Airbnb Reviews
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About Airbnb
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Airbnb offers an online marketplace for short-term lodging. Hosts list properties, including homes, apartments and unique stays, while guests can book accommodations worldwide. The platform features user reviews, secure payment systems and a variety of lodging options to suit different travel preferences.
- Clean accommodations
- Good value for money
- Responsive customer service
- Booking issues and cancellations
- Inconsistent property conditions
- Poor communication from hosts
Airbnb Reviews
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Reviewed Oct. 14, 2020
Never use Airbnb. I rented a house in Ashburn Virginia Which stated 7 bedroom 4 bath house accepting dogs. The owner Yuki and I went back and forth several times where they stated they would make the house handicap accessible for my mother who is in a wheelchair. They confirmed me per night at $380 per night. Within 48 hours I got a cancellation because they decided they wanted more money per night. They turn around and charge me $545 per night because they said they wanted me to absorb the cost of them making their house handicap accessible. To me that's false advertisement, and that should be absorbed by the homeowner who could Now list their house as handicap accessible and get more people.
I complained about this to the homeowner who said no it was Airbnb who canceled it due to a glitch. So I contacted Airbnb who stated no it was the homeowner who canceled it because they wanted more money. After confronting the homeowner he said yes he put the cost of per night from me to absorb the handicap usage. I pay the extra money, but the day I'm supposed to arrive I don't get the code to get in the house. So I contact the owner asking for the code which I was supposed to get 3 days before. What I get is an email stating if I get any visitors they will charge me $40 per person just to visit me at the house. Mind you I have seven people in my party. When I get there the owner decides he's only going to give me access to three bedrooms for 7 people. They completely locked with key the master bedroom and the two bedrooms downstairs.
They listed 7 bedroom 4 bathroom house. In actuality what I rented was a 3-bedroom 2-bath house. Two people in my party had to sleep on recliners in the living room. I complained about this to Airbnb and the owner asking just for half of my money back since I did not get what I paid for and what was advertised and I'm getting pushed back telling me no I should have complained about this earlier. But I've been complaining about this all along. So this shows Airbnb does not take responsibility of the false advertisement that they allow on their website, and allowing homeowners to steal and Rob from people who are renting from them. Never ever rent with Airbnb nor Yuki's house in Ashburn Virginia
You will see what I was supposed to pay and what I was approved for. Which they canceled because they wanted more money. And you will see what I actually paid. You will see conversations going back between me and the owner saying it was Airbnb who canceled but in actuality it was the owner who canceled in Airbnb allowed. You will see conversations between Airbnb and myself complaining about the issues with them doing nothing and putting it back on me
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2020
Snoops and then my record player broken as well as my usb cord for my Canon printer stolen. Then linens gone Bill and Branch brand. Terrible experience with Airbnb then shutting me out for low ratings when I was the victim here.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2020
I have been hosting my property on Airbnb for 10 years. They offered a 25% refund to hosts for any cancellations due to covid starting in March 2020. I was told I had 3 eligible cancellations and payment would be sent. After I repeatedly sent numerous emails and phone calls for months, I was promised payment would be in September. Never happened. Today (October 12th) I emailed them again to ask about my payment and was told the program was over in July. I was constantly lied to and promised a refund which they never intended to send. This was just a publicity stunt to make themselves look good, but make fools out of their hosts.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2020
Our family of four could not travel to Hawaii due to Covid 19. Our dates were not covered by their extenuating circumstances policy so we contacted our hosts and asked them to move our dates out to a later date. 3/4 hosts were fantastic and complied. One host refused to move dates (Dee from Hawaiian Executive Country Home in Honolulu) and told us she would refund us the deposit. She lied and we are out of pocket $700 as a result.
When we followed it up with Airbnb resolution Centre they told us there was nothing they could do even though I had the written correspondence from the host confirming they would refund our money. Terrible customer service from AirBNB and unfair behavior from the host profiteering during a global pandemic. Don’t book through either the host or Airbnb.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2020
Airbnb is a fraudulent company! My account was just deactivated for no apparent reason. My last booking was over a year ago which everything went perfect fine. I forgot my password. I go to log in and they said my account is deactivated and that their decision is final. I’ve been asking for them to review and to provide to proof but no answer. Be careful with them, everywhere I’ve read, this is a way for them to make money off of you if you have had pending reservations and etc.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020
My wife and I recently had a vacation to Phoenix. We had a great experience with Airbnb months prior in Orlando, so we were excited for our next adventure. This experience was awful. We booked a property that Airbnb ended up canceling on us a week prior to our trip! They gave me half the payment and a clean up fee in return....and kept an over $1300 deposit!!! I had to book a second property, which was subpar at best. The house was dirty, no product available. Instead of the host meeting our needs, they asked us to purchase what we need and they'd refund us. What?! It was a complete experience on what NOT to do concerning hospitality. I called and messaged everyday for help. I never got to physically speak to a human. I'm out $1300 plus and I still haven't received a refund on our purchases. Disappointing.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020
We rented a house on Cocoa Beach for a week for over $3000. No problem, the house rental said nothing about pets and that it sleeps up to 10. Initially it was for 4 people and a friend decided to join with his service dog. We could have said nothing but we emailed and asked if it was of for the dog. They wanted papers for it, fine but then said we had to pay over $350 for the 5th person!! We did because it was a special trip for our father who is very ill. The house was disgusting, Dirty, Mold on the doors, food on the BBQ, floors were not mopped, Bathroom toilet was not bolted down, the cabinets in the kitchen were filthy, dirty used towels. We have pictures of all of it.
When we returned we came into contact with Airbnb and the rentor. 1 week and they say it is a stipulation on airbnb side about the extra fee and nothing that can be done. It is sad that we paid over $3500 and had to clean and left it cleaner than it was. I have used it before with no problem but this was a disaster. The AC sounded like a Jet engine thru the whole house. We did not get any sleep from the noise, they put a pillow stuffed in a sky light! We did not ask for our money back. We asked that the extra fee was not fair and nowhere was it stipulated.
Reviewed Sept. 30, 2020
I've been a host with Airbnb for a couple years now, and work hard to maintain 5 star ratings from our guests. Airbnb's model has proven to be extremely difficult to run this business efficiently with them as the broker. When there's a guest issue, Airbnb has become elitist self centered in determining the outcome of what is suitable and fair in terms of host support when it comes to items such as revenue impacts, disputing unfair/inaccurate guest reviews that cater star ratings and listing perception unfairly, and more - including painful customer service knowledge overall.

Reviewed Sept. 29, 2020
I am - or was - a host on Airbnb. To say Airbnb has let us down would be an understatement. They have ruined us. We were one of their first accounts and built up our business exclusively on their platform. A month ago, a software bug starting preventing our listings from appearing publically. I've called them every single day and am told every single day that someone will be in touch between 3 and 48 hours to help resolve the bug. No one has ever called me back. Not once. A decade worth of work has disappeared into thin air, because they cannot be bothered to even acknowledge - let alone fix - their pathetic software. It's inconceivable that a company so poorly run can be considering an IPO. Avoid hosting on their platform at all costs.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2020
On March 26th, 2020 I booked a cabin for my daughter's honeymoon on Oct 2nd. On Sept 22, I contacted the host to make sure all good but no. She stated the cabin was no longer available. I get with Airbnb, they do nothing. I get lucky and I find an alternate on their site, ask them to compensate me for the additional cost of the more expensive and only option I could find. They say great platitudes (sorry, we feel terrible, etc) but refuse. They kept texting for 4 days asking if there is any way they can help, but refusing to give me a credit. They finally offered a $200 credit on my NEXT booking. So THEY would get more money from me... No I want it applied to this booking as they never informed me the cabin was no longer available, booking was never canceled, etc until I checked. Then they told me the host did cancel... Yeah, after I asked them too so I would get a refund! I refused as I will use VRBO going forward.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2020
They allow anyone to host. Anyone can be a super host... They put minimal pictures up. And won’t refund you when you arrive to an unlivable place... Airbnb is a complete scam. Had to pay for a entire other place...
