Why We Broke Up With Airbnb
(7 minute read)
Airbnb has long been regarded as a revolutionary platform, offering travelers an alternative to traditional hotels while simultaneously providing homeowners with the ability to monetize their properties. In its early years, Airbnb was praised for democratizing the travel experience, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in local neighborhoods and interact with hosts in ways that hotels simply could not offer. However, as the platform has expanded, so too have concerns surrounding its business model and its impact on local communities, housing markets, and even the traveler experience. This article explores the growing list of reasons why we no longer recommend Airbnb as a reliable and ethical option for travel.
Rising Costs and Hidden Fees
One of the most significant drawbacks of Airbnb in recent years has been the rise in costs. What was once seen as a budget-friendly alternative to hotels has transformed into an expensive option for many travelers. This price inflation can be attributed to the increasing number of hidden fees that are tacked onto a booking. While the nightly rate may appear reasonable at first glance, guests are often surprised to find substantial cleaning fees, service charges, and even "extra person" fees that can significantly increase the total cost of their stay.
Cleaning fees, in particular, have become a source of frustration for many travelers. Airbnb hosts now regularly charge exorbitant fees for cleaning, often up to $100 or more per stay. While cleaning fees are meant to cover the cost of preparing the property for the next guest, many guests argue that these fees are not proportionate to the actual cleaning required. In some cases, guests are expected to perform certain cleaning tasks themselves, such as stripping beds and taking out the trash, which feels at odds with the high fees they are already paying.
In addition to cleaning fees, Airbnb's service fee structure has also been criticized. The company charges both guests and hosts a percentage of the booking total as a service fee. These charges are not always transparent upfront and can leave travelers with unexpected costs. The result is that Airbnb is no longer the cheap alternative it once was, and in many cases, booking a hotel may end up being the more economical choice.
Hosts Contributing to Airbnb's Downfall
The ease with which individuals can become Airbnb hosts has led to an increase in both the number of listings and the variance in quality. While this democratization of hosting initially promised a wide range of options for travelers, it has also led to a decline in quality control. In the past, Airbnb had a relatively stringent vetting process for hosts, but as the platform expanded, so too did the number of hosts who were more focused on maximizing profits than providing a quality experience for their guests.
Hosts are now less likely to offer the personal touch that once defined the Airbnb experience. Instead, many are running their listings as businesses, aiming to turn a quick profit rather than build relationships with guests. This shift has led to a rise in poorly maintained properties, inaccurate listings, and negative guest experiences. In some cases, hosts have even been accused of failing to respond to guest complaints or being uncooperative when issues arise. While Airbnb's customer service is supposed to address these complaints, many users report that the company's support system is slow and unhelpful, further contributing to dissatisfaction.
Additionally, the increase in "professional" hosts—individuals who rent out multiple properties—has contributed to the saturation of the market. As more listings flood the platform, travelers find it harder to sift through options and find trustworthy, well-maintained properties. The charm of booking a room in someone's home has been replaced by the impersonal nature of renting from someone with dozens of properties, who is more interested in maximizing profit than ensuring an authentic and pleasant experience.
Impact on Local Communities and Ethical Concerns
One of the most significant and controversial consequences of Airbnb’s success is its impact on local housing markets and the broader community. In cities like New York, Barcelona, and Athens, Airbnb has been blamed for exacerbating housing shortages and driving up rental prices. As more property owners turn to short-term rentals rather than long-term leases, the availability of affordable housing for local residents has dwindled. This has led to increased gentrification, pushing long-time residents out of their neighborhoods as the cost of living becomes prohibitively high.
The “Airbnb effect” has been particularly noticeable in cities heavily reliant on tourism. In places like Venice and Lisbon, the influx of tourists staying in short-term rentals has disrupted local communities, changing the character of neighborhoods and making it difficult for locals to afford housing. Local governments have attempted to regulate Airbnb listings to mitigate these effects, but enforcement is often inconsistent, and the platform continues to contribute to the housing crisis in many cities.
In addition to housing issues, Airbnb’s role in overtourism has raised ethical concerns. Residential areas once known for their tranquility and local charm have transformed into crowded tourist hotspots, eroding the quality of life for permanent residents. The environmental impact of increased tourism also cannot be ignored, as the strain on local resources, increased waste, and pollution become more apparent.
This commodification of neighborhoods has led to protests in cities like Barcelona, where locals argue that short-term rentals are eroding their communities and prioritizing tourist dollars over residents' well-being. While Airbnb claims to boost local economies by allowing homeowners to earn extra income, critics contend that this so-called economic benefit often comes at the expense of displaced residents and a decline in community cohesion.
As Airbnb’s expansion continues, the ethical implications of its business model become harder to ignore. For many travelers who prioritize responsible tourism and community well-being, the platform’s impact on local communities is a compelling reason to seek alternative accommodations.
Consumer Complaints and Trust Issues
Airbnb's customer service has long been a point of contention among users. Despite the company's promises of providing an easy-to-use platform and a positive guest experience, many travelers report frustrating interactions with both hosts and the company itself. In some cases, guests arrive at their Airbnb accommodations only to find that the property does not match the listing description. Whether it's a lack of amenities, cleanliness issues, or misleading photos, these discrepancies often lead to disappointing stays.
When issues arise, guests often find it difficult to resolve them. Airbnb's customer service has been criticized for being slow to respond, and in many cases, the company fails to resolve disputes to the satisfaction of its users. While Airbnb offers a "resolution center" for guests and hosts to settle disputes, the process is often opaque and unsatisfactory, leaving travelers feeling unsupported and frustrated.
The lack of accountability on the platform has led to an erosion of trust. Travelers now approach Airbnb with a degree of skepticism, unsure of whether their experience will live up to the expectations set by the platform's listings. This lack of consistency has made Airbnb less reliable as a travel option, further diminishing its appeal to discerning travelers.
Somebody That We Used to Know
While Airbnb revolutionized the travel industry when it first launched, the platform's rapid growth and expansion have given rise to a number of concerns. Rising costs, declining quality, the negative impact on housing markets, ethical issues surrounding overtourism, and unreliable customer service are just a few of the reasons why we no longer recommend Airbnb as a top choice for travelers.
As more travelers seek alternatives that prioritize ethical considerations, affordability, and quality, it seems that Airbnb's golden days may be behind it. Whether it's booking a hotel or exploring new platforms that focus on sustainability and community, there are now plenty of options for those looking to avoid the growing problems associated with Airbnb. For many, it may be time to rethink their travel choices and consider alternatives that offer a more sustainable, transparent, and responsible experience.
Next week, we’ll explore alternatives to Airbnb and the benefits to booking accommodations directly, rather than using third-party sites.