Going on holiday should be straightforward. You pick a destination. You buy your tickets. You book a room at some cozy little place. You pack your bags. And then you’re off on an adventure! Sadly, life often isn’t as smooth as that.
That place you booked? You might have just accidentally stumbled on a nightmare waiting to happen. We’ve compiled a list of the very worst experiences travelers have had with Airbnb hosts and homes, as shared by the r/mildlyinfuriating online community. Check ‘em out below. Pssst, Pandas, if your host is arguing that a rat you saw in the kitchen is ‘actually a mouse,’ it’s best to book a hotel in the future.
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Found A Camera In My Air B&b. It Was Halfway Behind The Painting With Only The Lens Peeking Out. Discovered It Because We Heard It Clicking After Me And My Girl Got Out Of The Shower
More Reasons To Hate Airbnb. I Went On A Trip Several Weeks Ago To New Orleans, And Our Airbnb Host Didn't Tell Us Until We Landed That The Pool Was Unusable. The A/C In 80% Of The House Was Broken Too
My Friend Got This Response When Telling The Airbnb Owner There Was A Mouse
The r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit is practically a legend on the internet. Created more than a decade ago, way back in June 2012, it’s now home to nearly 6.7 million members from all around the World Wide Web.
Members of the online community share the ‘mildly infuriating’ things that have happened to them. These can range from dealing with rude people and frustrating bureaucracy to rising prices and… horrible experiences with Airbnb and other companies.
The “Mattress” At My Airbnb
This Is The Hot Tub Of The Airbnb Which Was The Main Reason Why I Rented The Spot. Smelled Terrible And Was Obviously Not Cleaned In Forever
Exactly What You Do Not Want To See In A Cupboard As You Pack Out Of Your Airbnb
According to Airbnb, if you ever have a problem during your stay, you should document the issue and get in touch with your host. The company notes that guests have 72 hours (3 days) to report any issues they find to either the host or Airbnb itself.
It’s recommended that you take photos or film the problem so that there’s evidence, whether you’re dealing with a broken chair or something far more serious.
I Reserved An Airbnb With Sea View.... Can't Complaint
Port Huron, Mi Outrageous Airbnb 67$/Night Listing Came Out To 261$. Cant Forget The 150$ Cleaning Fee That Will Be Conducted By The Guest
Airbnb Host Tries To Slander Me
To be fair, many hosts are going to be able and willing to sort out whatever problem their guests face. It’s in their best interest to do so, after all. If they’re rude or inattentive, if their property is absolutely awful, they won’t have much business in the future.
Reputation has always mattered. But it’s even more important in this day and age, when it’s so easy to collect proof of (lack of) quality service.
Airbnb Wasn’t What We Were Expecting
I Don’t Even Know Why I Bothered Looking At Airbnb
Airbnb Host Tried To Charge Us For Changing Settings On A Thermostat
If your host is able and willing to help you out, then fantastic. However, if the problem is serious enough that you can’t stay at the place you’ve booked, you may want to ask for a refund. Airbnb prefers it if the guests and hosts work out any problems they have between themselves, directly. However, if your host is uncommunicative or unwilling to refund you your hard-earned cash, get in touch with the company directly.
My Airbnb Host Said “The Keysafe Is Near The White Door… It Is Silver With Black Plastic”
"This is the LockpickingLawyer, and today we are gonna see how fast we can get these open, only using paperclip"
I Checked Into My Airbnb Apartment In Seattle Today And Saw This When I Opened The Fridge. F**k Everything About This
Water Has Been Piss-Yellow And Metallic Tasting In Our Airbnb For A Week Now. Owner Says They Can’t Do Anything About It
“If we find it’s an issue that’s supported by AirCover for guests, we’ll help you find a similar place, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If a similar place isn’t available or you’d prefer not to rebook, we’ll give you a full or partial refund,” the Airbnb team explains on the company’s website how they approach problematic situations.
Found This Camera In My Vacation Rental
This Knife At The Airbnb We Stayed At
The Sheets At My Airbnb. Homeowner Wouldn’t Answer The Phone Because It Was The Sabbath And He Couldn’t Work
All travelers have very different needs and expectations. That’s why it’s so important that Airbnb hosts are super transparent about their property. If the listing photos, descriptions, and reviews match reality, then everything’s fantastic. So long as the guests know what they’re signing up for, there shouldn’t be too many issues. Problems pop up when the listing is portrayed as far more glamorous than it really is.