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2020
A week before a planed anniversary trip Airbnb asked for my DL license and decided because my past non violent charges from 7 years ago I'm not allowed to use Airbnb and the company deleted my account entirely. My plans which have been all paid in advance two months ago is now potentially not going to happen because this company decided to discriminate me. I can honestly say now having seen the closed mindedness of this company I will not support this company for how they have treated me and my wife. This is the first bad review I have ever left on a company but I felt that others should know about what they did to avoid this.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2020
We had a horrible experience with the host that required a refund due to pet in the unit and fleas and the unit being dirty and not up to Covid standards. Airbnb took care of everything and had the host refund us since we had several pictures and videos of the infestation and the home being dirty. Airbnb also refunded our costs to relocate and for our issues. It took some time to get to an actual representative at Airbnb due to COVID however when we finally did, our case manager was super helpful.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2020
Airbnb has denied a refund or any conversation about the dangerous circumstances experienced in Bonny Doon, California on August 16, 2020 saying that the premises was delivered as described. After one horrendous night, we packed up and left at daylight the next morning. There was no electricity, no WiFi, no Internet as described. It was unsafe at night without lights plus was more than 85 degrees inside the studio. Extremely unsafe for senior citizens, one with recent back surgery. If the host had called us to let us know there was no electricity, we would not have gone at all.
We did not receive the email notice that the Owner sent after we were already on the road that PGE had shut off power and there was no WiFi or internet. Without these important things, we were cut off from civilization entirely as there was no radio, TV, internet, Phone or any other way to contact our loved ones. We did not sign up for a remote camping trip.
Owner met us as we arrived to say she will turn on generator for power. She said the PGE said they would likely restore power by the next morning. We laughed about what a joke PGE is. She described a “WiFi magic spot” she found on her front porch. It is ridiculous to think that we would go on her front porch and try to find that magic spot to use the phone or internet.
We arrived at 4:25 pm and it was 103° outside and more than 85° inside the studio. We kept everything closed up and waited for the owner to turn on the generator so we could turn on the small fan to try and cool down the place. It was dismal at best, but we tried to make the best of it and hoped things would be better the next day.
There were two frozen ice packs in the freezer which appeared to have been thawed and refrozen. I didn’t think much about it. I was mistaken to thought there was a microwave in the kitchen area. There was literally nowhere to hang a kitchen towel except on the oven door which was pretty far away from the sink. The kitchen sink faucet leaked all over the place upon use. The toaster was located on the topmost shelf in the open shelves in the kitchen and could not be reached for using. The bathroom was sort of made in a hallway, very skinny and long with no grab bars available to get in or out of the shower, or anywhere else in the bathroom. There were three fire candles about the room which looked like they had been used.
We put all our stuff away, food in the fridge and left about 5:30 pm to sightsee the rest of the afternoon. The owner turned off the generator while we were gone. This means that the refrigerator had no power for several hours. There was just moments of dusk light left when we got back at about 8:15pm. The owner came out and said the power was still out and she turned the generator back on. It was still more than 80° in the studio. It was so incredibly hot and there wasn’t even any ice to make a cold glass of water. At least we had light and it was beginning to cool down in the studio so we could open all the windows and pull some air with the small fan.
The owner came and told us that we could use candles to see if we needed them and gave me a cigarette lighter to light them with. I had no idea what was coming. We didn’t light the candles due to danger of fire; besides, only a fool would leave a candle burning all night just in case they needed to see to go to the bathroom in the dark.
When we went to bed at 10:30 and turned out the lights. At 10:45 she turned off the generator for the night – whether we were ready for bed or not. Once again, the refrigerator had no power overnight. Now I began to understand why there were ice packs in the freezer. This had happened before; and who knows how many times. Now all of our stuff in the fridge went to room temperature overnight and everything in the freezer thawed out. We didn’t use the candles out of fear. There was no moon, and the tall redwood prevented all light sources, it was pitch black dark and we could not even see our hands in front of our face to find our way to the bathroom.
The fact that the power was out also meant that the fan wouldn’t work to help cool off the room that had all the windows open with NO BREEZE. This was very dangerous for me and my friend as we are seniors, not so steady on our feet and have to go to the bathroom during the night. My friend who is recovering from some very serious back surgery could not find her way out of the bathroom to find her bed and I had to rescue her in the dark without even being able to see myself. Had she fallen, it would have been the end for her. We didn’t have the freedom to even read a book when we woke up at night and couldn‘t sleep. Not to mention the strobe light on the smoke alarm that blinded me every 10 seconds if I opened my eyes.
Neither of us could sleep the entire night because of all of this. This was such a painful, hot, and dangerous situation. We could not stay for another minute. As soon as it got light, we packed up and left (7:30 am) to find a hotel where we could feel safe. We asked for a refund of the three nights that we were unable to use, but the owner refused and countered by saying that we indeed had power and lights except from 10:45 pm to 6:45 am ---- a most critical time for us to have light available. It is absurd to ask us to use candles at night, to expect guests to not even have ice available when it was so hot.
We were only in the studio for about two and a half hours on Monday night before the power went off as we arrived back at about 8:00 and the generator was turned on around 10:30 just after we laid down with no covers to escape the heat and then the fan went off as well. I am happy to pay for the night we used, but nothing more. We were on the premises for no longer than 11.5 hours altogether.
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2020
Had a host cancel a reservation with short notice. Airbnb provided a credit but put an expiry and many stipulations on using it. Was unable to use it for the replacement booking. Had difficulty using it for the next booking and was being pressured by the host to book asap and realized I didn't apply the credit. Contacted customer service and they said I could only use the credit on the first payment. They could not help and just said "sorry". No offer to extend the credit, redo the booking or anything. I will not be rebooking another Airbnb before expiry (end of month). I also feel their customer service is not local due to strange response times. Poor systems and customer support obviously not about providing useful solutions.
Reviewed Sept. 16, 2020
We booked a week trip that was fully paid. My daughter ended up getting an infection before we were supposed to leave. She was admitted into the hospital for surgery and we had to cancel our trip. The company has an extenuating circumstances policy. I sent them all the documentation that was listed under that policy and they refuse to give me my money back or give any sort of credit. Why have this policy if you won't even honor it? I guess their money is more important than the health and well being of a child.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2020
I don't know where to begin but this has been the worst experience I've ever experienced dealing with Airbnb. My one star is not on the behalf of the host but on the overall experience with Airbnb canceling my reservation after check-in. My guest and I drove from Atlanta to Daytona and we checked in the next day at Joe's place. After arriving 2 hours later an angry customer service agent from Airbnb called me demanding my guests and I to leave. The agent made it seem like the host was not supposed to rent out the home. So when I asked for compensation and help to find another place, The host told me my account was under investigation as well for what reason she couldn't tell me and said an ambassador will give me a call in which that call has never happen and I'm writing this review 24 hours later.
