Airbnb Lets You Stay in Real New York Apartments Starting at Just $17 a Night

Looking for a place to stay in NYC? There are some lovely <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/destinations/hotels/">hotels</a> to choose from, but if you really want to experience the Big Apple, why not spend the night at an actual New Yorker's pad? That's exactly what home rental service <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">Airbnb</a> offers by matching NYC homeowners with vacationers looking for accommodations of the non-cookie cutter variety. There are designer lofts, one-bedroom homestays, tony penthouses and everything in between to peruse <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/New-York-City--NY?sort=4">on their site</a>, and prices start from around <strong>$17 a night</strong>. We recently had the chance to ask Airbnb co-founder <a href="http://joegebbia.com/">Joe Gebbia</a> some important questions about how the service works, so if you're interested in making some extra bank by renting out your place or booking one of these NY apartments for a stay, read on for his answers.

A <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/562104">SoHo/Little Italy penthouse </a>with an airy and open floor plan.

A <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/219955">bright and sunny oasis</a> in Bed Stuy.

A <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/657102">colorfully decorated duplex </a>with Garden in Manhattan.

This gorgeous <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/238978">full-floor loft </a>accommodates 5 for just $400 a night.

<h3><big>Inhabitat: Can you tell us a little but about <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">airbnb</a> and how it works?</big></h3> <big><strong>Joe Gebbia: </strong></big><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">airbnb</a> is an online marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world. From a private room to a private island, we offer an entertaining and personal way for travelers to discover new experiences and see their surroundings through the eyes of a local.

h3><big>Inhabitat: What are some reasons travelers might want to choose <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">airbnb</a> over a hotel?</big></h3> <big><strong>Joe Gebbia: </strong></big><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">airbnb</a> offers an incredibly wide range of unique travel experiences – from the types of places you can rent to the experience you have once you’re there. On airbnb you can stay at a house shaped like a boot in New Zealand, a houseboat in Paris, or a solar-powered home in Oahu. Even if you’re not staying on a boat or in a boot, you still get a truly memorable experience no matter where you are by living like a local and gaining insight into your surroundings from a fresh perspective.