To put it bluntly: you do not want to dash your guests’ expectations. If your property hasn’t been renovated in ages, don’t try to hide the fact by posting photos from a decade ago, when the home looked better. Guests who feel that they’ve been lied to are going to feel insulted. On the flip side, someone who gets exactly what they were promised will have come to terms with the fact their stay may be slightly uncomfortable.
The Most Absurdly Thin Toilet Paper I Have Ever Seen, Found In My Airbnb
Air Quality Tests From My Airbnb Where The Host Claimed Not To Smell Any Mold (Control Test On Top). Support Refused My Refund
Airbnb Host Asking For Tips
Here’s a tip, Marzipan, sell the house to someone who needs housing to live in.
Airbnb notes that the top amenities that guests want include having a pool, a hot tub, wifi, a kitchen (obviously), free parking, air conditioning and/or heating, a washer or dryer, TV or cable, a fireplace, and self-check-in. These are all things that are nice to have. Though arguably, having access to wifi and a kitchen is far more important than having the luxury of washing your stress away in a hot tub.
Only Cheese Grater At The Airbnb I’m Staying At
Booked An Airbnb For The Family Because One Of Us Has An Open Heart Surgery Near That Town. Reviews For Cleanliness Were Outstanding. 5 Minutes Into Our Stay This Is What Our Socks Turned Into Just Walking Around. Host Refuses To Cancel/Refund
This Bathroom In An Airbnb
Just in case you need a potty break while you're on the stairmaster.
Then again, people travel for different reasons. Some just need a logistically sound place to crash because they’re all about active adventuring. Others may genuinely want to unwind in style at the Airbnb home. Hosts need to understand what kinds of travelers they’re attracting with their properties. If they can identify their target audience and cater to them better, they’re more likely to grow a loyal following.
I’ve Never Felt So Gigantic (Airbnb In Italy)
Well, if it's in the toilets to wash your hands, I see no problem. If it's in the bathroom it's a bit different though
$700-A-Night Airbnb And They Gave Us Half A Sponge
If You Needed Another Reason To Hate Airbnb. 2 Weeks Before Our Reservation Our Hosts Tells Us He Over Booked?? More In Comments
Meanwhile, guests have some other very common sense expectations. When they arrive at a property, they want the place to have the essentials, from toilet paper and soap to fresh towels, linens, and pillows. Moreover, if your guests happen to be working remotely during their trip, they’ll want a reliable wifi connection, a space where they can work comfortably, and good lighting. Even providing something as simple as some paper and a pen can make all the difference for pros working remotely.
17 Hrs In Transit Sydney To La, Just Want To Get Into My Airbnb And Sleep, Jet Lagged, Delirious, Airbnb App Makes Me Do Seven Rat Maze Puzzles For Security Check Ayfkm
The Bathroom In My Airbnb In Helsinki, Finland. On The Bright Side, I Could Potentially Brush My Teeth, Shower, And Drop A Number 2 At The Same Time
This TV At The Airbnb Im Staying At
At the end of the day, no matter what niche of customers you cater to, your goal as a host is to provide quality. That means maintaining and renovating your property as needed. That means ensuring that your place is spotless every time you have a new guest. And that means being available to fix any issues that might pop up. Remember, if your guests spotted a rat running through your kitchen and snapped a photo, your initial reaction should not be to argue that it’s not a rat but a mouse.
What's your worst Airbnb story, dear Pandas? Tell us all about it in the comments.
The Owners Of My Airbnb Were Definitely Trying To Torture Us
While My Family With Young Kids Were Staying At This Airbnb, A Old Man Walked Into The Backyard And Started Draining The Pool
Imagine, wanting use of the pool. So unreasonable. I mean, you go to a hotel, there's no way the hotel will let you swim. Oh, wait. NVM.
Drove 12 Hours To Our Airbnb Hoping To Get Some Rest, And It’s 37 Degrees In Here
Cant tell if Celcius or Farenheight... Both are equally frightening...
This Airbnb Host's Kitchen Rules
Exit Sign Inside My Airbnb
Notice To Airbnb Guests
Airbnb Host Lies About Bed Bugs, Then Cancels Reservation Before I Can Write A Review
My Airbnb Assured Me They Have A “Very Safe” Baby Gate
I Moved The Coffee Maker At An Airbnb And Found This
The Bathroom “Shower” In My Airbnb…
The Airbnb I'm At Has The Toilet So Close To The Sink I Can Wash My Hands And Poop At The Same Time
Airbnb Asking For Tips After Charging A Cleaning Fee
Outlets At My Airbnb (USA)
Airbnb Owner Expects Us To Tip His Cleaning Service He Hired On Top Of The $250 Cleaning Fee
Give your housekeepers a proper share of the $250 (or, you know, all of it), that’s my tip for you.