I've been a Airbnb guest since 2011 with almost 40 reviews, 98% rate and I will never recommend Airbnb to anyone or use airbnb again. I just hope you don't book a place and be asked to leave with no reason or excuse and have to wait 15 days for the money to return to your card. They said the money will be returned to my card but I went through a whole process, I had to have some type of document to prove that I left the property and all this was communicated through email. So at this point I don't even know if I'm going to get a refund. I don't know what Airbnb has going on but if it happened to me it can happen to you. There's no reason why my account should be under investigation. It was clearly something they made up so they didn't have to compensate me.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2020
I have used Airbnb for years, this year I reserved a house. The rental was cancel by Airbnb with absolutely no communication to me because they thought I was someone, I am not with a criminal record. Accidents happen right... That would be the case if Airbnb did not blow it off like they did and not help me get back into that rental. If you want to be sure you have a place to stay on your vacation, do not use Airbnb.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2020
Booked a house in Denmark for 22 Aug for 2 weeks so we would have to fly from the states to get there but due to Covid no flying into Europe so we canceled the trip before final payment had to be made so now no way will they give us a refund for I canceled too soon. I can not even get through on the phone to talk to anyone. We were dealing with the host in Europe and that is a joke. Did not even offer to just give us credit to use another time. Will never do business with them again. Beware.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2020
After checking and inquiring for a listed flat a Airbnb Host under the name of Johannna ** contacted, after few emails she said all the reservation and final process must be done trough Airbnb app, so she sent the link to Airbnb customer support and it all started.. Took money from my account, ask for more verifications.. And after that they never replied not in the app nor the emails, not the fraudulent report.. Needed to open a case for cybercrime.. And my money is lost... All is wrong with Airbnb.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2020
Airbnb tends to attract cheap budgeted travelers who normally trash your place. Airbnb's customer service always takes the travelers' side instead of the hosts'. Airbnb also allows travelers to cancel easily, even with their strict cancellation policy. Their "extenuating circumstances policy" allows the travelers to cancel easily even without true reasons. Homeowners - When you list with Airbnb, increase your price much more than listing on other sites so you have some cushioned budgets to cover for your loss. There is nothing wrong with listing on Airbnb, but I find myself having a lot more issues and lost more money on Airbnb than listing with other sites, like VRBO.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2020
I recently stayed at an Airbnb near Charlottesville Virginia, the stay was scheduled for 3 days to attend a Wedding. I left a day early as I was there attending a wedding and the stay there was not enjoyable at Cottage Retreat, as I was not pleased with this place and rated it so appropriately the rating seemed to have disappeared or was never posted. I took photos to document the place. I found every plumbing fixture loose. The place was unkept. The sofa stained. Broken window. Rotted decking, sheets of painted plywood used for flooring that was damaged in different areas. A sink that was not able to be sanitized. The outside was overgrown and unkept. The entrance they left an old wooden gate sticking out in the driveway. No reason for it. I do not think Airbnb even checks these places out. I am back to using the Hilton.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2020
This is just one of thousands of similar bad experiences by guests (travelers) of Airbnb. I have used this platform since its inception and have also had a couple of listing as a host on the site. I had heard similar negative stories to mine but was I guess fortunate until now to have not realized some of the significant faults of Airbnb.
Nine months prior to a stay we booked a summer week vacation at a cottage listing. With just two weeks prior to our booking the host for no acceptable reason canceled our booking. They utilized the current COVID Pandemic as the excuse but that was garbage. They kept their reservations for before and after ours but obviously wanted our 9-month pre-planned time slot. Of course, there was nothing to book as a replacement in my area in the middle of the summer I had so taken the time to plan in advance
Airbnb has been absolutely useless in assisting. Not only that but I can't leave a review to warn others nor is Airbnb even leaving their normal review stating the cancelation citing Covids as an exceptional case. Now future guests have no idea of this unreliable host and possibly await a similar future fate. Just a real note when you book Airbnb you takes your chances. They don't have the same obligations that companies, resorts and so on have in supplying consistent reputable service. It's unfortunate but Airbnb seems to have little to no interest in developing integrity of its product. They are just happy to continue to collect service fees at the expense of the consumer.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2020
My husband and I have booked vacation rentals in the past with Airbnb. We are very responsible and have respect for any property we stay at, taking very good care of it. Recently we spent our 30th anniversary at a rental managed by what Airbnb refers to as a "super host" (anything but that!!!). This super host ended up leaving me such a negative review in retaliation to my honest review with helpful tips to future renters, along with lot of information about the area. He omitted important details about the property (example: guests are expected to take their trash to another location, wifi is erratic, didn't give the correct logon for wifi, etc.) He obviously has intense anger management issues, but has taken his anger out on me for being honest.
I have tried to get the review removed and Airbnb "support" tells me they'll look into it, but I never hear back. I keep getting the run around. I even reached out several people at the corporate headquarters, and no response. If a host is permitted to basically destroy a guest's well earned reputation and there's nothing Airbnb will do, then I will never use their service again and will be forced to close my account with them. There is NO number to reach anyone directly to talk to at Airbnb, and it looks like nobody cares at all about the paying customer who makes it possible for them to stay in business. There's really no excuse for abuse on any level. Airbnb is negligent and bereft of concern for the well being and in this case reputation of its customers.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2020
Expected better from this well known company. Recently, my travel plans were cancelled because I was not able to travel because of Covid-19 restrictions. I called AirBnb customer support immediately, however, after waiting days and over 1 week for responses – they denied a refund for my cancelled trip because of Covid-19 restrictions. Their response is that WHO declared a pandemic in March and their Exceptional Circumstances policy after March 14 does not cover any cancellations related to Covid-19. Do not expect much from this greedy company and take this into consideration when using them to travel.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2020
Purchased a place on Airbnb. I paid half now and supposedly half later. But when my roommate gave me the other half of the money, I tried to pay Airbnb.... And cannot. Airbnb cut off any phone contact outside of 72 hours (determined by rental date), and their fake support just regurgitates the "help" section. If that was any help I wouldn't be trying to contact them. After a full week and no support and frequent postings of the "help" section. They reach out and call me saying nothing can be done... and they are closing my case.
So a customer has an issue. Customer support can't be bothered to read the issue and just spews info found elsewhere ad nauseam. Then customer support realizes it is an issue and because they can't seem to fix it... they close the support case??? All I am trying to do is pay the other half of the bill. What business won't allow payment? Airbnb is a complete joke. Zero support. Zero customer service.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2020
We were hosts on Air B&B until a few days ago. Our very first renter signed our home booking contract limiting the guest to herself and 5 other adults for Labor Day weekend. She showed up with 7 other adults and 8 children under the age of 10. They broke the front glass storm door which now has to be replaced and they smoked in the home against our house rules. Messages were left over the weekend with Air B&B for assistance and they never responded. The also ceased collecting the security deposit this past summer and we now have no way of collecting damages other than suing the guest. Will never use Air B&B again!
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2020
My reservation was canceled on the day of my trip without any reason. AirBnB offered me $8 coupon for the cancelation. It left me scramble to find alternative on 1st day of my trip. AirBnB invited me to write review on the host saying even though your reservation was canceled, you can still submit your review. I did just that saying my reservation was canceled last minute. Weeks later, I got notification from AirBnB, saying my review violates their review policy and they have the right to remove my review. I unsuccessfully challenged their decision. At the end of day, they have the right to remove my review.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2020
If you're trying to use a platform for a short/long term rental choose a different one. Airbnb discriminates against disabled, allow hosts/property owners/landlords to advertise properties that should be condemned as they are not structurally sound or up to local safety/ building regulations, and then let those same hosts chose their own pricing. Meaning you're overpaying for a run down pos mobile home by hundreds of dollars on top of paying utilities that are faulty and financially hazardous due to negligence of upkeep. Also the 24/7 help will only refer to another dept that won't respond in a timely manner.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2020
I booked an apartment and cancel it within the stipulated time frame for a full refund (it was a couple of hours). I received a full refund minus the service fee. This amount was quite substantial because it was for an extended stay. After messaging AirBnB several times I managed to talk to someone from customer service who was very sympathetic and promised to escalate the problem. Instead I received a message a few days later saying the case is closed. Without any explanation or attempt to contact me. This is my first time using AirBnB, never again.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2020
My fiance and I are getting married in September. We wanted to plan a honeymoon, and decided we wanted to go to the U.S Virgin Islands however with Covid-19 and travel restrictions, we decided to wait to book until we got closer to the wedding. In August (a month before the wedding) we booked a cute cottage with a seemingly nice host on St. John. No more than a week after we booked, the governor of U.S.V. I declared they were reverting back to their stay at home order, no Airbnbs or hotels could accept new reservations for at least 2 weeks. I waited a couple days for the host to contact me but heard nothing, so I reached out to him. Nothing.
