The introduction of Airbnb in 2008 felt like a travel revolution. A brilliant idea by all means. One that offered solutions to problems the world didn’t even know it had. Suddenly, anyone could open their home to strangers and make an extra buck. And travelers could swap plain hotels for something more unique and cozy at a fraction of the cost.
It was termed a genius move.
So what changed? Why has the mood around Airbnb shifted? At least once a week the topic has to be trending on the internet as complaints keep skyrocketing. If it is not about high prices, then it is hidden fees and awkward checkout chores. And even worse, safety concerns like hidden cameras are making travelers more cautious.
A little history of how and where it all began. In 2008 two roommates in San Francisco by the names Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment to help pay rent. They offered “Air Bed and Breakfast” to guests attending a local design conference when hotels were fully booked. An idea was born.
Before long, a little side hustle quickly turned into a disruptive business idea to the global travel industry.
With the help of their third co-founder, Nathan Blecharczyk, they built a platform where anyone could list a spare room or home. The simple yet powerful idea was to connect people who had space with travelers looking for affordable stays.
By the mid-2010s, the rest of the world had caught on. The idea spread like bushfire, loved by travelers who adored the fact that you could live like a local. It was a win-win for everybody as the hosts enjoyed extra income too. The biggest selling points was how the platform felt fresh and community-driven, was often cheaper than hotels and came with the bonus of kitchens and unique spaces that the kempiskis of this world couldn’t match.
Airbnb sold experiences and a sense of belonging.
But what started off as a genuine budget-friendly adventure has started to turn sour with the negative reviews on the platform reflecting that shift.
After some research, I found out the leading cause for this is the rising costs and hidden fees. Once known for being cheaper than hotels, Airbnb now charges exorbitant fees hidden in cleaning charges, service fees and taxes. At the end of the day, one would actually prefer to stay in a hotel. On top of that, some hosts require guests to do laundry or vacuum before checking out. Where is the hospitality in that? Feels more like unpaid labor if we are being honest.
The second reason is that the hosts are starting to act more and more like hotels. What started as a home-sharing community has in fact turned into a business for property managers with multiple listings. Where before the allure was cozy personal stays, now guests encounter bare apartments designed purely for short-term rentals. The results are spaces that feel less authentic.
Another big issue is the safety and scam concerns. There are thousands of stories of hidden cameras on the internet complete with videos for proof. This is personally my biggest nightmare. I cannot for the life of me imagine going somewhere to unwind and then ending up naked on someone’s camera. And then there are the bait-and-switch listings and unsafe neighborhoods that have made travelers more cautious. The visibility of these cases online are slowly eroding trust in travellers.
In short, Airbnb’s glowing reputation has dimmed and what once felt like a travel hack now often feels like a gamble.
Like one reddit user expressed, “They’re not cheaper… not as clean… not as well maintained… not as secure as hotels.” Well, I find it hard to argue with that.
The Hidden Risks You Should Know
Even though Airbnb is definitely a great way to travel, I have compiled a list of the most common risks one should look out for.
1. Hidden cameras
This seems to be the most worrying concern. It is common knowledge that Airbnb bans surveillance devices in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. So why then, have some guests found cameras disguised as smoke detectors or alarm clocks?
2. Scam listings and fake reviews
There have been instances where fraudulent hosts copy photos from real properties and create fake listings to lure guests. Imagine having this image in your head, travelling miles while daydreaming of your stay and the cool backdrops only to be met with a completely different reality. And In other cases, reviews are manipulated, making it harder to know which listings to trust.
3. Unsafe neighborhoods or poor conditions
The photos might be inviting, yes, but imagine finding out that the apartments are in unsafe locations or homes don’t match the glossy images. You need to carry out due diligence so as to avoid ending up somewhere that feels uncomfortable or risky.
4. Cleaning fees, house rules, and “chores”
Many guests are frustrated by strict checkout demands. Being asked to strip beds, start laundry or even mowing the lawn (excuse me?) despite already paying hefty cleaning fees is clearly not it. Although I keep seeing this, I have never met a person in real life who encountered it. But if truly we have hosts who demand of this, in what world does any of it make sense to them? I am on holiday, running away from all the laboring I do for bills, only to be slapped with manual labour? If ever there was an award of being taken advantage of…this takes the prize.
5. Refund struggles when things go wrong
So your stay was not as advertised. You ask for a refund, but we all know getting your money back can be tricky. Guests often report that Airbnb sides with hosts or takes weeks to resolve claims. Getting your money back at this point sounds like a myth.
How to Protect Yourself on Airbnb (Practical Guide)
The first step is to read reviews carefully. Do not just look at the Star ratings. Read through the written reviews, which reveal patterns. If you notice the same issue being mentioned over and over again, maybe that is your sign to look elsewhere. For example, if everyone keeps talking about noisy neighbours…..then the neighbours are definitely noisy.
Take a close look at the host’s profile. Verified IDs, multiple well-maintained listings and fast, polite communication are good signs. Send the host a question about the property before you commit yourself. If they respond clearly and promptly, you know that is a trustworthy host. But if they give vague or evasive replies….those are red flags.
You are now here at the location. Take a moment to scan the space for hidden cameras. There have been cases of surveillance devices disguised as smoke detectors or alarm clocks. All you need is a quick visual check or even using a phone flashlight to spot unusual lenses. A simple quick check really, but one that can give you peace of mind.
Also be wary of Airbnb’s policies. Cancellation terms, which vary from host to host can be surprisingly strict. Use the filters to search for properties with flexible cancellation policies and remember to keep all your communication (aka receipts) for when something goes wrong.
Finally, always have a backup plan in case things don’t go smoothly as planned. Have a short list of nearby hotels just in case listings get canceled or the property doesn’t match.
Alternatives to Airbnb
1. Hotels
Looks like Hotels are back in business. The only constant in life is change, or so they say. And Hotels have become surprisingly competitive again, especially in big cities where Airbnb’s costs have gone up. With hotels you are at least guaranteed of better service and no cleaning chores. And the quality is almost always predictable.
2. Boutique guesthouses and hostels
If you are looking for a more personal touch you could choose guesthouses and boutique. Hostels, meanwhile, remain a great choice for budget travelers who don’t mind shared spaces.
3. Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
Vrbo was around long before Airbnb. It offers a wide selection of vacation homes and is especially a stronger contender for larger properties and family-friendly stays.
4. Booking.com and Expedia
Primarily known for listing hotels, these platforms now include vacation rentals. At least on their websites you have the flexibility of comparing both options in one place. Their biggest selling point is that you can often cancel for free and deal directly with established companies.
We all agree that Airbnb changed the way the world travels. It came at a time when people were tired of hotels and party people wanted something new, somewhere they could party comfortably that is not a club. What began as two roommates renting out air mattresses grew into a global movement that promised authenticity and affordability. And yet, the complaints keep piling up.
That doesn’t mean you should write Airbnb off completely. With the right precautions, it can still offer unique and memorable stays. At the end of the day, Airbnb might no longer be the “travel hack” it once was, but it can still deliver the magic of staying in a home away from home, as long as you know what to look out for.
