Starting at the end of April, Airbnb will no longer allow hosts to have security cameras inside their rental properties, citing a commitment to prioritizing guest privacy.
But this policy may struggle to address the camera problem at large, as the company has already required hosts to disclose the indoor cameras, and guests have sometimes reported hidden and undisclosed cameras.
The new rules also require hosts to disclose to guests whether they are using noise decibel monitors or outdoor cameras before guests book.
“This just emphasizes the fact that surveillance always gives a huge amount of power to whoever controls the camera system,” says Fox Cahn. “When it's used in a property you're renting, whether it's a landlord or an Airbnb, it's ripe for abuse.”
For me it's about the customer service. I stayed in 30 airbnbs in 2 years and when I needed Airbnb, they fully sided with the host who was lying and faked chat screenshots, didn't bother to get any proof from my side and just penalised me.
On the other hand, with Booking, I always felt fully supported by customer service.
I'll only use airbnb if there's absolutely no other option. It's a liability, even more for longer stays.
Really depends on the location.
When staying in Europe, i never had crazy fees or todos when leaving.
Booking is sometimes a bit cheaper, but next stay is agaon booked via Airbnb thanks to an offer on a listing i wanted.
Yeah I hear a lot of old man "just pay a little more for hotels" these days. Airbnbs are almost always still cheaper. And read reviews, send questions, like 99% I've been to have wayyyy better cleaning services and care than hotels.
I think people are choosing the sketch ass $30/day places and upset when the experience isn't like staying in a Hilton. I've stayed in two story apartments in central Paris, oceanfront houses, and old school A-frame cabins all for under $130/day. Just gotta put the work in up front.
For sure. I guess I was thinking mostly for domestic travel within the US. But yeah, definitely weigh your options and see which one gives more bang for your buck.
Too little and too late. Airbnb can’t even enforce the property owners to honor their own terms and conditions. Good luck enforcing this new rule on cameras.