Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
2
Airbnb Host Allegedly Tries To Scam Family With A $7500 Damages Claim, Airbnb Takes Host’s Side
Interview With Author
Airbnb, founded in 2008, became a favorite for travelers by offering unique stays around the world, often providing a more authentic and sometimes cheaper alternative to hotels. However, in recent years, the platform has faced growing criticism, with users expressing concerns over steep cleaning fees, safety issues, and nightmare hosts.
Just last week, entrepreneur Luke Burgis took to X to share his frustration, claiming that an Airbnb host accused his family of causing a mysterious stain on the floor of their rental—one that would require a jaw-dropping $7,500 repair. Although Burgis was confident no damage had been done, he said the company had taken the owner’s side. But once his post went viral, things began to turn in his favor.
RELATED:
Entrepreneur Luke Burgis recently shared a frustrating experience with Airbnb, claiming that a host accused his family of causing $7,500 worth of damage to the rental
Image credits: Getty Images
He took to X to voice his complaint—and his post quickly went viral
Image credits: @lukeburgis
73% of people prefer hotels over Airbnbs, poll finds
Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)
Negative experiences reported by Airbnb users haven’t slowed its growth. With over 8 million active listings and $3.7 billion in revenue reported in November of last year, the platform remains a popular choice for many travelers. Still, complaints about the service continue to pile up.
According to a poll conducted by news website Boston.com, 73% of participants said they prefer hotels, 16% said it depends on the trip they’re planning, and just 11% chose Airbnb. While hotels were favored for shorter, solo trips, many said Airbnbs are better for longer stays with family, friends, or pets. For those who leaned toward hotels, Airbnbs felt less affordable than they used to be, largely due to cleaning fees and a lack of reliable service.
“If the options are there, I will always pick a hotel. I like the experience better—room service, cleaning, and concierge,” reader Keri from Maine shared with Boston.com. “The only thing is that they are often harder with small children.”
“I vote for hotels. Airbnb is too strict,” added Melissa. “When I stayed at an Airbnb, my host threatened to charge fees if anything went missing or out of place, I mean anything. I can’t relax under that kind of stress. I have good manners and take care of the places I stay. I’ve been choosing hotels since. I’ve also had several female friends complain about their male hosts hanging around when they weren’t supposed to be there, very creepy. Hotels all the way.”
In response, Sam Randall, a representative for Airbnb, told Boston.com that the company continues to see guest satisfaction and has introduced changes to improve the experience. These updates allow guests to see the total price upfront, including all fees before taxes, and the platform’s search algorithm now prioritizes total price over nightly rates to offer greater transparency.
The main draw of Airbnb appears to be the chance to travel more like a local while enjoying greater flexibility with amenities such as kitchens, pools, and shared spaces. This convenience is particularly appealing to families with kids or pets.
“I’ve always enjoyed the flexibility that Airbnb or VRBO afford me,” said Chris from Brookline. “I can cook breakfast or have a space where I can eat takeout comfortably. Hosts are always amenable to suggesting places to visit or eat, or the best bus route to get somewhere. And I’ve met hosts with interesting backgrounds and some have provided cooked-to-order breakfasts, wine, beer, and/or snacks. Great perks! Bottom line: many times the return on investment is better with an Airbnb/VRBO than what a hotel provides.”
Bored Panda reached out to Luke Burgis to ask whether his recent experience with Airbnb had put him off the service for good. “The experience has gone a very long way toward destroying my trust in the platform, but there is some hope left even in the rubble,” he told us. “I am not swearing it off completely quite yet, but I am making major changes to how I use it.”
Burgis shared how his relationship with Airbnb has evolved over the years. “When I was a single guy, I started using Airbnb because it gave me access to beautiful homes in places without hotels,” he explained. Now that he’s married, he echoes the sentiment of many others, saying his family often prefers Airbnb for multi-bedroom homes that are far better suited for traveling with children than hotels. For him, Airbnb still serves an important purpose.
“With that said, nobody wants the stress of wondering if they’re going to get hit with a $7,500 bill for a mystery stain on the floor that they know nothing about unless they remembered to take a 4K video of every square foot of the apartment the minute before they walk out the door,” Burgis pointed out. “Airbnb has a huge problem because they are a platform built entirely on trust, but they are rapidly losing it.”
He added, “And there is a mimetic cascade here: once it starts, it becomes a waterfall.”
