Why I Won’t Be Using Airbnb Anymore—and Why You Shouldn’t Either

In recent years, Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel. The platform promised a unique, personalized experience—one that offered more than the sterile uniformity of a hotel room. For a while, it worked. But after my recent experience, I’m done with Airbnb, and I believe you should reconsider using it too.

My Experience: A Host-Centric Platform

I’ve been an avid user of Airbnb for years, always preferring the charm of staying in unique accommodation over a hotel. But my last experience was nothing short of a nightmare. The host was unable to provide necessary assistance, as they resided out of state and managed the property remotely. Additionally, the property experienced several maintenance issues and when I sought support from Airbnb, my concerns were not addressed adequately.

Although I provided substantial evidence regarding the challenges I encountered, it appeared that Airbnb's support team prioritized the interests of the host and their positive reviews over addressing my concerns. My 1-star review of the property was removed, which left me feeling disregarded and unsupported. It seems that Airbnb places a greater emphasis on maintaining host satisfaction rather than ensuring a positive experience for their guests.

The Bias Toward Hosts

One of the most troubling aspects of my experience was the blatant bias Airbnb showed toward the host. As a guest, I felt like my voice didn’t matter. It’s as if once you’ve paid, Airbnb washes its hands of any responsibility. If you encounter a problem, don’t expect them to back you up. Their priority is clearly the hosts who bring in the listings, not the customers who pay to stay there.

Inconsistent Quality and Reliability

Another issue with Airbnb is the inconsistency in the quality of the properties. Unlike hotels, which have standards to maintain, Airbnb properties can vary wildly in terms of cleanliness, amenities, and overall condition. The platform does little to enforce quality control, leaving guests to navigate a minefield of potential disappointments.

The Hidden Costs

Airbnb used to be a more affordable alternative to hotels, but that’s no longer the case. The platform is now flooded with hidden fees—cleaning fees, service fees, and sometimes even extra charges for basic amenities. By the time you add everything up, you might be paying more than you would for a hotel, without the reliability or service you’d expect.

Lack of Accountability

What happens when something goes wrong? In my case, not much. Airbnb’s customer service was nearly impossible to reach, and when I finally did get in touch, their response was unsatisfactory at best. There’s a lack of accountability on the platform—both from the hosts and Airbnb itself. If you have an issue, you’re pretty much on your own.

There Are Better Alternatives

After this experience, I’ve decided to move on from Airbnb, and I encourage you to do the same. There are plenty of alternatives out there that offer better customer service, more consistent quality, and a more transparent pricing model. Traditional hotels, vacation rental sites with stricter standards, or even boutique hotels can provide a much better experience without the risks and frustrations that come with Airbnb.

Final Thoughts: A Platform That’s Lost Its Way

Airbnb may have started with the best intentions, but it’s clear that the platform has lost its way. The focus has shifted from providing unique travel experiences to protecting hosts at all costs, even when they fail to meet basic standards. As a traveler, I can no longer trust Airbnb to provide the service and support I need to feel comfortable and secure during my stays.

If you value your peace of mind and want to avoid the headaches that come with using a platform that doesn’t prioritize its customers, it’s time to consider other options. I know I have, and I won’t be looking back.