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Travelers who use Airbnb hate its cleaning fees. You know, those annoying expenses attached to a property that supposedly cover the costs of tidying up the place for the next visitor.

In fact, they got so bad that in November, Airbnb said it was planning to make some big changes and make customer bills more transparent that should, in return, incentivize hosts to reduce or forgo them altogether.

To show you that this decision was long overdue, we at Bored Panda decided to compile some of the most absurd Airbnb cleaning fees people have noticed. Having said that, I guess it's better late than never, eh?

Continue scrolling to check them out and don't miss the conversation we had about the platform with travelers and authors of the blog Finding the Universe, Laurence and Jessica Norah; you'll find it spread in between the pictures.

#1

Port Huron, MI, Outrageous Airbnb 67$/Night Listing Came Out To 261$. Can't Forget The 150$ Cleaning Fee That Will Be Conducted By The Guest

Port Huron, MI, Outrageous Airbnb 67$/Night Listing Came Out To 261$. Can't Forget The 150$ Cleaning Fee That Will Be Conducted By The Guest

LockPuzzleheaded3519 Report

OnAFreakingRollercoaster
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Addendum: Please add $1/per breath taken per person inside Airbnb

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RELATED:
    #2

    Fees That Add $653 To A 2-Day $210 Per Night Airbnb

    Fees That Add $653 To A 2-Day $210 Per Night Airbnb

    Significant_Return47 Report

    Ni Na
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the reason why I now only use Hotels in USA. I loved airbnb a few years back in the USA but now it's almost double the price as a hotel.

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    Airbnb cleaning fees are a one-time charge pocketed by hosts to cover things like doing laundry or scrubbing toilets between stays. They're separate from the base price and are in addition to service fees or charges for optional add-ons.

    A NerdWallet analysis of 1,000 U.S. Airbnb reservations with check-in dates in 2022 or 2023 found that the median cleaning fee per listing for a one-night stay was $75.

    The analysis also discovered that cleaning fees amounted to about 25% of the total price paid. In fact, in almost 40% of listings, they were from 20% to 29.9% of the actual price. On a few listings, cleaning fees were even higher than the nightly rate.

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    #3

    $59 For One Night

    $59 For One Night

    NeilJacobs Report

    Keerthi Vardhan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we just clean it for 2 days by ourselves, and stay 2 days for free.

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    #4

    Airbnb Owner Expects Us To Tip His Cleaning Service He Hired On Top Of The $250 Cleaning Fee

    Airbnb Owner Expects Us To Tip His Cleaning Service He Hired On Top Of The $250 Cleaning Fee

    Rpark888 Report

    #5

    Namaste

    Namaste

    SamaraKlar Report

    However, that doesn't mean that the site is all bad. "We have used Airbnb many times over the years in destinations around the world," Laurence and Jessica Norah told Bored Panda, adding that one of the most recent apartments they rented was in Nairobi, Kenya, and they had it for four nights.

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    "We've generally had a positive experience with our stays. We have had a couple of negative experiences—one where the apartment had many issues like no heating or hot water, and one where the apartment no longer existed. In both cases Airbnb support was quite helpful," the couple recalled.

    #6

    Not Cool Airbnb

    Not Cool Airbnb

    NicolasOrdonez_ Report

    #7

    This Is Why Nobody Wants To Use Airbnb Anymore… Price Nearly Doubled After All The Fees

    This Is Why Nobody Wants To Use Airbnb Anymore… Price Nearly Doubled After All The Fees

    Tumbleweed-Eater Report

    Eric G
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, the best thing to happen for the housing market would be a complete collapse of Airbnb and all those investors that bought homes they don't use to use as Airbnb rentals. Also looking at you apartment owners that rent out apartments for airbnb. Airbnb has been a massive contributor to the global housing crisis causing expensive homes and way too high rents

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    #8

    How Airbnb Allows You To Be Charged A Large Cleaning Fee Then Be Required To Clean Before You Check Out

    How Airbnb Allows You To Be Charged A Large Cleaning Fee Then Be Required To Clean Before You Check Out

    f**kteachforamerica Report

    tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of these by themselves is fine, but together? What are you even paying the service fee for????????????????

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    #9

    Sure Can't Wait For The Airbnb Bubble To Pop

    Sure Can't Wait For The Airbnb Bubble To Pop

    cubansbottomdollar Report

    Pink kitty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's like home delivery for take away food. Used to be cheap. Then they started adding minimim order, delivery fees, and service fees and charges. The total of the fees is almost the same as the food total

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    When choosing a property, Laurence and Jessica said the most important thing is to read its latest reviews and to make sure people are getting the experience that is advertised.

    "When we have had issues, they have nearly always been with properties with very few or no reviews, where it's hard to see exactly what you are getting," the couple explained.

