I’m writing this post to warn fellow Airbnb guests and to express my deep disappointment and frustration with a recent experience that has left me emotionally drained and anxious. Despite being a seasoned guest and host on Airbnb myself, I found myself in an ongoing battle with a host in Combloux, France, who shockingly accused me of damaging his property and claims 3380 Euros from me— where I firmly believe were an attempt at fraud.
False Claims by an Experienced “Superhost”
This wasn’t just any host. This individual has been on Airbnb for four years and carries the Superhost title with over 1,000 reviews. You’d think someone with such a profile would have a level of professionalism and integrity, but my experience has led me to question how genuine this host's credibility really is. Here’s a rundown of his accusations:
False claims of mess: He alleged that I left the accommodation “dirty,” with hair in the shower, crumbs on the floor, trash left in bins, and coffee stains uncleaned.
Used linens accusation: Despite me not opting for his cleaning and linen service, he claimed I had used and then re-folded the linens, which I had carefully put away as instructed.
Stained and broken property: He accused me of staining a pillow with “two drops of blood” and breaking the sofa bed, even though I documented everything thoroughly.
What Really Happened
When I checked in at 19.40, the linens, blankets, and pillow covers were already laid out on the beds, despite my choice not to opt for the service. I immediately noticed a large stain on the sofa, screws, a lamp, and a router, lying on the ground behind the sofa. I reported the sofa stain to the host right away, asking if we should use the linens. After over an hour, he responded in a way that implied we shouldn’t. Luckily, I guessed this and removed all the beddings and stored it in the cupboard.
I made sure the apartment was spotless before leaving, even disposing of trash without clear instructions on where the garbage room was. Fortunately, I took pictures and videos to show the apartment’s condition at checkout, including the untouched bathroom.
Frustration
Despite all my efforts, I’m still entangled in a back-and-forth with Airbnb’s resolution team, trying to defend myself against these baseless accusations. The anxiety and frustration of waiting to see if they’ll side with the host—who seems to have all the “credibility” of a Superhost title—is deeply unsettling.
Every day, I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t taken photos or videos. Would Airbnb simply believe the host’s word over mine? Do we have to go on vacation with the mindset of documenting every inch of our accommodations?
Important Questions for Airbnb
I’m left questioning Airbnb’s platform and protections:
Does Airbnb truly protect guests from fraudulent claims, or do we need to record every detail of a property to prove our innocence?
How reliable is the “Superhost” title if hosts with such a reputation can engage in this kind of behavior?
A Warning to Other Guests
After doing some research, I found that scams like these aren’t isolated incidents. Some hosts, particularly in France, seem to exploit guests, using exaggerated claims to drain guests financially and emotionally. This isn’t a minor issue—it’s a serious problem that every guest should be aware of.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb, I urge you to take these issues seriously. If a Superhost with years of experience and 1,000 reviews can do this, what hope do regular guests have? This incident has shaken my trust in a platform I once believed in, and I hope my story encourages Airbnb to take stronger actions against such behavior.
To all Airbnb guests: Document everything. Take pictures, record videos, and don’t assume that trust or titles are enough to ensure a fair experience. Unfortunately, that may be the only way to protect yourself on this platform right now.