Airbnb: This Second Bedroom. .
Left A 4 Star Review On An Airbnb. Host Messaged Me This Afterwards
Impeccable Interior Design
Airbnb. Really?
How Airbnb Allows You To Be Charged A Large Cleaning Fee Then Be Required To Clean Before You Check Out
Two Bedroom Airbnb
My Dads Airbnb In London Is Flooded
We'll only add half of the water leakage consumption to your bill as a courtesy 👍
Airbnb Left A Slightly Shitty Review Of Me
Our Airbnb Host Forgot To Mention The Roof Replacement In Our Attic Appartment
Found Black Mold In My Airbnb And Didn’t Even Get A Full Refund. They Said According To Policy That The Host Had To Approve And They Didn’t…
Im Was At An Airbnb With This Extremely Dirty Sponge (Left). We Asked The Owner A Clearer One And She Gave Us This(Right)
Eeeeew. But that wouldn't be the first time there ere dirty sponges and used rags at any Aird BnB I have ever booked. In fact, we bring our own.
To The Guy Saying His Airbnb Had A Sink Too Close To The Toilet… I Wanted To Welcome Myself To The Club
Airbnb Host Asks This After A $350 Cleaning Fee While Being Asked To Strip All Sheets, Take Out All Trash And Run Dishwasher…
I'm starting to think there's a scam going on with these cleaning fees...hmmm...
The Skylights In This Airbnb (And The Culprit)
Airbnb Host Charging Additional Cleaning Fees?
The Wi-Fi Password At My Airbnb In France
Take a photo with your smartphone and use live text or any ocr, it takes 5 seconds.
They Said There Was A Sea View At Our Airbnb
I Have Never Once Stayed At An Airbnb And Found Non-Stick Pans That Don’t Look Like They’ve Been Sandblasted
Disgusting Airbnb In Quebec City
This Shower In My Airbnb. I’m Not Even Overly Tall, I’m About 6’2”
You Mean, Leave The Deadbolt Unlocked? Air Bnb In A Busy City Center
Those Toilets In The Airbnb I Rented
This reminds me of the apartment we rented in the '90s. We made arrangements and checked and double-checked that the apartment would be suitable for my disabled grandfather and that there would be enough space for us to help him around. First, there were stairs when they had promised that there were none, and then the bathroom was this size. It was hell getting him in and out of it, and we couldn't close the door, that led straight into the cooking area of the kitchen.
Airbnb Is Getting Out Of Hand
The Oven In My Airbnb Can’t Open Past This Point Due To The Rest Of The Kitchen Counter Blocking It
This Lamp On The Side Of The Room Where There Are No Outlets(Airbnb) Lol
My Airbnb Host Wanted Me To Tip Housekeeping…on Top Of The $200 Cleaning Fee
This Misleading Airbnb Listing That Was Most Definitely Not $74/Night
Talk to your government instead of whining. It’s the same at any shop or restaurant where you have to add service fees and taxes to the prices. Everywhere else in the world the price must include everything.
This Airbnb Has A $125 Cleaning Fee...and A Tip Request
The Iron At My Airbnb I Just Checked Into. Have To Leave For A Wedding In 45min, So Will Probably Be Wrinkly
Curtain Rod At Airbnb Came Crashing Down On My Fiancés Head… It Was Held Up By These Tiny Screws In Just The Drywall
Stayed At An Airbnb And The Egg Tray Was On The Top Shelf. Safe To Say It Didn’t Belong There
my first thought from the picture was, who puts cracked eggs in the fridge? 😅
So I Visited My Cousin At His Airbnb Cabin Yesterday, And I Found This
I Tried To Open The A/C Vent
I don't see the problem here besides maybe a stuck vent mechanism. I have similar floor vents for my forced air heating system. Sometimes a lever can get stuck. But they just sit in the whole. They are rarely sealed in so you can just lift them out and move the vents with your hand from the other side.
The Placement Of This Toilet In My Airbnb
Just Arrived At My Airbnb In Sao Paulo At 3am. Host Is Obviously Also And Support Is Useless
Sorry, I'm probably being slow here, but can one of my fellow pandas explain this, please?
At An Airbnb. What Kind Of Savage Lives Like This?
I'm sure lots of people have kitchen drawers like that in their own homes. I certainly wouldn't view it as acceptable in my apartments, but I can imagine that some people's hosting model is just "here's my house, you can use it while I'm away" and not realise they should address things like this.