    #10

    My Airbnb Estimate - No Wonder Bookings Are Down

    My Airbnb Estimate - No Wonder Bookings Are Down

    WSNC-JBR Report

    The Deez
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How in the WORLD do they justify a booking fee when THE BOOKING IS DONE THROUGH AN APP?!?

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    #11

    This Airbnb Would Have Only Cost Us $278 To Book For 2 Nights, But Has A $405 Cleaning Fee!

    This Airbnb Would Have Only Cost Us $278 To Book For 2 Nights, But Has A $405 Cleaning Fee!

    alison_bee Report

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    #12

    All Those Fees

    All Those Fees

    SincerelyDedra Report

    #13

    My Airbnb Host Wanted Me To Tip Housekeeping…on Top Of The $200 Cleaning Fee

    My Airbnb Host Wanted Me To Tip Housekeeping…on Top Of The $200 Cleaning Fee

    Able-Cobbler5307 Report

    "I've heard you loud and clear—you feel like prices aren't transparent," Airbnb CEO Brain Chesky tweeted in November.

    The updates come as Airbnb has seen travel demand rebound from its pandemic lows. But it is still confronting a more uncertain economic environment, including high inflation and recession fears, that could weigh on its customers' purchasing decisions.

    "We started as an affordable alternative to hotels, and affordability is especially important today," Chesky wrote on Twitter. "During this difficult economic time, we need to help our Hosts provide great value to you."

    #14

    In Our Airbnb In The Middle Of Nowhere

    In Our Airbnb In The Middle Of Nowhere

    Lachesis92 Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Leave a tip on top of the fees we charged you, but don't be like that other tipper that we mock to other guests for not meeting our tipping standards! No need for us to thank you for your generosity as a closing to this note; shaming and bullying you into leaving more money in addition to what we already collected should do the trick. Come back again!"

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    #15

    This Misleading Airbnb Listing That Was Most Definitely Not $74/Night

    This Misleading Airbnb Listing That Was Most Definitely Not $74/Night

    rarosko Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does this host even get guests with that kind of skewed invoice system? (I'm certainly not booking this one!)

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    #16

    Just A Short List

    Just A Short List

    loreestark Report

    vglw
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Michigan time? I live in the part of Michigan that is in central time or do they mean the part of Michigan that is in eastern time? What in the seventh level of h*ll is Michigan time.........lol

    Tim
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess someone checked out late and said "Oh, my watch / phone / whatever was still on California time! My bad."

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    BoredNoof
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The cottage would be nicer if: You didnt make me clean the place while charging me a cleaning fee at the same freaking time!

    CJ Kelly
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe there wasn't a cleaning fee, or the fee was reasonable and meant for more in-depth cleaning like scrubbing toilets or something.

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    Leesa DeAndrea
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who wants to work that hard? Never been told to do any of that any hotel or motel I stayed at. Why do people put up with such nonsense?

    JustAChickenWing
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least you can leave the bed unmade :)

    Cadon Leviner
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What was your grade on your homework?

    Maul!
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m no expert, but should the towels and bath rugs be washed together? I find it unhygienic.

    Kate Koppen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    spend one of your vacation days cleaning... yeah no.

    Mya Lugar
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they have to leave the place the way they found it, I guess they won't have any cleaning charges on their bill?

    Amy Rhea
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I owned an Airbnb, I would want the cleaning staff washing the towels. I don’t get this request.

    Amanda Windsor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well at least you don't have to make the bed or wash the sheets. Plus doesn't look like they charge you for beaking stuff.

    Heather Talma
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you cross out stuff starting with the second sentence of 2 all the way through the end of 8 it becomes a reasonable list.

    CJ Kelly
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless there was an unreasonable cleaning fee, this isn't terribly demanding.

    ADHD McChick
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, but do you wash dishes, change the trash, and VACUUM??

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    Lena Flising
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sounds like what one does when staying at a youth hostel. But those are CHEAP, and no cleaning fee.

    Sophroniel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The cottage would be nicer if you fixed YOUR RIDICULOUS PRICES AND IF you changed YOUR LAUGHABLE EXPECTIONS, CONSIDERING YOU'RE OVERCHARGING EVERYTHING AND ALREADY CHARGING ME FOR A CLEANER, THEN ASKING ME TO CLEAN ON TOP OF THAT!! Ooops! MY FAITH IN HUMANITY broke."

    Axolotl Girl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oops! My temper broke when I read this

    Šimon Špaček
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are few good points, 1, 3, 5 (partly, if those are connected to smae power strip with button to turn it off, sure, but loading dishwasher... I don't know) and 9. The rest... nah. I would do that if my friend let me sleep in his cottage or something like that, but for place I had to pay for? It sounds bit too far.

    Cayanna P
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No she didn’t say use baking soda! Now that’s cleaning. And How am I supposed to remember how your furniture was when I got here?

