Can I attach pictures or links to my reviews?

[James471]

I will be renting a unit this August and this will be my first foray into Airbnb. I am quite excited because the apartment that I am about to occupy has all the necessary facilities, especially the kitchen tools, and for a lot less money than hotels, which generally feel less homey.

One of the activities that I do when I'm in other places is that I review hotels. Sites such as Tripadvisor allow me to attach pictures that i've taken of the rooms and the areas, and in the same way, I wish that I would be able to do the same on Airbnb. But it seems that all of the reviews that I've read do not have photos in them so I assume that guests do not have the ability to attach photos.

 I really would like to accompany my reviews with photos so that I would be able to help prospective customers in convincing or dissuading from renting an apartment. On the other hand, I also think that pictures could boost the reputation of the host if his or her apartment deserves better attention.

I have not done any reviews before. So my question is can we attach pictures to our reviews? If yes, how? If no, are there other ways to circumvent the restriction?

[Dmitry111]

Hey guys, I am thinking to make a Chrome browser extension, that will allow uncensored posting of photos and reviews to any place on airbnb and other hotel sites (including couchsurfing), it'll be working in a way that a URL of the listing is linked in the database to guests comments, so using this extension, anyone who browses Airbnb or other site with rents and listings, will be able to upload photos and write any comments about the place, and not afraid of retaliation from the host side).

What do you think about this, would it be useful for us?  Anyone who installs such extension will be able to see reviews of a property that is open in current browser tab. Kinda like the extensions which look for coupons and discounts for a product when you're on a product page (if you're familiar with these).

[Lesley389]

Awesome idea!!!

[Sandra126]

But @Laurent308, if you study the listing and read the reviews you should learn enough to form a picture without an actual picture.

[Laurent308]

You actually be surprised, you  have to dive down into the reviews and as reviews go it’s either all good or all bad. I am actually staying at an Airbnb right now in LA and it is a catastrophy. It’s clearly a business and even though the host try to be nice it is not someone home.  It’s $350 a night for a 2 bedroom and the shower is peeling, the kitchen is by far equipped and it’s on the 1st floor of a busy intersection I can’t even close my eyes. None of the reviews mentioned these. I usually discount the bad reviews because you know people like to complain and therefore in such case a few pictures will do justice to the place. You will be chocked. I am a firm believer in having pictures. Airbnb was great but people now are abusing it and it is a business. Let’s be realistic. 

[Laurent308]

You actually had me go back and read the reviews and I can’t believe how people find it fantastic. For the poor review it’s either all bad or they try to be nice so it’s hard to make what is actually true. The truth is that it’s probably the worst Airbnb I have stayed in years. Being a host myself (at my home) I must have a different standard. 

[Joesey0]

@Laurent0 i totally agree pictures would be helpful as reviews can definitely be just as misleading as some of the photos the hosts may post. I just got back from one that did not have many photos - which is understandable given how small it was and thats not even my complaint. My complaint is how unkempt the place looked when i got there which was not evident in any of the photos. in fact they were taken in a manner that did not let u see how dirty the walls were and there was not even a picture of the shower which looked like it hadnt been cleaned in some time given the line of mildew around the inside. not to mention the hairs on the shower floor that were not mine as i had just arrived and the few hairs i found in the bedding - makes me wonder if the sheets were even changed. also the weird set up of the kitchen was not evident from the photos either - the stove was in an alcove right next to the entry door and the door was so old it didnt really latch itself  - had to keep it closed by engaging the deadbolt and a small sliding lock under the knob. needless to say despite how convenient it was location-wise i wont be staying there again

[Edward213]

The room I'm in now made two claims that made me decide to rent the place. 

1. Kitchen facility but there's nothing  to cook with but two tiny filthy pots. Wish I could show a picture.

2. The ad said breakfast was included - owner laughed at me when I asked for breakfast.

3. The place is infested with cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs. Wish I could show a picture.

4. Toiletries and soap was supposed  to be supplied. For ten days they supplied 1/4 roll of toilet  roll, a single tiny hotel soap, and two  dirty towels. Wish i could show yo the pictures.

[Laura700]

I think you should be able to send photos to AirBnB only, as part of a complaint procedure.  

What if a guest identifies my home by the photo? The calender is then just one big invitation to a burglar who knows exactly when my home is empty?!

No way it's my home, I alone should choose the photos that go online.

[Sarah977]

@Laura700  You are so right- I just happened on a website blog a few days ago that talks about how they were able to get the private information (address, phone number, full name, etc.) of 40% of hosts in a sample simply by working back from a photo of the front of the house. Hosts should never post a photo of the front of their house or any way it is identifiable from the outside.

If I can find that link again, I'll post it in Host Voice.

[Judy452]

I would argue, as a host, if you are putting your property out there for hundreds of thousands of people to view it on the internet in the first place, you opened the door.  You made a choice to become a host.  The consumer has a right, to know, for their well being and safety where they are staying.  Photos are logical information which we are entitle to evaluate in addition to reviews.  I don’t know why hosts would object as long as it doesn’t identify the location.  Wouldn't the majority of complaints be within the unit?  

I’m new to AirBnB and wanted to post photos to back-up my response to some feedback because the host did not represent the property correctly.  It’s just logical.  

[Edward213]

Once you rent your place it is a public place.

[Sarah977]

@Edward213  No, it isn't. I don't know where people come up with this idea. When I rent my private room to a guest, that room is their private space for the time they are here. As is the rest of my home. 

If my home was open to the public, the front gate and the front door would be open to anyone who wanted to walk in, and there would be a sign with hours of operation on the gate. 

[Edward213]

Your ad on airbnb is your open door inviting strangers to stay in your home for a fee - that's what we call a business transaction. You describe what you are renting, and produce expectations. Now if your place isnt as you say you don't want evidence to appear.  You want the ability to turn disagreements into he said/she said without us being able warn others with evidence. Are you reporting your income?

[Sarah977]

@Edward213  I don't know what you're talking about re he said/she said and guests not being to warn others with evidence. I have never had any sort of issues like that with my guests- they have all appreciated what I offer, which I accurately describe, and I have enjoyed having them as guests. I was simply talking about the idea that a private home that is open for some pèople to rent (I as a host decide whether a guest will be a good fit based on their previous reviews and their communication with me- I don't just accept any stranger) is not a "public place". And yes, I report my income.

I'm sorry about your bad experience with a place not supplying the amenities as described. Place sounds awful and hosts like that should be delisted, they reflect badly on the entire platform. 

But if you book an Airbnb and arrive to find it is not as described, filthy, etc., the protocol is to first contact the host to see if they will remedy the problems (which in this case you have already done and the host's attitude appears to be dismissive and unprofessional), then if no resolution, to contact Airbnb letting them know that the place is unacceptable and that you need them to find you another place to stay ASAP. 

That you can't attach photos to your review may be annoying to you, but you are free to write a review which honestly descibes the conditions. 

[Liz470]

I have just stayed in a fantastic Airbnb in Croatia that was great value for money. The hosts photos do not do justice to the truly stunning sea views from the apartment. I wanted to post some better ones but it won't allow me which is a shame.