This Wall Art In My Sicilian Airbnb
They don't fit together however you arrange them. Probably got them cheap.
The Placement Of These Mirrors In My Airbnb
As someone that is 203 cm/6'8" tall, most mirrors are way too low, so I'd like this.
Mixed Bulbs At Our Airbnb
Guests At My Airbnb Destroyed The Rug
How The Kitchen And The Living Room Floor Meets In My Airbnb
Exactly What You Do Not Want To See In A Cupboard As You Pack Out Of Your Airbnb
This Cup In An Airbnb Looks Like It's Broken
What is wrong with you that you find reason to complain about this?
What is the matter with you all? Stay in a hotel, airbnbs are obviously not regulated.
I hate how they have taken away housing and have driven the price of rent up. It was supposed to be a extra room you rent out for cheap not entire homes or apartments.
I have said this before and I will keep saying it. My Airbnb has a consistent 5* rating. The fee you see is what you pay. The comments range from being bigger than expected to spotlessly clean. We provide a welcome box, with a bottle of fresh milk in the fridge. There is an area of the patio set aside for guests. There are no cameras, no cleaning fee and no animals of any kind. Guess what? I'm in the UK.
Apparently it works the same way across Europe. They are cheap and most of them are in acceptable condition (even the super cheap ones with 3-4 star rating are usually ok)
Load More Replies...So what have I learned from all of this, never, ever ever, stay at an Air BNB when traveling abroad!!!!
*when traveling in the USA. I’ve stayed at 200+ airbnbs (or similar) in Europe without a single issue. Never had to pay more, never found any camera, never had to go through a chore list (the max being throwing garbage). It’s a game changer when you travel with more than 2 persons. Don’t mistake us issues with airbnb issues.
Load More Replies...Is that an American thing? I've used AirBnB a couple times in Europe this year and there were no cleaning fees at all and I was not expected to do anything. Places were great and well equipped.
TBh, often there are cleaning fees in Europe as well. But there is a big difference : all the prices that you see must be all inclusive. You know from the start what you’re going to pay. The owners cannot advertise a ridiculously cheap price and then add gigantic fees at the next step. Thus there is no abuse and these fees when they exist are reasonable. And you don’t really care about the price breakdown. What’s the difference between paying 200 all inclusive or 150+50 cleaning fees?
Load More Replies...I don't think it's fair to s**t only on Airbnb. All the incidents listed here are because of hosts and not Airbnb. Those hosts would be same on a different renting platform. What makes my blood boil is Airbnb none existent service. They refuse to resolve anything.
i do. airbnb is a scourge and is preventing affordable housing.
Load More Replies...I can imagine why anyone would use Airbnb ever…….. a hotel is SO much better
Just stay in a hotel! For those prices you could stay in a nice 5-star place with room service and NO cleaning fee.
Motel or hotel would be cheaper. You have all read these stories before yet you still keep using airb&b.
Kindly messaged our room-rental shared kitchen & bath Airbnb owner that there was black mold in the shower. They lived in the other half of the building, so were on-site and I just assumed they might not know, even telling them I understood how humid it was. They got mad at me and sent a long message about humidity and how there's no point in trying to wipe it down until the humidity stopped... I wiped it down with shampoo and paper towel while I showered, because my friend was scared of either being kicked out, or getting a bad guest rating since she booked... I would never now. Hotels are obligated to change or refund your room if there are health and sanitation issues. Also, no hidden fees, or extra charges...unless you totally trash the place.
In the U.K its more about "somewhere to rest your head" rather than an experience. Possibly why there are fewer complaints. I stay in hotels; granted clean sheets, no need to interact with people, room service, no cameras, a bar area where dogs are allowed, you get to meet interesting people, you can't beat it.
Rented a room once in Santa Fe. Rainy weekend and roof leaked onto my bed!!! Not only that. Owner complained after I left about my overuse of paper products!!!
Apparently these are way better anywhere besides the USA. I am not surprised.
I have never understood the appeal of staying in an Airbnb. I'm uncomfortable enough staying at a friend's house when visiting. Staying in a complete stranger's home is just nuts. And never mind the fact that with the ridiculous fees, an Airbnb is now usually going to be much more expensive than an equivalent hotel stay. No. Thank. You.
