I was talking to a friend this past weekend who is also a host. We got on the subject of misconceptions and myths that are perpetuated around Airbnb and hosting. Sharing some and hope that others will add what they have observed as well. What myths do you wish would be busted?
1. Hosts are rich/getting rich off of guests. This one makes me laugh out loud. If I was truly "rich" I would not open my house to strangers for a fee. If I wanted to get into the hospitality business I would buy a hotel. Many hosts need the income from their ABB to afford their home or other investments. Whether or not someone is (in a guest's perception) financially comfortable, its not an excuse to abuse their property.
2. Its okay to have extra guests. Discussed here ad nauseum, I will once again make a plea for ABB to clarify that it is 100% not okay for guests to think that. Further I would love to see something in place where all guests must be registered and identity verified.
3. ABB should always be cheaper than a hotel. In some cases, perhaps. But if you are managing an entire house, condo etc., you have to think that it would likely cost MORE than a hotel to clean, heat, cool, furnish and supply that space.
4. I can get mail at an ABB. There are a lot of mail fraud schemes out there and ABB addresses should not be used to establish residency or have deliveries. Of course there are exceptions such as when a guest has lost luggage or a passport, but no guest should expect to use an ABB as a place to get mail.
5. Hosts can't have cameras. In fact, hosts can have external cameras if they disclose them. Its not "surveillance" to quickly check a Ring doorbell when a neighbor complains about noise. Its within the rights of the owner of the property. Sensitive guests should read listings carefully to understand what is happening regarding cameras in the space. It is not okay for hosts to have interior cameras in personal areas but exterior, disclosed cameras are very common.
6. I don't have to clean because the host charges a cleaning fee. It really depends on the house rules about check out procedures. Some hosts will not ask guests to do anything. Others will have a lot more extensive to do lists. Each space is different. Guests agree to whatever the terms are in that space when they book.
7. The host gets the entire amount a guest pays to book. I. WISH. In fact, hefty fees are taken out. (See #1...hosts aren't rich in general.)
8. I can negotiate a better rate with the host if I take it off platform. While I am sure there are some hosts that do this, its best to be very careful as a guest. ABB may take action when someone uses their messages to attempt to do this. Most hosts will not entertain this at all,. despite what travel blogs advise.
9. I can throw a "get together" for my grandkid's 6 year old birthday and it will be ok because no one is staying overnight and 6 year olds aren't unruly. Uhhhh....very unlikely that this would be allowed as ABB does not allow parties. Checking with a host before booking will help avoid issues. Probably best to book a party at Chuck E Cheese instead.
10. I can have things customized to my preferences during my stay. Some guests might ask for certain kitchen items, types of bedding, etc. Though ABB is often a home that someone lives in, or has curated and set up for guests, its not possible to indulge in every whim for specific amenities. If a host is able to accommodate these requests, guests should see this as a huge favor and courtesy, not an entitlement. Likewise if a host can't provide these items, guests should not hold it against them in any way. This is a place to stay, not a concierge shopping service.
11. A "4" rating is okay because I never give a perfect score. In fact 4s across the board too many times can get a good host delisted. If you feel you simply MUST mark someone down because you are a "hard rater" either a) book a hotel or b) don't do it on the "overall experience" score.
12. A host can see what I wrote in my review before they leave theirs. Nope, both reviews are held until they are both ready or 14 days if one party does not write a review. Neither host nor guest can see what is written until they are both live or 14 days has passed.