If an shared room in an AirBnB is more expensive - there is a problem

[Stephanie3390]

Many owners should rethink their pricing. When renting an entire house usually airbnb is more affordable and comfortable but when a regular room with shared space is more expensive than a three star hotel then there is a problem. Airbnb should really rethink its policies of charging a fee, clearning fee and taxes. What looked like an affordable option then becomes a pricy stay. Airbnb were supposed to be the cheaper and alternative option not just another form accomodation. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Stephanie3390 There is a slider you can select the gives you the total cost of a stay. Using this will help you find an overall cost that you can afford. Airbnb has moved on and, in addition to cheap places, now has many high end properties. The market (ie guests) will determine which properties book and which disappear so I would let market forces work rather than imposing rules.

[Kia272]

@Stephanie3390  Uh....AirBnB is in business. Fees are how they make money. So you're suggesting that they offer their services at no charge? 

AirBnB doesn't charge the cleaning fees, hosts do. Hosts manage that entirely, so you are not well informed if you think AirBnB is doing it. Hosts are entitled to run their businesses however they see fit. 

Taxes are an obligation. We all have to pay them. Are you suggesting that AirBnB break the law by not charging taxes? 

You have a choice to stay wherever you like- hotels, STRs, hostels, etc. I recommend that you stay at a place that suits you and is within your budget, but refrain from telling others how to run their businesses. 

"Airbnb were supposed to be the cheaper and alternative option." Alternative- yes, cheaper? Who said that? 

[Frances3408]

@Stephanie3390 . Hi Stephanie, yes Airbnb has repositioned itself over the years from its couch surfing days. But more regulations (including health and safety), taxes, higher utility prices etc all come at a cost. Who pays? Guests. 

I dont know if you'd like to stay at our local motel, currently rated 3.98 on Airbnb, but yes its the cheapest non shared accommodation.

As your famous Warren Buffet said "price is what you pay, value is what you get"