Some users argued that the host needed to provide evidence to back up their accusations
Image credits: lukeburgis
Image credits: lukeburgis
Image credits: lukeburgis
Image credits: lukeburgis
Others were simply appalled by the situation
Image credits: MattBraynard
Image credits: TheyTrulyHateU
Image credits: War4theWest
Image credits: Bob_Janke
Image credits: TheDukeofKewpie
Image credits: rdub067
Image credits: jeffcharlesjr
Image credits: libertyleighton
Image credits: cagrown5
Image credits: TheRealMadOx
Image credits: realfrugalmogul
Meanwhile, more nightmare Airbnb stories began to surface in the comments
Image credits: @OfAthenry
Image credits: @MontereyBayJack
Image credits: @red_staterebel
Image credits: @adrianpaul1
Image credits: @DylanAbruscato
Image credits: @OpenVAERS
Image credits: @magiccatterfly
Image credits: @monkofjustice
Image credits: @real_dystopia
Image credits: @Loriss65
Later, Burgis posted an update confirming the issue had been resolved
Image credits: lukeburgis
Image credits: lukeburgis
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
What do you think ?
Cee Cee 10 months ago
I loathe Airbnb and their hosts. Took off big in my road some years ago. Numerous guests seem to be unable to read addresses and I often had people ring my doorbell thinking I was the host. My neighbour let his flat out on Airbnb. The other occupants got fed up with random strangers turning up, fire alarm being triggered and the frequent stench of weed. I got truly pi ssed off being woken at 3.30 in the morning by loud music. Complained to the host who gave me some bs about his right to let. Got hold of a copy of the lease - he was wrong. He no longer lets via Airbnb and now has a long term tenant.
Janelle Collard 10 months ago
AirBNBs took *lots* of affordable rental housing OFF the market in San Fran + Silicon Valley. And people wonder *why* people are moving out of these areas? Gee, I can't imagine./s
Ace 10 months ago
That's a problem caused by your politicians, not by Airbnb. Proper taxation on rental income and multiple home ownership would fix it. Nor is it a new problem, landlords have been buying up property to use for profit-making rentals for hundreds of years. Again, proper legislation and taxation are needed to tackle the problem. Good luck getting any of that, at least for the next four years.
Load More Replies...
Kathy Wilbourne 10 months ago
If you are staying at an Airbnb, especially in one that is relatively expensive, ESPECIALLY in the USA, do a walk-around video when you arrive and take photos of any damage you see. And take another video when you leave. I've stayed at more than 100 Airbnbs in several countries (none of which were in the USA) and have never had a real problem.
K. LNU 10 months ago
I'm very grateful that someone suggested we use a current newspaper (for the dates) in the videos.
Load More Replies...
Panda Kicki 10 months ago
I suppose there are a lot of difference between countries. Czech, Slovakia, Poland and Sweden has had dozens of stays with all sorts of host, all lovely. They put out toys for the kids, welcomed with a stocked fridge, no extra fee, never any issues with cleaning or damage. I love my Airbnb places.
Panda-sized Potato 10 months ago
This has nothing to do with countries. Hosts, no matter what country, could be good or bad. Most of the Hosts are good, but sometimes you get the bad. It's a gamble.
Load More Replies...
Crystalwitch60 10 months ago
Airbnbs are for greedy people they are destroying the hospitality trade big time thankfully I’m housebound and prefer staying at home in the stunning countryside in the Cotswolds where I live lol cos trust me after reading all the horror stories on here no way would I rent one ain’t exactly a holiday if u gotta take pics of entire place when u get there and again when you leave is it 😳
H Daven 10 months ago
I work in a 4 star hotel, central to nightlife in a major US city. We once had a guest pass out in the shower, clogging the drain. The resulting flood seeped down 4 flights and damaged 8 rooms, on top of the cost to repair the ceiling in the lobby. The total cost to the guest was $400 due to the $100 per night incidental fee.
ॐBoyGanesh 10 months ago
If you’re capable of booking an AirB&B you’ve read or heard the constant horror stories & scams. You get what you ask for. I recently stayed in a very posh “Pacific Rim” hotel in Vancouver whilst the friends I was meeting there (for a memorial) stayed at an AirB&B. It was a cottage on owners main property/home, but I thought it was more of a poorly/cheaply converted barn. They payed 1/3 less than me nightly, but with fees, etc it came to about $200/day more. They had so many chores to do & obligations to the property & also had to deal with the owners having a BBQ in the yard between them that ran late into the night. Meanwhile, I was in a 5-star hotel that comped a spa day & massage, had amazing food, great pool/hot tub, well-stocked (free weights!!!) gym, morning yoga, included buffet breakfast & relaxing lounge. Also housekeeping kept my room tidy & swapped out my towels/sheets with no extra charge. And I didn’t have to do laundry, wash dishes or make beds.
Sophia Athene 10 months ago (edited)
Yes, I shall go back in time and book a hotel to erase the AirBnB stay. I'm so glad you were here to tell me that so this problem could have easily been solved. But I do love doing things that I have no way of knowing this one bad personal experience was coming when the rest of my experience has been good./s
Load More Replies...
