I don’t think the future is bright for Airbnb. All reviews are fake; no one wants to start a flame war on the internet with their real name, no benefit to them. So anything below 4.5 stars means really shitty. If you see a negative review that means it was really really bad. Staying at an airbnb is like buying a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. Because humans are irrational creatures all it takes is one bad experience and Airbnb loses a customer for life. This is not the same for chain hotels. Marriott sells consistency; I know by going with the Marriott brand I’m going to have a clean and comfortable bed, great service and overall good experience. There is no consistency with Airbnb, reviews cannot be trusted, Airbnb cannot control the experience since each home is different and each host is different. Airbnb is not a hotel killer, hotels are here to stay and Airbnb is not going to take over the world by expanding into all these new market areas (restaurants and “experiences” lol). P.S. Airbnb is not IPOing anytime soon, the cofounder said it himself too.
Airbnb is good for the yuppie crowd who wants to stay in large apartments/houses on a trip with friends (eg 1200 per night ski lodge with 5 people). For normal folks and families it just doesn’t work
AirB and B is awesome if you are looking to rent an entire house or a place to crash just for the night. You don’t get AB and B to get breakfast in bed a room service. Lol
Try sonder
Well Duh. “I love having that random guests’ pubes on my bath soap” said no one ever. This whole idea of shared economy is so sad and stupid.
I was an airbnb host who quitted. There are also terrible terrible guest who either tear down your house or do a crazy party and get cops involved or bring trash with them and take picture and request refund.
Welcome to the jungle. All the p2p models are unregulated and comes with their own headaches
What’s your point? Airbnb vs Hotels is a classic argument. Are you just trying to say you don’t see a bright future for yourself if you were to work at Airbnb?
Quite a few guest also demanded refun in return for favorable review or otherwise they will leave a false review that will damage my business and “will cost you more in the longer run”. I had professional cleaning company and even had pictures after cleaning. Airbnb support is useless and will side with guest and randomly deduct the money from your account
Does this happen often?
I don't think AirBnB is going anywhere, but I also don't expect them to start shutting down hotels anytime soon. I look at AirBnB as just another alternative to by owner rentals. Great when you want a whole property with a large group.
And their search is weak. Super frustrating