But this policy may struggle to address the camera problem at large, as the company has already required hosts to disclose the indoor cameras, and guests have sometimes reported hidden and undisclosed cameras.
The new rules also require hosts to disclose to guests whether they are using noise decibel monitors or outdoor cameras before guests book.
“This just emphasizes the fact that surveillance always gives a huge amount of power to whoever controls the camera system,” says Fox Cahn. “When it’s used in a property you’re renting, whether it’s a landlord or an Airbnb, it’s ripe for abuse.”
With that and the crazy extra fees, you’re better off just staying in a hotel if you’re fewer than 4 people and only staying for a couple of days.
For me it’s about the customer service. I stayed in 30 airbnbs in 2 years and when I needed Airbnb, they fully sided with the host who was lying and faked chat screenshots, didn’t bother to get any proof from my side and just penalised me.
On the other hand, with Booking, I always felt fully supported by customer service.
I’ll only use airbnb if there’s absolutely no other option. It’s a liability, even more for longer stays.
Really depends on the location.
When staying in Europe, i never had crazy fees or todos when leaving.
Booking is sometimes a bit cheaper, but next stay is agaon booked via Airbnb thanks to an offer on a listing i wanted.
Yeah I hear a lot of old man “just pay a little more for hotels” these days. Airbnbs are almost always still cheaper. And read reviews, send questions, like 99% I’ve been to have wayyyy better cleaning services and care than hotels.
I think people are choosing the sketch ass $30/day places and upset when the experience isn’t like staying in a Hilton. I’ve stayed in two story apartments in central Paris, oceanfront houses, and old school A-frame cabins all for under $130/day. Just gotta put the work in up front.
In Europe maybe, but in America Hotels/motels are almost certainly cheaper.
I never spend over $100/night for hotels. Ever.
Also, Hilton isn’t even that nice.
I also get a bit puzzled by the negative comments on the stays themselves. If people want to complain about what AirBNB does to communities, that I can get to some extent, but even then, if it really impacts things any more than an old school landlord buying properties and renting them out, I’m not sure. I live in a neighborhood with over 30% of the units being rentals, and there’s good and bad that comes with it.
As far as stays go, I’ve maybe done a dozen or so AirBNB stays by now, and they have always been wonderful. I only look at places that have solid reviews and read through all the rules/fees posted and there’s never been an issue.
I’m staying at one this weekend, and the hostess was texting me last night telling me what parts of the city to avoid since it’s St Patty’s weekend and will be a bit crazier and which places aren’t worth the money and are just tourist traps.
I won’t say I don’t believe there aren’t people out there with bad experiences, but I’ve stayed in many hotels that were ugly, old, dirty, noisy people next door, room wasn’t made on arrival, etc. but I’ve yet to get a bad AirBNB and they usually add to my trip experience because I like meeting the hosts and getting their insights. I also feel less bedbug potential exists if they’re living there too.
And the peak benefit is I can find ones that have pets! I don’t have any right now, but I do many times miss having them, and getting a place with a cat or dog or goat or what not lets me enjoy that without the responsibility!
The fact there’s always more people crapping on AirBNB in every thread that mentions it vs people with good experience seems off to me though. Makes my NIMBY sense tingle a little bit is all… 😉
For sure. I guess I was thinking mostly for domestic travel within the US. But yeah, definitely weigh your options and see which one gives more bang for your buck.