Hello Neil! As a host--I saw your post. I just want to say a few things--
1. as a host, it is very difficult to charge anything extra to guests. Hosts must go through the resolution center, and airbnb almost always finds in favor of the guest, even when pictures are provided.
2. Staying in a bedroom with one queen bed, with bath down the hall, is very different that having a private 2 bedroom apt with a full kitchen.. Cleaning fees reflect that.
3. The airbnb platforn does not integrate cleaning fees into the price per night. Hosts cannot change that.
So--guests need to look at the breakdown before they finalize the booking.
4. In the area of my airbnb, there are many hotels, who charge steep resort fees in addition to the room rate. Guests certainly have a choice.
As a host and a traveler, airbnb selects for travelers who do not require the full service of a hotel and amenities, and travelers who want a better value.
Everyone pays for cleaning--it is just how it is calculated--at least airbnb is transparent about the costs. Guests can choose.