I waited 3 days longer, nothing. So I canceled the air b&b and put a request through that I wanted my money back. This situation was out of my control, and I didn't want to be stuck paying for a cottage I can't stay in, let alone can't even get to the island. He contacts me 2 days later and says, we're only shut down for 2 weeks. I'll have to contact air b&b about this. (Mind you, it's now 19 days away from my wedding and U.S.V.I still hasn't opened to tourism).
So I contact Airbnb, more waiting. They get back to me and say it's their policy. NO REFUNDS IF BOOKED AFTER MARCH because Covid-19 is no longer an unexpected circumstance.. they did say if our host changed his cancelation policy we would get a refund.. Our host never messaged me back. My fiance and I are out $350 and that's that. So I want to warn everyone wanting to vacation this year to look elsewhere than Airbnb because they are building profit on your misfortunes. Lesson learned.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2020
I stayed in an Airbnb on Tybee Island. It was a docked Cabin Cruiser. It was dirty, dirty refrigerator did not work and contained a large cockroach, WiFi did not work (password not recognized), and television did not work. Contacted host and she said that she would contact owner to check. This did not occur. Requested a refund and no response. Airbnb customer service said that they would elevate my request and with continuous follow-up there has been no response. Also, my review of the rental has not posted. My first and last Airbnb rental.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2020
I had an Airbnb booked With hosts name Winnie and Frank in Kissimmee Florida for Disney World. ❤️❤️6BR FIREWORK VIEW! Disney Villa w/ NW Pool+SPA • Sep 14 - Sep 19. This trip is going to be for about 15 people including grandparents and grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 and CDC advisements especially for senior citizens and people coming from areas consider to be hotspots, we decided that the best thing to do would be to cancel the trip. We did not wanna run the risk of spreading Covid or getting Covid. This decision did not come easy. We all thought about it long and hard and we’re saddened that we had to cancel. In addition my sister is a nurse and she raises her grandchild and she is almost 70 years old so it was especially a high risk for her. She also has underlying health conditions as do I.
It appears the Airbnb has very unfair and inconsiderate cancellation policies. Please beware. They seem to be the only company that I have dealt with during this Covid pandemic who apparently do not care at all about their customers. Of the almost $800 deposit that I paid I only received back $112. They even kept a cleaning fee of $295 which is ridiculous since we never went to the rental. Buyer beware, Make sure you read all of the fine print, because Airbnb told me that the cancellation was dictated by the host. I still think Airbnb should make it right. Let me add that I also had a reservation this year at a Sandals resort and it was nonrefundable however they gave me all of my money back without question due to the pandemic. I will definitely be booking my trip with Sandals in the future since they were so considerate but I will never book with Airbnb again. I have used airbnb several times before but I have now deleted their app.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2020
I was booking an Airbnb I had found in Colorado for $600 for 3 nights. I selected the dates I wished to stay, and entered my payment information in order to process my request. The next page was my “receipt”, which had the breakdown of all the costs. At the bottom I realized it had charged my card $1200 instead of the $600. Keep in mind this was a few days before my rent was due, as well as me needing to go to the grocery store so I can feed my family. I try to contact customer service to resolve the issue, but they were not taking phone calls so I was directed to send a message to their support team.
Explained to them what was going on and was told the refund could take up to 15 business days before I see the money back in my account. So long story short, their system had a glitch, double charged me, and then told me it would be 15 business days (up to a month) before I would see my money back, and there is nothing they can do for me since that’s their policy. I’m sorry, but when $600 is unexpectedly taken from you when you don’t even make a lot of money to begin with, it’s devastating. I got overdraft fees, late fees, and am flat broke all because of a glitch on their side. It’s the year 2020. It doesn’t take 15 business days to issue a refund...
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2020
One of the worst services I have ever met in e-commerce. After millions of failed attempts to verify my phone number because their awful service has not yet updated new code released by operator, I was able to rent a house through their service, paid for the house. One day later they send me a notice they have cancelled my booking, with no specific reason, evermore they do not want to share with me the reason why. They tell me that they issued refund which will be available only 5 days later. And what shall I do in these 5 days period? Stay at the street???
I have contacted the embassy of my resident county and they fortunately provided me with legal advice which I am going to take into action immediately, as they violated my right as consumer, also violated e-commerce obligations which they took when charging me. I also will chargeback the transaction in bank and appeal to their payment processors as scammers. Right now they did not deliver their service and hold my funds illegally.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020
Had a vacation rental lined up for a group of fishermen in Montana for September 2020. All of us are over 65, some with health issues. As a result, we felt we had to cancel and notified Airbnb and host in July 2020. Well, the risk of contracting COVID wasn't good enough for Airbnb or the host. We lost all $600 of our deposit despite offering to book the place for the same dates (it was available) in 2021. The owner is a faceless corporation that writes its own reviews in places like Yelp.com that refused to even discuss the matter. They saw free money and grabbed it. Airbnb stepped in tepidly but did nothing to help.
Why is this review about Airbnb? The reservation deposit you pay Airbnb is 50% not only of the rent, but also of the cleaning fee, the service fee and all taxes (8%). Note that when they take away your deposit because you fear dying from a pandemic, they and the host keep all of it but about $15. That means they pocket sales taxes, cleaning fees and service fees they never paid. And you wonder how they make so much money? They make it off you!
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020
I am a host on Airbnb and it seemed at first they cared about their hosts and their guests. Then they got big and now they just look at dollar signs. Fees have gone up ridiculously customer service has sank to an all time low (notice that the bulk of reviews in 2020 all give one stars and if there were a possibility of zero stars most would chose that.
I wrote the founder last year with reasons why they are getting bad reviews and losing hosts and guests. No response so I sent it a second time with no response. I have called customer service every week or 2 times a week about the flaws in their system. When asked a question every agent says they are not sure or give a run around about the issue. Do Not expect straight answers as they have none. They say they will look into an issue and then send a form letter that has nothing to do with what you have asked.
If you have a guest that as requested a reservation and you want to compensate them for the rising fees you can not do that because the special off button is not there. You know why? They want you to accept the request for the full amount and then go back and credit the guest for the discount. But does Airbnb then apply their 14% fee to the new lower guest price. No they do not. That my friend is exactly why the 'special offer' button is not on the request page even though I have asked them about it a dozen times. It is all about the greed.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020
AIRBNB: "After careful consideration, we’ve decided to permanently close your host account. This decision is final and will not be reversed." MY RESPONSE: Let's review the FACTS: Tiffany (no last name provide…a clue right there). Booked for Sept 4-7, 2020, and canceled. Why? She booked for 4 adult guests. I guess she forgot she lied because she sent me a message asking if my sofa folded out so that her two “girls” could “camp” together. She did not book 2 children, which would have increased her cost per night per person by $20 for an additional cost of $40. I probably dodged a bullet since “she” might have packed in 8 or more adults. So, she tried to cheat me out of money and she lied. I do not want to host cheats and liars. Apparently Airbnb has no principles and punishes host for having principles and I do not work with cheats and liars.
2. Shalonda **. Booked for July 29 – August 1. Just didn’t show up and reviewed me as a “racist” because she wanted to change her dates, refused to give any kind of reason (I have changed them guests have told me they had a death or sickness…basically a real reason). My response was: “It's short notice for me to find another booking to replace your dates. Why do you need to change your dates?” She told me it was none of my business and she doesn’t have to tell me. According to Airbnb rules, I am not obligated to grant her change and did not for economic reasons. You allowed her to call me a “Screaming Karen” and a racist. We never spoke in person and she doesn’t know me. I have an interracial family and shared the review with my daughter in law, who was appalled that Shalonda called me that. And, read the review after Shalonda…who also has a interracial family. Couldn’t have been nicer!