    Karen Klinck Klinck
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first 'rule' makes perfect sense. The rest are--I'll be polite--unreasonable.

    ADHD McChick
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "This cottage would be nicer if: you fixed-your prices, instead of double charging your clients for the same thing housekeeping does. : (if) You changed- the way you deceitfully treat customers as cash cows. In fact, just go away. Oops! :My will to live, or at least ever stay in an Airbnb again -broke."

    Michael Parks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    None of this is unreasonable to do. When i leave a hotel i leave it clean. I strip the linens.

    Salty Wild Hair
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do they even leave the trash bags, laundry detergent, and other cleaning supplies for you to carry out these tasks or do you buy those as well?

    Pamela Blue
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh I'd fill in that note section all right. But it wouldn't say what they think it should. LOL!

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    #17

    Sounds Fair

    Sounds Fair

    THE_BLK_HOUSE Report

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure I'll pay you to make me clean this place!

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    Still, sometimes you might just prefer a hotel. "It's a lot easier for shorter trips," Laurence and Jessica Norah said. "We normally use Airbnb for stays of 3 nights or more as otherwise, the hassle of coordinating check-in and check-out times can be tricky."

    "In addition, a hotel is really useful for things like leaving luggage behind, and on-site amenities like a printer or restaurant. Often, a hotel can also be more reasonably priced as well."

    #18

    I’m Paying $200 Cleaning Fee And Expected To Do Most Of The Cleaning!

    I’m Paying $200 Cleaning Fee And Expected To Do Most Of The Cleaning!

    betrayed-by-potter Report

    Tim
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like it might be somewhere remote, hence the "bear box". Leaving dirty dishes can lead to animals like, well, bears, smashing into the house / cabin / whatever. Same with the BBQ. Even if it's just for a few hours.

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    #19

    27% Service Fee

    27% Service Fee

    LyskovAndrei Report

    material panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    build the service and cleaning fees into the price

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    #20

    Why?

    Why?

    ryanlwalker Report

    Wesley Yuen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The service fees going to AirBnB, the taxes goes to government (it’s the same fees charged at a hotel)

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    #21

    Insane

    Insane

    Whereartthou9 Report

    Dorothy Stovall
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know what the "service fee" is on all these. I'm done with AB&B anyway after spending four nights in Galveston, Texas (100+ degrees and only getting down to the mid 80s at night) where we were paying $150 a night for a unit smaller than a hotel room with a window unit that couldn't keep it any lower than 82 degrees at night. All this and claimed it was walking distance from the beach (yeah, if you're willing to walk 11 miles). Whole list of cleaning demands AND a steep cleaning fee. This is not the first time we've been cheated by

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    #22

    How About No

    How About No

    pitdesi Report

    cat favrot
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know who else is infamous for this nonsense? Ticketmaster. You know what words have never been uttered in the same sentence? "Wow, I really love Ticketmaster." Especially after you spend 20 minutes navigating through the ticket buying process just for a fee that is often more expensive than the tickets you're trying to buy. AirBnB is just as annoying and shady.

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    #23

    Not Cool

    Not Cool

    JonEJacobs Report

    Praecordia
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No the wild part is when they give you a list of cleaning chores to do before check out on top of that fee. Lol

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    #24

    Charge Ya Momma

    Charge Ya Momma

    kimmie_marshae Report

    LAP
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These reminders seem perfectly reasonable...turn off the lights, don't leave trash out in the open, what's wrong with that? Even the cleaning fee is not crazy. But the reason I'd never choose this place is because of their $205 service fee. $205 for what? To use an app? I'd choose a hotel instead.

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    #25

    Will Never Use Airbnb Or Vrbo Again. These Fees Are Insane!

    Will Never Use Airbnb Or Vrbo Again. These Fees Are Insane!

    Impressive-Onion5221 Report

    #26

    My First Airbnb Bill. I Booked This In February. The Website Says Nothing About Cleaning Or Service Fees Which Raises The Price 30%. Should Have Stayed In A Hotel

    My First Airbnb Bill. I Booked This In February. The Website Says Nothing About Cleaning Or Service Fees Which Raises The Price 30%. Should Have Stayed In A Hotel

    7dayweekendgirl Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #27

    Airbnb Is Refusing To Give Refund After Host Demands $250 Extra Before Arrival, Not Mentioned In Original Posting

    Airbnb Is Refusing To Give Refund After Host Demands $250 Extra Before Arrival, Not Mentioned In Original Posting

    big_hearted_jerk Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely worth a phone call! 1-844-234-2500

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    #28

    Fees On Airbnb

    Fees On Airbnb

    Post-jizz Report

    Steve Robert
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should change the name to AirAndBeRippedOff

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    #29

    Wow

    Wow

    breannawelsh Report

    Praecordia
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For 400$ a night you can stay at a 5 star hotel.

