Airbnb and Dealing with Frauds and Unfair Practices
Traveling is a rewarding experience, but it can sometimes be fraught with disappointments and frustrations. One common issue that many travelers face is encountering fraud or unfair practices when booking vacation rentals through popular online platforms such as Airbnb and In this article, we will explore the experiences of several travelers who faced these issues and share their stories of dealing with these companies.
Experiencing Frauds in Vacation Rentals
Travis, an Airbnb and user, shares his experiences of fraud while booking vacation rentals. Here are some of the stories:
A woman fixed up a mediocre place with borrowed items that were not present during his stay, resulting in a less-than-expected experience.
A host charged an unexpected late check-out fee of $65 on a $75 property for a two-hour extension.
Another host wrote a negative review after Travis spent a week at his place, despite Travis not complaining about the broken bed or needing more services.
Responding to Problems
When faced with these issues, what steps did Travis and other travelers take to resolve them?
Travis' Response:
Travis initially demanded a dinner provision as part of his stay, which was not honored by the host.
When Travis checked the kitchen and found dishes piled up, he asked if he could clean them but was refused, with a later claim that he let them pile up in his review.
Travis communicated with the company, requesting the collection of the late check-out fee and the incident with the negative review.
Company's Response:
The Airbnb team claimed they were merely a platform and did not take immediate action regarding the late check-out fee as they were not the host.
Regarding the negative review, they stated that they allowed the hosts to publish the original review even after Travis disputed it, citing freedom of expression.
Lessons Learnt and Insights
Despite the occasional issues, Travis has a generally positive view of the companies and the overall experience. He offers some valuable insights:
Some owners provide exceptional service and cater to every reasonable request, while others prioritize financial gain over guest satisfaction.
The companies often save guests a significant amount of money compared to booking directly with a hotel.
Most hosts try their best to ensure a great stay despite occasional conflicts.
Tips for Travelers:
When booking a vacation rental, ask if you can drop off luggage in the morning and check in at the regular time instead of requesting an early check-in.
While encountering fraud or unfair practices in vacation rentals can be frustrating, it's important to communicate effectively and stay informed about the rights and protections offered by the booking platforms.
Conclusion:
Although some travelers may face challenges and disappointments, services like Airbnb and offer significant benefits and can greatly enhance the vacation rental experience. By sharing their stories and lessons learned, both travelers and platform providers can work together to ensure a smooth and satisfying journey for all parties involved.