3. Fahlyn ** –Booked July 23 –28, 2020. 4 adults and 2 children. I had to spend $261 to repair the damage they caused. There were dents in the wall that looked like the children were throwing a ball against it (sheetrock), blinds were broken and removed, furniture was moved and caused the internet and tv’s to go out since it disturbed wires, they broke items in my home…all in all I had to hire someone to repair the damages. I had photos and an invoice for $261 I submitted. She refused to pay and then you refused to honor the Host Guarantee. Again, you allow dishonest people who mistreat in my well cared for home. And YOU are not truthful about your “host guarantee."
4. Dana ** Booked June 7 – 12. For 5 nights and 6 days, not a peep. No complaints…until she was on her way home on the 6th day. She sent me a BUNCH of photos that had no identifying furniture that proved they were from my home. She attempted to extort money from me by threatening to post a horrible review…she sent that too me to show me how bad it was going to be. If ANY of it were true, why did she wait until the last day?
Airbnb agreed that this was extortion but it took me calling every day for 2 weeks to finally get someone to pay attention. She lost and rightly so. In fact her children trampled mud all over the carpet and I had to have it professionally cleaned. Clearly, you think it’s ok for extortionists, liars, cheats, and nasty, disgusting people, in general, to stay in my really nicely maintained and clean condo. Just read the many reviews of HONEST people. I will be posting this on Consumer Affairs and everywhere else that people might go to investigate Airbnb.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020
I would not recommend using Airbnb for booking. Booking.com or Hotel Tonight for long stays or short overnights is way cheaper and helpful with customer support. Airbnb is stealing money from customers and they have no direct line to connect with a representative. The person via CHAT I spoke with directed me to cancel my booking in order to apply the credit that is owed - however, if I cancel I will still get charged a $500 cancellation fee. They are not helping and will not call me to get better assistance. If you'd like to avoid a huge headache, use other booking sites...
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020
In January of 2020 we booked the Greenbanks Airbnb in Bath for two nights. The venue was booked so family and friends could celebrate an uncle’s 70th birthday. We paid £1,960.85 including an exorbitant service fee of £262.85 (for what we have no idea). Due to circumstances beyond our control, i.e., Covid-19, we had to cancel the booking and did so in May of 2020. The guest of honour who lives in Ireland was not able to fly to England for the party due to flight restrictions cause by the virus. Consequently, we cancelled when we did in order not to lose the full amount. Had the coronavirus not happened, our party would have carried on with the booking as planned.
We received a refund of only £849.00 from AirBnB (50% minus the service charge). Our party of 10 had hoped under these unusual circumstances, Greenbanks would have given us a full refund. The owners did say that if their B&B was rented during the weekend we booked, then a refund would be issued. No surprise that this did not happen so we didn’t receive the other 50%.
Losing this amount of money through no fault of our own was devastating for our financial situation which, because of the lockdown, is precarious at best. We appealed twice to the owner’s sense of fairness and compassion by asking them to send the other 50% refund (£849) realising that the hefty service charge AirBnB charges is likely beyond their control. This did not happen nor did we ever hear from them. Consequently, they have £849 of our money for doing absolutely NOTHING at a time they couldn’t have rented their place anyway. We also appealed to AirBnB but they were useless in resolving this issue. Greenbanks AirBnB in Bath did not act in good faith and if you are looking to book this venue in the future, buyer beware – the owners have no scruples and will take your money and run if given the opportunity. Our advice is not to book this place now or ever.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2020
We booked a trip at StaySol in 4010 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33019, United States. Our experience was terrible and we did a review, Airbnb removed the review stating that we requested a refund. This is false information, we never requested a refund, Airbnb simply did not want that review on their website. It is obvious they do not care for their clients and their experience. Do not book anything with this company. They are unethical and their customers is the last thing they have on their mind.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2020
On June 28 my Airbnb reservation was canceled by the host. Airbnb informed that a refund of $1,350.24 was sent to the Chase Visa credit card that I used to pay for the reservation. I called Airbnb and informed them that I had canceled the card 6 months earlier in January, but Airbnb told me that there was a standard process through which the bank would receive the money and send me a check. Airbnb informed me that Chase should receive the money in 3-5 business days.
On July 3, I called Chase Bank. The bank informed me that they rejected the refund because I didn't have an account with them and there were no longer any profiles associated with me in their system. They strongly suggested that I reach out to the "Merchant Services" department at Airbnb because they were able to confirm that the bank had declined to received the refund sent by Airbnb.
I submitted a help ticket on airbnb.com. When I didn't receive any response from them, I called their customer service and after speaking to their customer service for 1.5 hours, I was told that they confirmed with their team that the bank has received the funds and gave me an ARN number to provide to the bank to claim my refund.
When I called Chase, because I didn't have a profile with them, their customer service could not submit a ticket for me or provide any further assistance. After several follow-ups and spending many hours talking to many different customer service representatives (this process took weeks), I was instructed to send a fax to the Correspondence team and Executive team at Chase Bank which I did.
After weeks, I received the following response in mail from Chase: "We were unable to locate an account for you, and the funds were returned to the merchant bank on July 17, 2020. This is done whenever we receive a credit and no matching account is found. We ask that you please contact the merchant to resolve the matter. The merchant will need to contact their bank to locate the funds and then issue a refund check to you. Here's the contact information for the merchant and the reference number associated with the credit: AIRBNB **..."
On Aug 12, I submitted a help ticket on airbnb.com and let them know about the response I received from the bank. I haven't received a response from Airbnb. I have submitted two more tickets since then but I haven't received any responses, except the following message from their Helpbot: "It looks like you already wrote to us about this issue, so we've combined this message with your other message. This message thread is now closed, but you can continue the conversation here: ..." When I call Airbnb customer service, a recorded message says that they can only provide assistance for trips that are less than 72 hours away. I have drained many hours in the past few months to receive my refund, but Airbnb hasn't provided any answers, updates, or assistance.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2020
On multiple occasions my credit card was fraudulently charged by AIRBNB to the tune of several thousands of dollars. When my finance company approached them for a refund, they simply refused, even though they admitted the charge was fraudulent. As a result, my finance company has had go through the lengthy process of filing a dispute. In the most recent case I've been waiting for 54 days for a refund and still haven't received it. I have never dealt with AIRBNB and certainly never will. I would advise everyone to stay away from the unscrupulous company.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2020
I rented an Airbnb with specific criteria: 1) Enhanced Clean (created for Covid-19) and 2) Super Host. It was false advertising. Airbnb & the host "Olivia" are both negligent and slow to respond. House was filthy. The owner tried to bribe me not to write a bad review about how dirty the house was. Later, we also found out that there was bed bug infestation. Here is how the events unfolded: 1. Upon check-in the owner was not wearing a mask. We felt concerned so we went grocery shopping for 1.5hrs to let the air in the house settle. When we came in we opened all windows to let the house air out. 2. Guideline Instructions were dirty with crud all over it. House was dirty. Light switches were oily. Kitchen was dirty. Oil was all over stove. Found splashes of feces in the toilet. Boot prints on the floor. Heavy dust accumulated on surfaces. I have photo/video evidence.
3. I let the owner know. She offered to come back to clean the toilet. I said no because I didn't want her to come in without a mask. 4. Owner pleaded with me not to write a bad review. She said it was her livelihood. She said people make mistakes sometimes and offered to drop off bleach and a sponge and a "treat". 5. Owner dropped off bleach, sponge, and gave me $40 credit on Airbnb that I did not ask for. 6. We cleaned the house and the bathrooms. We washed the towels. House was dirty. 7. I offered her advice to use checklists not to miss any cleaning. She said it was a good idea. Mind you, the listing was under Airbnb's "Enhanced Clean Protocol". She should have been following the protocol guidelines and checklists. When we talked to her about checklists she said, "That's a good idea." That led us to believe that she has never made any effort to follow the “Enhanced Clean” protocols. House wasn't even normal Pre-Covid-19 clean.
