Airbnb, a popular community offering unique accommodations to travelers around the world (despite some recent controversy), released its official Android App today, making finding a place to stay on the go easier than ever.

The app allows users to check into venues in over 19,000 cities in 190+ countries using their credit card at the click of a button. Users can also view photos, get directions, manage itineraries, and message potential hosts.

Besides offering services to those looking for a place to stay, Airbnb's app allows property owners to list their accommodations quickly and easily. Once a user's venue is listed, the owner can upload photos, keep track of guests, and confirm reservation requests, making Airbnb an extremely versatile app for both travelers and hosts.

Best of all, Airbnb's service is absolutely free. If you haven't already, head over to Airbnb's website to sign up, and grab the app from the Market link below!

Update: And here's the blog post announcing the app.

Airbnb gets a bit more cyber: introducing our new Android app and mobile site

Do you remember back when we resolved to become easier to get in touch with?

Resolution accomplished.

We're delighted to announce the launch of our new Android app and redesigned mobile website. That's right. Roam if you want to; Airbnb will be there.

We were incredibly proud when Apple featured our iPhone app as one of the best travel apps of 2011. We're bringing the same attention to detail and delight to our new app, with an Android twist.

You'll be able to browse, search, and book properties in a flash. And we've included our popular "Tonight" feature, which ensures that you're never stranded without a place to stay. In addition, you can browse through our curated Collections for inspiration, access your important trip details in your Itinerary, and check out detailed user Profiles.

Hosts will be able to instantly message guests, upload photos of their spaces, create special offers, and keep calendars up to date.

You can download the app - as well as our award-winning iPhone app - from our mobile page.

For our Android app, we could have just cut-and-pasted from our iPhone app. But that's not how we roll.

We realized that this was an opportunity to rethink how the app could work - from an Android point of view. We tailored the design, user experience, and underlying code from the ground up. We wanted using the app to be as seamless and joyful as using our website.

Our community spans the globe. We should be available to everyone, at any time. That's why in addition to creating the Android app, we're launching a fully redesigned mobile website. You'll be able to easily access important Airbnb.com features from your smartphone, regardless of platform. We are here for you - 24 hours a day, every day.

We can't wait to hear what you think. Happy roaming.