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    #30

    Airbnb Advertised As $20/Night - With Over $100 Of Additional Fees

    Airbnb Advertised As $20/Night - With Over $100 Of Additional Fees

    fuckitup_johnny Report

    Nancy Rolfe-Proctor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The problem lies in the set up of Airbnb. Cleaning for one night costs the same as a cleaning after a week's stay. That said, if you're doing all the cleaning there shouldn't be a cleaning charge. And yes there are slobs that don't respect other people's property. They should be eliminated from renting.

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    #31

    A Great "Deal" From Airbnb, Only $215 Per Night. Wait, Sorry, It's $462 Per Night

    A Great "Deal" From Airbnb, Only $215 Per Night. Wait, Sorry, It's $462 Per Night

    Mydesilife Report

    #32

    Airbnb Fees

    Airbnb Fees

    bodega_bladerunner Report

    #33

    Hmmmm

    Hmmmm

    whoisMELY Report

    #34

    This Sign Is Posted All Over The Airbnb We're Staying At. Are They Serious With This S**t?

    This Sign Is Posted All Over The Airbnb We're Staying At. Are They Serious With This S**t?

    retundamonkey Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kind of scary as you don't know what constitutes being "outside of the house" during a 12-hour period. There's a big difference between throwing a hot tub party at 2 a.m. and quietly walking to or from your own vehicle and getting reported to the owner by a voyeuristic neighbor. Either they and the host are in on this for financial gain, or the host has very hostile neighbors that do not appreciate them using their home as an Airbnb and they should not be hosting at all!

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    #35

    These Fees Are Getting Out Of Hand

    These Fees Are Getting Out Of Hand

    WolfgangBremer Report

    #36

    Just No

    Just No

    mikekarnj Report

    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What’s the problem here? If the price is for 8 guests, what’s wrong with extra fee for extra guests? Nothing is hidden..

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #37

    Wow

    Wow

    joumpac Report

    Pixie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't even understand this one, is it just me?

    #38

    Airbnb Pricing. Not Only Do They Add "Cleaning Fee" And "Service Fee" To The Nightly Rate, But The Nightly Rate Is Raised For "Extra Guests." I Selected 8 Guests For A House That Says 10 Guests. What Could Be A Reasonable $500 Stay Ends Up Doubled Due To Extra Fees

    Airbnb Pricing. Not Only Do They Add "Cleaning Fee" And "Service Fee" To The Nightly Rate, But The Nightly Rate Is Raised For "Extra Guests." I Selected 8 Guests For A House That Says 10 Guests. What Could Be A Reasonable $500 Stay Ends Up Doubled Due To Extra Fees

    Kjostid Report

    #39

    Feels Like False Advertising. Fees And Tax Are More Than The Room Rate. Airbnb

    Feels Like False Advertising. Fees And Tax Are More Than The Room Rate. Airbnb

    Earlspooperscooper Report

    #40

    Airbnb/Booking Hosts.. Where Do You People Get Off On This?

    Airbnb/Booking Hosts.. Where Do You People Get Off On This?

    NimbleMango Report

    Mary Smith
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tourism fee? Wtf at that and the "occupancy fee" I've been seeing on every other post. Gee, if I book an Air BnB, I wonder if I'm going to want to use the damn thing?!

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    #41

    Hmm

    Hmm

    AyatNieves Report

    #42

    Just No Words

    Just No Words

    butchsweaters Report

    #43

    Welcome To Capitalism 101

    Welcome To Capitalism 101

    MeStylePaandi Report

    #44

    Word

    Word

    whatthefedge Report

    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the EU the listed price legally has to be all inclusive, and it is on Airbnb. What you see is what you’ll pay, no hidden costs. The price breakdown might be crazy but here you’d see a 1141 price, leave it or take it.

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    #45

    Clean After Yourselves

    Clean After Yourselves

    bklyn_chic87 Report

    Hugendubel
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont do cleaning fee its just a tax thingy - however someone needs to do a piece on s****y guests - I had a plenty

    #46

    Amazing

    Amazing

    anylaurie16 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    $75 If You're Not Out On Time

    $75 If You're Not Out On Time

    TinaKastory Report

    April Stephens
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you don't want to use towels washed on Quick Wash, Tina, it looks like you're going to be doing laundry at the beginning and end of your vacation.

    #48

    How About No

    How About No

    mpb7496 Report

    Chucky Cheezburger
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure, no problem...that'll be $50 per machine started. Gratuity not included.

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    #49

    Hotel Is Less Than This

    Hotel Is Less Than This

    7_jsol Report

    Joi Cain
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I'm annoyed about the "guest fee". Then I see a "tourism fee" in here somewhere.

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