Can host charge guest a fee that is not written on the listing?

[Claire1853]

I stayed at a hostel. I booked the hostel through Airbnb. The listing does not mention a fee for luggage drop. Just “luggage drop off is allowed when guests depart late or arrive early” is written. I assumed that it is free.

then the receptionist guy suddenly charged me 3.5£. What saddening me is that I saw the guy not charging other people who left their bags 5 seconds earlier than me.

I asked him why I needed to pay then he answered that it is because I’m not with them any more. I was speechless so just paid and left.

when I came back to the hostel, I met another receptionist. I asked about this then he said that it happens randomly.. and that he couldn’t do anything for me, saying that I can leave a review.

Apart from this discrimination part, I wonder if they can charge me for unwritten things.. I wonder what Airbnb can do for me..

[Claire1853]

Airbnb didn’t say anything but gave me 10 pounds coupon. 

[Claire1853]

I wonder why they can’t just deduct 3.5 pounds from the host payment

[Claire1853]

Airbnb says “We are not able to ask the host about this, this being why we gave you that coupon.”

[Debra300 · Accepted solution]

@Claire1853,

Luggage drop off is not a service offered through Airbnb, and offered you their best option.  The host provides it as an extra service, and has the right to charge a fee for it outside of Airbnb.  I do believe that the host should list the fee amount, but didn't break any rules by not doing so.