Hi all,
I am new to airbnb and would like some insights on this really outdated ratings system.
I read some of the posts here and am wondering if a budget type listing can actually be listed on airbnb without any issues / problems.
Beforehand I would like to say sorry for the long post since I do not know which forum is the right place to speak up my concerns and my story with Airbnb.
Allow me to share my story:
I rented a whole new one bedroom apartment in a suburban area near Jakarta, for price of only USD 12 for two persons per night - as airbnb put it start with bargain price - (other listings charge 20 - 25 USD per night; Local budget hotel charge 30 - 35 USD w/o breakfast).
Most of the locals like it (as they need simple room just to rest) and I DO write clearly on the listing summary that since it is a budget accomodation, there are no Wi-Fi, sofa, cooking equipment, water heater in bathroom; however they got whole apartment with AC, Twin beds, Table and Chairs, Cutleries, Fridge, Smart TV, dresser, Private bathroom...
Then nightmares starting to come, got some guests who expect paying 12 USD per night and being mad to me for not providing cooking equipment, kettle, wi-fi, sofa, and in sum: they hate my listing. Bad reviews = 4 stars start to appear (as maybe people does not bother to read anything before pressing book) and might be more (since couple of guests send me a message via app that they complained the lack of such items - which they thought come naturally for each airbnb). Airbnb now threaten me that they might close my listing.
Oh my, I do not know what is wrong with airbnb, nowadays hosts are expected to rent as cheap as possible but to provide star-hotel facilities or even better (luxury and professional hospitality), and hosts are blamed for even getting 4 star reviews for not satisfying guests that cannot read listing limitations that have been stated... or for guests that cannot understand that 4 stars = bad, and only 5 stars = decent / good in airbnb.
I miss the original idea behind airbnb, when people rent extra couch for someone in need of accommodation, which has unexpectedly turn into a company who forces hosts to provide high level of service with prices as cheap as possible.
I do wonder, if it is becoming a norm that every listing in airbnb should have sofa, cooking equipment (stove, microwave, etc) and WI-FI, Why does airbnb do not make it mandatory for every listing?
I do not know what to do, cannot spend more $$ to upgrade my apartment to fulfill every customer wishes. Should I stop hosting?
nice place, ideal for three adults, well located, good hostess