8. 3rd Friend comes on Saturday and sleeps in 3rd bedroom. She is pregnant and in her first trimester. I woke up to her screaming with bugs all over her. She had to strip down and get into the shower to get them off of her. Bed was infested with bedbugs. I'm afraid that the stress and continued nightmares of bed bugs could lead to a higher chance of miscarriage. 9. Called Host who did not answer. Called Airbnb. 10. Washed clothes put them in bags. We left luggage because we found bed bugs on/in them and we could not wash them in high heat before we left (3 luggage).
11. Owner calls us back and doesn't sound concerned. She said that she has twins and is sleep deprived??? I ended the call because we were too busy cleaning/washing and quarantining our things. 12. We left bachelorette decor on one wall, pool floaties, and some food in the fridge. The rest of the garbage we bagged up and left in the informal kitchen/dining area. 13. Left key in owner's designated area.
We would like the public to know that they are renting at their own risk and may contract Covid-19, among other things like bed bugs, since Airbnb does not police or ensure that their Hosts are following their claimed “Standards” and “Enhanced Clean” protocols. Airbnb is in the process of refunding the stay. We are still seeking compensation for alternate hotel stay and luggage that we had to leave behind for health reasons since there were bed bugs on/in them. We would also like compensation for our pregnant friend's mental anguish and general health well-being.
Since an infestation of that size likely started some time ago, Airbnb should do their due-diligence to contact recent renters of the listing to let them be aware that there were bed bugs in the house. Since Airbnb is aware and has proof of how this specific Host does not comply with their standards, we would also like this host and all of her listings to be suspended indefinitely from Airbnb to show that Airbnb is not being negligent. She did not follow the “Enhanced Clean” protocols that she attested to, tried to bribe us to not write a bad review, had a bed bug infestation, and did not show concern for the situation we were in. The listing was removed but the host is continuing to rent another property close by. Here is her Host Profile link: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/35991542.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020
Airbnb really did a number on us... Their policy promises a full refund if something unexpected happens that prevents you from going on your vacation. They call it “extenuating circumstances”. Sounds good, right? Well, no. We booked a vacation with some friends to go to a nearby beach town. About 6 hours drive, 5 guests. In the evening before our vacation one of guests tested positive to Covid-19, which immediately sent another 3 guests into quarantine for meeting her the day before (according to CDC guidelines). So, at the time of check-in, 4 out of 5 guests were sick / quarantined because of Covid-19.
What do you think Airbnb did? Did we get our money back (2k)? Of course not. Airbnb’s official answer? “The fifth guest was fine so he could have gone on this vacation on his own”. I WISH I WAS KIDDING. According to Airbnb, it makes sense for a single guest (out of 5) to drive 6 hours on his own to a huge 2 bedroom apartment that was meant for 5 people and spend 4 nights alone on the couch while worrying about his friends who are sick with coronavirus at home. WELL PLAYED, Airbnb. I will definitely think twice before booking with Airbnb ever again. THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020
I think we should all contact each other and start a class action lawsuit against AirBnB. As most likely the case they don't let contact info be published then I am placing contact info in this message by capitalizing the 2 words that are in "it" and "it" ends with 5341 and then add the server name after the "at". The 2 words are combined to make one word with the numbers added after that word. The server rhymes with Whoo"Hoo".
BEACH - briefly, after working hard to reach Superhost status I had one client who had come to my island for a family event and booked my place. Afterwards, they decided to stay with family but did not want that cancellation fee or the mark on their record. Since they were getting in late, their plan was to stay at my place that night, find some made up complaints and get out of the rest of their booking. And their plan worked well for them. AirBnB totally supported them and yes, AirBnB also reached out to me like 1:30 am...
LIVING - Anyway, due to Covid19, I placed my place on hold (apparently till today) as I live here and can not risk someone infected coming into my home, especially as I have a 95 year old (healthy) father. They sent me an email yesterday to tell me that it was going live today. Which I did not see till today after I got several inquiries about renting it. I am right on the water and I can tell by the $ amounts they are saying I will earn that my winter rate is posted, hence the high number of inquiries.
All the passwords I had do not work. I have tried to get them to send me the link to reset the password 30+ times, no luck. The booking requests are coming through but not AirBnB's password reset link. I can not email them as they insist you are logged in to contact them. Which I can't do. I tried calling them on one of two numbers (the other # is disconnected) I had for them from over a year ago as you can not find any phone number for them on their website, even though they say their contact page has their phone number...
I went in and created a new account and was finally able to get to a "chat' with them, except they are too busy, they don't have anyone available for their "live" chat. Started my live chat at 1:17 pm it is now 4:05 pm and they are still too busy for me. Meanwhile I am getting many email reminders from them to respond to the people requesting to book... even though I can not get in to my account nor reach them... Asinine.
At the very beginning of my connecting with them as a host (2018), I could actually reach them. This last year+ has been a joke. I am such a busy person, stopping to mess with this is truly a pain and having to spend hours just to try to reach them, let alone resolve an issue is beyond costly to me. For it to be impossible to get my password reset is unforgivable, that is a basic function for a company that apparently wants to be 100% internet based.
The problem with these companies (Verizon is similar in time spent with no resolution, but at least I get live people), is they don't have to pay us back for our time trying to resolve our issues with their company. Our time is "free" to them and costly to us. AirBnB treats their hosts with no respect so they can use a business model that saves them money not paying live people. What they lose from unhappy clients, hosts and guests alike, has to be costing them more then they are savings but they must be happy enough with they're profits, they just don't care.
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020
Airbnb suspended my account with no warning after 2 years! I had over 200 reviews, 2 high performing 5 star reviewed rentals. They gave no reason for suspending me. My guests were all refunded without my permission and I was blocked from my own listing, preventing me from contacting anyone. Do not trust airbnb to build your rental business. They think they are God and will break the law if they feel like it.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2020
I rented a condo last minute for a month after a stressful home sale, with the hope and intent of being comfortable and able to extend my stay while looking for a new home. The condo was not as advertised but clean, however all reviews mentioned how quiet and restful it was. It was in a horribly noisy condo complex and created extreme anxiety ultimately forcing me to vacate after just 3 days for my own sanity. Throughout this time I contacted the host, the management company Evolve and Airbnb. The host told me tough luck. It’s a condo. Evolve promised to resolve and never followed up. Then after repeated attempts to contact them again with no luck I reached out to Airbnb.
The first time I was hopeful of at least some form of follow up but nothing. A week later after being relegated to a friend’s couch I reached out again. I was again told they would follow up with me but nothing. I am now out thousands of dollars living out of a friend’s garage sleeping on a couch. I would recommend using another service or working through a broker instead of Airbnb. It was obvious in my conversations (when someone actually answered) that all parties involved could care less now that they had my money.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2020
I've been using Airbnb to host my very popular vacation rental for almost two years. I recently turned on "instant booking" and have had a few bookings. One of my bookings wrote to me the same day stating that she saw my minimum age REQUIREMENT before booking and was 2 years younger but that should be okay, right? She should have asked before booking, however, after writing to her, I cancelled the booking. During the cancellation process, it asks you to select a reason. I chose "other" and explained my reason, wanting to be fully transparent with both the guest and airbnb. They blocked my calendar for those dates and will not unblock them nor do they respond to my multiple written requests for help with this. It also blocked the dates on VRBO as I had "synced" my calendars.
