In light of Airbnb’s 2023 financial difficulties in certain areas of the world, there have been plenty of lively discussions since then about the platform’s potential downturn (it’s still hanging in there so far!). It seems Airbnb has rubbed many people the wrong way in recent years, with problems ranging from last-minute host cancellations to a laundry list of chores expected from guests before they check out.
A prevailing sentiment has emerged, with many participants collectively expressing hope for Airbnb’s decline. Consumers have overall the added expectations of staying at someone’s home (versus a hotel). This shift in attitude is fueling a renewed interest in traditional hotels.
This article will explore the factors contributing to this shift from Airbnb and the up-and-coming preference for hotel accommodations, as explained by forum users.
1. Insane Rental Prices (Long Term and Short Term)
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The housing market continues to soar to crazy numbers, which most of us mere mortals cannot afford. Yet, with a lack of rentals and ballooning rates, many people are unsure how they will keep a roof over their heads for years to come. Some people theorize that Airbnb has played a large role in this, as home buyers buy up real estate solely for Airbnb income (tourists) rather than for locals.
2. Air Fee and Fee
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Many people note that the cleaning fees, taxes, and “additional” fees that seem to be tacked on to each reservation are getting out of control, too. Someone shares, “I can hardly believe the fees and taxes Airbnb charges these days. It makes it more expensive than a hotel.”
3. Unpredictable Experiences
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Many users reported stories of disappointing stays due to misrepresented homes, inability to check in smoothly, last-minute cancellations, and more. After a terrible experience with minimal repercussions for the homeowners and no help for travelers, many swore they’d never use Airbnb again.
4. Ridiculous House Rules
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Most travelers are over all the house rules in an Airbnb. Not only are they required to take out the trash, strip the beds, and keep the kitchen spotless- but they also have to pay a huge cleaning fee. How does that work?
5. The Housing Market Badly Needs a Correction
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People from traditionally “cheaper” parts of the US (and the world) mentioned how insane the rental market is getting for locals, even in rural areas in the middle of nowhere in states like Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Many others were flabbergasted as to why Airbnb is even needed in these areas.
A woman in Arkansas says she’s cheering for an Airbnb collapse if it’ll help reset the housing prices in her area in any way.
6. Rampant Evictions
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One user shares, “I was evicted twice so they could cut my home in half and make two microsuite Airbnbs out of it.” He wasn’t alone in this. Someone else shares that 80% of their apartment complex was evicted for this reason.
7. Turning Family Neighborhoods into Hotels
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Someone shares, “I want it to collapse for those who bought a house, just to put it on Airbnb. Many of those homes are in neighborhoods that don’t want weekly renters showing up. People/families put a lot into their homes and want a good neighborhood with other friends and families.”
Constant tenant turnover can make it unsettling for long-term residents.
8. A Cool Idea Turned Upside Down
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Another user makes a good point: “The original idea of Airbnb is really neat. Crash in a spare bedroom, and get to meet locals in a new city. But it turned into a way for the rich to once again use the massive amounts of money they already have to screw over the lower classes.”
People ask, can we go back to the good old days of cost sharing for the better good of all?
9. Scalpers
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To make the prices even more ludicrous, middlemen often rent Airbnbs, too (for profit, of course). “Here are people that don’t even buy properties; they just rent them (homes & apartments), then sublease them on Airbnb. They are just being “scalpers” at that point.” While this is legal as long as all parties agree, it can further hike up costs.
10. Last-Minute Changes
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Have you ever heard of a hotel that cancels your booking at the last minute? Us neither.
Yet, Airbnb is known for random, last-minute cancellations that leave those about to travel trying to find new accommodation at the last minute, and often at a steeper price. This can be super frustrating for anyone planning ahead, only to have it all crushed.
11. Professional Convenience
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Hotels offer professional services such as front desk assistance, concierge services, room service, and maintenance, which can provide a sense of convenience and comfort that Airbnb fails to.
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