I've used AirBNB and Couch Surfing! Both were really positive experiences. But since couchsurfing is free, you definitely have a much more personal relationship. You talk to them, you invite them with you to places, it's like having a roommate but just for a few days. Whenever I travel by myself I always use couchsurfing, but if I want to bring along my mom, I tend to use AirBNB because I don't think she really wants to go have dinner with a stranger haha.
I'd definitely check it, and it's an excuse to travel! :-)
Project Da Vinci