Their policy is that I HAD TO CHECK THE BOX THAT SAID "I'M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE BOOKING". My bad but REALLY? My solution - I will hand post my calendars between the two vacation rental sites. I have had consistent issues with airbnb's customer service for hosting. BTW, I am a Superhost - I've used this platform a lot. So VERY disappointing.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020
Proceed with caution if thinking about renting from Grace and Oliver. Grace and Case Manager Rose were rude, dismissive and extremely unprofessional. Friday, July 31st, the night before my move-in date of Saturday, Aug 1st, Grace cancelled my reservation with no clarity as to why. Grace then blocked all communication with me after reassuring me that I would receive a full refund. I had to cancel the Uhaul and unpack everything. After 11 days of reaching out to Rose, the Case Manager, I received my refund. Of the $2,006 I paid for August (the first month's rent), I received $1,458.19. They kept $547.81 even though I never moved in and never spent one day or night in Grace and Oliver's home. Grace, her husband Oliver, Case Manager Rose and Airbnb switched up on me. They said they were going to cancel on their end and then made me cancel, charging me $547.81 after telling me I would get a full refund.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020
Do not trust Airbnb, if there is any way for you to book through hotels you may be saving a lot of time dealing with unresponsive customer service. Even if you cancel or pay airbnb you will lose money and have to pay. At this point you would think airbnb could thrive on people who actually fully used their services, yet they charge people who dont. I ended up cancelling a long term booking last minute after finding a better option, but it seems as if airbnb knew people may change their mind so charged me a fee that I will never get back and could've used for 1 or 2 nights somewhere else.
Also read carefully as hosts may set policies to where you could lose over a thousand dollars if you book a month or more and have to ask for it back, each policy is different! So as a tip, only book a week or two, any longer look for furnished leases from legitimate landlords. I give the nice star for customer service overseas that I could only contact in the morning and was able to process a complain within 48 hours, still doesnt make up for airbnb being thieves. Careful, your attempt to save money may be a trap through airbnb, at least if you get a cheap hotel or you wouldnt be surprised by any charges if you decide not to stay.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020
COVID canceled my trip. I was told to reschedule in the next 6 months or pay more. I appealed to my credit card company that resulted in Airbnb suddenly granting a full refund THAT THEY HAVE YET TO HONOR. They told me to cancel the credit card dispute which I did, but still no refund. I have contacted the Attorney General of my state to mediate. It has been weeks. AirBNB deleted all the details of my account on their app. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020
We had rentals in Ireland and England, but we are prohibited to travel because of the virus. Airbnb policy we last 50% of our deposits. You would things would be different right now. Don’t recommend using this service right now.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020
I feel ripped off and customer service couldn't help nor solve the issue! I asked to change my booking to a more exclusive location and to benefit from the full amount of my voucher. But it was IMPOSSIBLE!
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020
I made a reservation that said pet friendly. The host accepted the reservation then came back and said I had to pay $100 per day for pets. Their cancel policy is 48 hours. By the time I responded I lost 50% of my rental as a fee. Try to call Airbnb, you can't find a phone number on their website and they don't respond to questions. It took 6 days to get a response from them. Run don't walk from Airbnb.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020
Disgusted by the lack of communication and poor customer service! I was charged wrongfully for two stays at the same place during the same time frame and they would not issue a refund. I contacted them several times and received NO resolution. I was told the "lines are locked up and even the reps can't get through to that department". So strange and awful business practice. Do not recommend. They are a company who is truly in it for themselves and could care less about their customers.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020
An owner had a flood in his condo, completely understandable, he had to cancel on me with 48 hours notice. Luckily I found a new vacation spot. However, it has been over two weeks, the owner has called Air BNB support three times, and I have messaged and called. They just keep telling us that they will move it up the chain to the top of their list? It's a thousand dollars on my credit card! Very dissatisfied. The owner tells me he is going to pull out of using Air BNB.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020
AirBnb at first glance is a very lucrative company to host for. As far as the experience I've had I would steer clear from becoming a host as there is no respect for even a Super Host. To become a super host you must meet the standards of the AirBnB community. They promise VIP help and response when you are a Super Host. Recently we had one client out of 100's that went way over the top to complain about our property and without notice they took our properties of the website and have not answered any of our calls. This has been over a week without response. That's a horrible business plan to basically leave someone that has worked extremely hard to become a Super Host out in the cold with no response. I would not recommend becoming a host or even using this company in any future travel plans.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020
Booked a house in another town. The renter over sold the quality of the place. Was not deep cleaned. Toilet leaked, fingerprints on the walls etc. back yard was tore up. Exterior looked like it was half falling off in the back. (We didn’t even have simple amenities that were listed...like towels or a laundry basket.) Overlooked all of those because there was no place else to go. Unfortunately we had a medical emergency and stayed less than 24 hours before going to a hospital back home. Renter lied and said we only had to cancel with him and AirBNB would refund us the other days.
Reached out to AirBNB anyways. (Wasted hours and hours on hold, to get blown off by the first five people we spoke to.) They said the owner had to give the refund. Neither side would own or help their part. Fought for almost a month to get less than half of the money back of a 5 day rental we were in for 16 hours. Will never use anything but a hotel EVER again. Had to submit medical records to Airbnb because they wouldn’t believe us. Owner ghosted too. Super shady company with shady properties. STAY CLEAR!
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020
Airbnb customer service is absolutely bad. I booked a vacation on July 17th. The vacation was canceled by the Host due to COVID-19. The Host was great and called me about the cancelation. Host also called customer service to cancel and process the refund. The refund was inclompleted because Airbnb hold my money. I called several times and no response from anyone. If you have any cancelation make sure your money is refund 100%. I am very disappointed.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020
Between the time I booked the trip and now, unfortunately the US regressed in its handling of covid-19. I cancelled as soon as I could after coordinating with my family, but Airbnb refuses refunds in this time. In a time when a few hundred dollars can make or break us, Airbnb is content to take your money without rendering services. They also allow large rental vacation companies to use them for advertising, so when you think you're renting from a private owner, you're not. It's one large company supporting another large company, stealing your money. Turnkey Vacation Rentals is in league with Airbnb and both will take your money without ever providing you a service.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020
Airbnb service fees were advertised as between 12% and 14%. I was actually charged 17% so complained. Apparently this is because it is 14% + VAT. I thought everything had to be advertised inclusive of VAT in the UK, this is very misleading and they should be more transparent with their customers.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020
Made reservations thru Airbnb a month ahead to go on our vacation for 6 days. 2 days before our trip Airbnb canceled our reservations. In the email they said it from lack of payment, which is not true! It’s almost impossible to get Airbnb to contact you after reaching out to them. Our host tries and she didn’t have any luck either. I will never go thru this company again! I will stick with VRBO.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020
My family and I booked a Airbnb. They frauded our account 2 times and put my account negative $2000 because people confirm the reservation and then cancel. Now I’m stuck on the road trying to find funds to make it home!! This is ridiculous! This app is not ran properly. If there are possible cancellations there needs to be a better way for a refund or credit for another Airbnb purchase. Thank you Airbnb for making this weekend hell for my family!! Never will receive my business again.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020
I was trying to contact Airbnb customer service representative regarding major issues at the house that I was staying in Seattle. I called them 4 separate times. I was put on hold for hours. They promised to get back to me and nobody did. And to make matters worse, the last customer representative hang up the phone on us. Worst company ever. Worst customer service. Please do not use them.

Reviewed July 31, 2020
With the Covid-19 pandemic creating havoc for many of us you would think companies would be working with repeat customers. Not Airbnb though. We booked accommodation in Northfield VT in November for an event at our sons’ college (Norwich University). We were informed that they will not be going back and therefore all events are cancelled. We went to cancel our booking, with over three months’ notice, and were told we would only get $67 back from our $583 deposit. Airbnb have not answered any of our attempts to contact them about this situation. Airbnb clients make a lot of offseason booking through Norwich University families. I intend taking the matter up with the University and Parents Association to get them to remove Airbnb from their accommodation information recommendations.
