I was in London participating in the Great River Race (GRR) and it was my first time Airbnb-ing. It was everything the company would wish for a customer and so much more.

This, obviously, was down to five-star host David. Genial and generous, he provided fresh, home-made bread - white and brown - along with flowers, chocolate, and easily one of the world's most comfortable beds, notwithstanding my needs after 22 miles of rowing in the GRR.

David also took me canoeing around Eel Pie Island on the first day of my visit, recounting its musical history.

To cap it all, on the last day of my three-day visit, as we crossed from David's house onto the island, we bumped into David's friend, the legendary inventor Trevor Baylis, who gave me a tour of his "inventing shed", complete with one of his original wind-up radios. I remembered Trevor from reading about him many years ago and recalled a picture of the shed, so to be in it with the man himself amazed me.

My brilliant time in London - I and my Naomhoga Chorcai crew finished 40th of 324 boats in our Irish currach (couldn't resist throwing in that) - was enhanced greatly by staying with David.

I don't think it would be fair to expect David to bring all his guests canoeing, or to ensure 'coincidental' meetings with Trevor Baylis, but you will be guaranteed a warm welcome from a personable guy in a relaxed home, a stone's throw from good restaurants and pubs.

Take note Airbnb: David deserves a commendation.

Ps, if you intend to stay with David, check out the Naked Ladies, they are 'marblous'.