Congratulations to all these hosts in their selfless crusade to reinvigorate the hotel industry. I'd rather stay in a "motel no-tell" than any of these places
Air B&B have gotten so ridiculous for a refular single bedroom charge plus fees- it has gotten way more expensive than a normal hotel. I'm from the States. Air b&b s use to be affordable and reasonable- now they try to charge over $300 for a basic room when i can get the same room at a hotel for $120-150 depending on the city. And hotels don't have any risk of an extra unexpected $150 fake charge. I use to love air bnb but now it's a trap. Don't do it! Air B&B will not support your claim even when you have time stamp pictures. Hotels are the safest way to go
What is the matter with you all? Stay in a hotel, airbnbs are obviously not regulated.
I hate how they have taken away housing and have driven the price of rent up. It was supposed to be a extra room you rent out for cheap not entire homes or apartments.
I have said this before and I will keep saying it. My Airbnb has a consistent 5* rating. The fee you see is what you pay. The comments range from being bigger than expected to spotlessly clean. We provide a welcome box, with a bottle of fresh milk in the fridge. There is an area of the patio set aside for guests. There are no cameras, no cleaning fee and no animals of any kind. Guess what? I'm in the UK.
Apparently it works the same way across Europe. They are cheap and most of them are in acceptable condition (even the super cheap ones with 3-4 star rating are usually ok)
Load More Replies...So what have I learned from all of this, never, ever ever, stay at an Air BNB when traveling abroad!!!!
*when traveling in the USA. I’ve stayed at 200+ airbnbs (or similar) in Europe without a single issue. Never had to pay more, never found any camera, never had to go through a chore list (the max being throwing garbage). It’s a game changer when you travel with more than 2 persons. Don’t mistake us issues with airbnb issues.
Load More Replies...Is that an American thing? I've used AirBnB a couple times in Europe this year and there were no cleaning fees at all and I was not expected to do anything. Places were great and well equipped.
TBh, often there are cleaning fees in Europe as well. But there is a big difference : all the prices that you see must be all inclusive. You know from the start what you’re going to pay. The owners cannot advertise a ridiculously cheap price and then add gigantic fees at the next step. Thus there is no abuse and these fees when they exist are reasonable. And you don’t really care about the price breakdown. What’s the difference between paying 200 all inclusive or 150+50 cleaning fees?
Load More Replies...I don't think it's fair to s**t only on Airbnb. All the incidents listed here are because of hosts and not Airbnb. Those hosts would be same on a different renting platform. What makes my blood boil is Airbnb none existent service. They refuse to resolve anything.
i do. airbnb is a scourge and is preventing affordable housing.
Load More Replies...I can imagine why anyone would use Airbnb ever…….. a hotel is SO much better
Just stay in a hotel! For those prices you could stay in a nice 5-star place with room service and NO cleaning fee.
Motel or hotel would be cheaper. You have all read these stories before yet you still keep using airb&b.
Kindly messaged our room-rental shared kitchen & bath Airbnb owner that there was black mold in the shower. They lived in the other half of the building, so were on-site and I just assumed they might not know, even telling them I understood how humid it was. They got mad at me and sent a long message about humidity and how there's no point in trying to wipe it down until the humidity stopped... I wiped it down with shampoo and paper towel while I showered, because my friend was scared of either being kicked out, or getting a bad guest rating since she booked... I would never now. Hotels are obligated to change or refund your room if there are health and sanitation issues. Also, no hidden fees, or extra charges...unless you totally trash the place.
In the U.K its more about "somewhere to rest your head" rather than an experience. Possibly why there are fewer complaints. I stay in hotels; granted clean sheets, no need to interact with people, room service, no cameras, a bar area where dogs are allowed, you get to meet interesting people, you can't beat it.
Rented a room once in Santa Fe. Rainy weekend and roof leaked onto my bed!!! Not only that. Owner complained after I left about my overuse of paper products!!!
Apparently these are way better anywhere besides the USA. I am not surprised.
I have never understood the appeal of staying in an Airbnb. I'm uncomfortable enough staying at a friend's house when visiting. Staying in a complete stranger's home is just nuts. And never mind the fact that with the ridiculous fees, an Airbnb is now usually going to be much more expensive than an equivalent hotel stay. No. Thank. You.
Congratulations to all these hosts in their selfless crusade to reinvigorate the hotel industry. I'd rather stay in a "motel no-tell" than any of these places
Air B&B have gotten so ridiculous for a refular single bedroom charge plus fees- it has gotten way more expensive than a normal hotel. I'm from the States. Air b&b s use to be affordable and reasonable- now they try to charge over $300 for a basic room when i can get the same room at a hotel for $120-150 depending on the city. And hotels don't have any risk of an extra unexpected $150 fake charge. I use to love air bnb but now it's a trap. Don't do it! Air B&B will not support your claim even when you have time stamp pictures. Hotels are the safest way to go