isn’t always booked may allow this. For hosts that have homes that are booked often, it’s really difficult to commit to it not knowing if another guest will book and checkout or check-in the same day. Still, some might allow it. Expect to pay an hourly rate for this.
Plan to keep yourselves busy, but get luggage service. Get your trip started by planning something to keep you occupied until check-in time. Walk around Old Town, have some lunch and get to know our nice weather! Coordinate with Scottsdale Bachelorette to take care of your luggage and deliver it to the house at check-in!
7. Cost
Myth: Airbnbs are expensive
Fact: Some of the best Airbnbs with the best vibes come with a heftier price tag, but it might be worth it. Many Bachelorette Parties range from 10-14 ladies, so when you break up the cost per person, it tends to be in the low HUNDREDS. That said, there are some ways to save on some of the best homes!
What To Watch Out For:
Costs can vary greatly depending on two factors:
Season: February through April is our best weather and we have a lot of events happening (Spring Training, Gold). Therefore, this is the most expensive time to come to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Choose to come in the summer when the pools are warm (by the sun, not a pool heater) or in the shoulder season when the weather is less hot and less busy: October through January. See more about Bachelorette Parties and the Seasons here.
Day of the Week: Thursday through Sunday is the most typical day to travel here for a Bachelorette Party, therefore those three days will be the most expensive. If you can get your group here during the week, you will see a DRAMATIC in the prices. By half in some cases. I’ve seen a home go for $350/per person on the weekend, but in the 100s per person during the week. Not only that, some decorating services will have lower prices on these lower demand days.
If you’re headed to Phoenix or Scottsdale, reach out to us! We’d love to help you plan an epic Bachelorette Party!