Odd reviewing experience.

[Leanne115]

I'm new to Airbnb, we had our first stay in an apartment at the end of jan for 10 days.

We had a few issues pop up (noisy upstairs permanent residents, a faulty carbon monoxide alarm that alarmed very loudly all night one night, faulty toilet plumbing and an issue with the power tripping in the kitchen that caused the power socket the toaster was in not to work) despite all this we left a very good review as we realised that hosts are not super human and issues arise with housing that can't be helped. Our host was fairly quick in responding so we never really worried about these things.

But here comes the odd part, once I got around to writing our review, she'd already written ours so it was made available for us to see and it was awful. Some mistruths and most of it out right lies... I was so very upset, but I wrote the host a message basically asking for clarification etc (very politely) we never got a response, however that review  was deleted very quickly, which I didn't think was possible?

The only explanation I can think of is that she thought we'd leave her a bad review and was 'getting in first' or that we somehow inadvertently offended her.... Either way it makes no sense at all. Any insight to this as before this review I was really happy with our start using this platform, even with the issues that came up on this stay.

Thanks!

[Lawrene0]

That is very odd, @Leanne115. You are right - reviews don't suddenly disappear. It is possible it violated Airbnb terms and conditions. Perhaps she called customer service and said she made a mistake, mixed up her guests when reviewing, something like that. Usually gets a person nowhere, but if there was a violation, it would have been taken down. I'm glad it was. You sound like the perfect guest - forgiving, realistic, humane.

Good hosts will love you to bits.

[Leanne115]

Thanks for your reply @Lawrene0. I read through the terms for reviews and there was no identifying information, so I don't think it violated any conditions. I think you might be right with the way they've got it removed. I was just disappointed I guess and would hope that hosts and guests would review on the merits of the stay and not in anticipation of the review they thought they might get.

[Sandra126]

This is all very odd. There is no way you can see a review prior to writing yours, unless host messages it through to you first. Also, deleting a review is extremely difficult, impossible actually unless it breaches the guidelines. I don't understand how you could have read it at all.

[Leanne115]

Hi @Sandra126, I think you've misunderstood what I wrote? The host had already left her review, so once I left mine I was able to see hers. After messaging her privately asking for clarification, I never got a reply but when I went back to write a response to the review it was gone, it now says that no one has reviewed me.

[Sandra126]

Yes, I did misunderstand.

[Susie111]

@Leanne115

Hi,

I’m sorry you had a weird first time experience with a Airbnb host.

l have no idea what happened with the review thing.

But my personal experience with Airbnb is - you are dealing very much with people (humans)

and sometime you meet amazing hosts who totally inspire you and enrich your holiday.

And sometimes not.

And the same goes with guests.

A good host is always approachable and wants to make the guests stay a happy one.

I would love to host a guest like you with your view on home sharing.

So please don’t stop using Airbnb because of one bad experience.

Hopefully next Airbnb stay will be a better one but it’s always good to remember to

communicate with the host if something is not 100% alright from the start or something goes 

wrong during your stay. 

Just a friendly advice.