WonderWoman 10 months ago
AirBnB used to be great, had options and were generally cheaper than hotels, and better than motels. Then came the unscrupulous greedy people who have ruined the entire industry. Posting one price, then adding in cleaning fees and other nonsensical fees, requiring the guest to strip the beds, start the laundry, and basically do all the cleaning for them while still paying a cleaning fee. I won't use them after a few bad experiences. I will give my money to hotels, at least there I know what I am getting and what is expected of me and them.
Cee Cee 10 months ago
I loathe Airbnb and their hosts. Took off big in my road some years ago. Numerous guests seem to be unable to read addresses and I often had people ring my doorbell thinking I was the host. My neighbour let his flat out on Airbnb. The other occupants got fed up with random strangers turning up, fire alarm being triggered and the frequent stench of weed. I got truly pi ssed off being woken at 3.30 in the morning by loud music. Complained to the host who gave me some bs about his right to let. Got hold of a copy of the lease - he was wrong. He no longer lets via Airbnb and now has a long term tenant.
Janelle Collard 10 months ago
AirBNBs took *lots* of affordable rental housing OFF the market in San Fran + Silicon Valley. And people wonder *why* people are moving out of these areas? Gee, I can't imagine./s
Ace 10 months ago
That's a problem caused by your politicians, not by Airbnb. Proper taxation on rental income and multiple home ownership would fix it. Nor is it a new problem, landlords have been buying up property to use for profit-making rentals for hundreds of years. Again, proper legislation and taxation are needed to tackle the problem. Good luck getting any of that, at least for the next four years.
Load More Replies... Kathy Wilbourne 10 months ago
If you are staying at an Airbnb, especially in one that is relatively expensive, ESPECIALLY in the USA, do a walk-around video when you arrive and take photos of any damage you see. And take another video when you leave. I've stayed at more than 100 Airbnbs in several countries (none of which were in the USA) and have never had a real problem.
K. LNU 10 months ago
I'm very grateful that someone suggested we use a current newspaper (for the dates) in the videos.
Load More Replies... Panda Kicki 10 months ago
I suppose there are a lot of difference between countries. Czech, Slovakia, Poland and Sweden has had dozens of stays with all sorts of host, all lovely. They put out toys for the kids, welcomed with a stocked fridge, no extra fee, never any issues with cleaning or damage. I love my Airbnb places.
Panda-sized Potato 10 months ago
This has nothing to do with countries. Hosts, no matter what country, could be good or bad. Most of the Hosts are good, but sometimes you get the bad. It's a gamble.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 10 months ago
Airbnbs are for greedy people they are destroying the hospitality trade big time thankfully I’m housebound and prefer staying at home in the stunning countryside in the Cotswolds where I live lol cos trust me after reading all the horror stories on here no way would I rent one ain’t exactly a holiday if u gotta take pics of entire place when u get there and again when you leave is it 😳
H Daven 10 months ago
I work in a 4 star hotel, central to nightlife in a major US city. We once had a guest pass out in the shower, clogging the drain. The resulting flood seeped down 4 flights and damaged 8 rooms, on top of the cost to repair the ceiling in the lobby. The total cost to the guest was $400 due to the $100 per night incidental fee.
ॐBoyGanesh 10 months ago
If you’re capable of booking an AirB&B you’ve read or heard the constant horror stories & scams. You get what you ask for. I recently stayed in a very posh “Pacific Rim” hotel in Vancouver whilst the friends I was meeting there (for a memorial) stayed at an AirB&B. It was a cottage on owners main property/home, but I thought it was more of a poorly/cheaply converted barn. They payed 1/3 less than me nightly, but with fees, etc it came to about $200/day more. They had so many chores to do & obligations to the property & also had to deal with the owners having a BBQ in the yard between them that ran late into the night. Meanwhile, I was in a 5-star hotel that comped a spa day & massage, had amazing food, great pool/hot tub, well-stocked (free weights!!!) gym, morning yoga, included buffet breakfast & relaxing lounge. Also housekeeping kept my room tidy & swapped out my towels/sheets with no extra charge. And I didn’t have to do laundry, wash dishes or make beds.
Sophia Athene 10 months ago (edited)
Yes, I shall go back in time and book a hotel to erase the AirBnB stay. I'm so glad you were here to tell me that so this problem could have easily been solved. But I do love doing things that I have no way of knowing this one bad personal experience was coming when the rest of my experience has been good./s
Load More Replies... WonderWoman 10 months ago
AirBnB used to be great, had options and were generally cheaper than hotels, and better than motels. Then came the unscrupulous greedy people who have ruined the entire industry. Posting one price, then adding in cleaning fees and other nonsensical fees, requiring the guest to strip the beds, start the laundry, and basically do all the cleaning for them while still paying a cleaning fee. I won't use them after a few bad experiences. I will give my money to hotels, at least there I know what I am getting and what is expected of me and them.
Related on Bored Panda
27
29