Reviewed July 30, 2020
I booked a place on Airbnb but had question for host. I contacted host with question. Site encouraged me to book without waiting for reply as I could cancel. I did so. After reply of host realized place would not work. I cancelled reservation. Received refund for all but Airbnb fee. Tried to contact Airbnb. Got message they were busy and short staffed. Not sure how to get Airbnb fee back. Host can’t do anything.
Reviewed July 30, 2020
I have hosted my properties on Airbnb for over 5 years now. I have been the host on over 10 properties in various cities. When Airbnb first started they genuinely cared about the Hosts. However, over the last 2 years they have gone completely downhill. I have been hosed by Airbnb on so many issues. Probably about a dozen or so issues where guests complain about some non-existent or minor issue & just like that I have to refund some portion of money. During the COVID pandemic, Airbnb was nowhere to be found and left Hosts hanging when they allowed guests to cancel with no penalty and Hosts had to bear all the losses. The most shocking of them all just happened to me this week...
I had a guest stay at my house for about a week. They ending up stealing a ton of stuff - TV, fan, hair dryer, blow-up mattress, and a bunch of other random stuff. They also damaged or broke a ton of things. And on top of it all, they smoked a ton of cigarettes and ** leaving ash and butts all over the apartment. It smelled terrible. I filed a claim with the so comically named "Host Guarantee" which is supposed to protect hosts from such events. Why else would anyone rent their property to a random third party? I file my claim and it gets denied. Why? Because I did not file the entire claim before the earliest of 1) the arrival of the next guest or 2) 14 days.
If anyone has ever hosted on Airbnb before, especially in an ultra high cost city like NYC, you would understand that as a host you try to maximize the number of guests you have come in (like a hotel). You don't want any days go un-rented. So on this particular day when the thief-guest checked out, I had another guest checking in. There is a 4 hour cleaning window between when the one guest leaves and the next arrives. Also, as a Host, you don't want to, nor do you have the ability, to go to your property during every turnover. It's just not possible. That's the point of a cleaner.
Without getting into every little detail and having to type a novel, long story short is I did not file the claim within their time parameters, which in this case is 4 hours. I completed the claim about 2 weeks later. Why did it take so long? Well, I had to wait 3 days for the next guest to leave. I had to physically go to the apartment to figure out what all was stolen or broken. I had to take pictures. I then had to go back and search for receipts to upload to Airbnb. You have to type explanations for everything. It just takes a lot of time and all while working your primary job and going through your day-to-day life. The "Host Guarantee" is the ultimate scam. It's the assurance that every Host wants to hear but in the fine print explains how utterly impossible it is to comply with the terms.
As I noted earlier, I have over 10 properties with Airbnb. I will be dropping them all and moving all over to other platforms like VRBO and HomeAway. I highly recommend to anyone who is using or considering to use Airbnb as a Host, to strongly think again. As to using it as a customer / traveler, it's a great service. And now I truly know why! - because all of the stress and financial losses is born by the Host. This is why it is such a cheap option to use as a traveler.
Reviewed July 29, 2020
As a Contractor I was very interested in using Airbnb when I have jobs to do out of my area, but I had some questions to ask before I just pay $1500. Then keep my fingers crossed that everything works out with the room.... So, I called airbnb and after 34 minutes a man finally answered my call. Then after I asked if there was any refund policy if the room doesn't work out for any number of reasons, he said "I don't understand your question" and hung up.
Reviewed July 29, 2020
It's been two days since I've called Airbnb. 6 times to tell them that someone is posting my home for rent. They are not calling back. They are 'reviewing' while my privacy is exposed. While my children are home and I have strangers knocking on my door to tell me they rented my house. Airbnb is not a professional organization and is not vetting their listers. They person listing my home is "authorized' while my case is being reviewed, I have not been given a courtesy call. 2 days and not even as much as an email.
Reviewed July 25, 2020
I booked a place in NJ with Airbnb only to be told my ID couldn’t be used because the system wouldn’t read my driver’s license. They initially gave me a confirmation then changed to not processed. Now I want to close my account & am told I can’t do that without my driver’s license. Screwed up company that I will not be doing business with again.

Reviewed July 24, 2020
I was told I will receive a credit since Airbnb canceled my original reservation and They never did. My reservation was canceled few days before arrival and I was told I will get a credit of $162.54. Since my original reservation was made back on May 8 and someone canceled my reservation on July 8 for an arrival on 7/10 ruining my plans. Where is my credit? I was told I will get a credit to a new reservation which I dumbly did and now they expect I make ANOTHER reservation to get my credit! It was the 1st and last time I use this service! What a nightmare! Be aware!
Reviewed July 23, 2020
Airbnb gave us a credit of $99.26 because a host cancelled at very short notice. When we tried to use it for new booking there was an error message. Customer Support said we couldn't use the credit because our new booking was for $869 and we had to spend over $860. When I said it was over $860 the guy said the service fee is deducted from the $869 which makes it less than $860. BUT THIS IS NEVER MENTIONED ANYWHERE. They said they would escalate the case, never heard from them again and they closed the case.
Reviewed July 22, 2020
Long story short, we booked a house at the wrong location, 3-4 hours from intended destination. It also advertised having 3 bathrooms and in the details just 2.5. Although I attempted to cancel a MONTH IN ADVANCE. Both the host and Airbnb refused to give us even a CENT in refunds. To clarify the severity of the situation, I will disclose that someone in our guest party suffers from several digestive diseases as well as PTSD. It would be physically impossible for 10 people to share 2 bathrooms. One of the bathrooms being inside the MASTER SUITE, which is where our disabled party was supposed to be staying. Upon finding out that she would have people in and out of her bedroom to shower, she declined to come. She stated with her conditions, it would be impossible for her to get rest or manage her symptoms with no privacy.
When we contacted Airbnb in regards to the issues that arose, they stated there was nothing they could do. It was as up to the HOST, to refund money, OUT OF GOODWILL. They advised me to communicate my concerns to the HOST. When I contacted the host, they responded vaguely and asked me to contact AIRbnb because they SHOULD have accommodations for us - including transferable credits or switching locations/dates. I call Airbnb back, spoke to 5-6 different customer service reps. No one could help. They escalated the matter and had me speak to a caseworker. She was very kind. Nonetheless, she told me my only option was to cancel and lose ALL the money deposited into the trip. When I asked her about the refund policy stated on the ad, she said this:
*Refund policy states that if we cancel 14 days prior to check in, we get a full refund: we didn’t qualify because this only apply for 48 hours after booking. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND ON THE AD. It simply says “full refund if canceled 14 days prior to check in”. *Refund policy states 50 percent refund is offered to the guests if reservation is cancelled before August 7, at 3:00 pm: however, since we only paid for half the trip, they consider THE OTHER HALF YOU HAVEN'T PAID AS THE 50 percent refund. THAT IS NOT A REFUND. THAT IS THEFT. In other words, half of the trip that was already paid, is nonrefundable. The 50 percent refund is in regards to the other half of the payment that wasn’t made. How does that constitute as a refund if we are not receiving even a dime in return? For invisible money that was not paid?
In other words, AirBNB has no real refund policy. Apparently, you have 48 hours before your reservations are signed in blood and there is no working it out. This is not how you run a business. No accommodations for guests who for one reason or another - cannot make the trip or made a mistake. They wouldn’t give us credits to transfer our reservation to the ACTUAL LOCATION that we needed to be in the first place. I understand it was a mistake on our part. But it’s extremely inhuman to not allow procedures be set in place for situations like these. Especially when it has to do with a disability and booking the wrong location. Airbnb simply told me it’s up the host to *steal* money from a group of people who are giving them A CANCELLATION WITH A MONTH'S NOTICE. They are thieves. They do not work with you. They allow hosts to take advantage. There is no protection for consumers. Whatsoever.
Reviewed July 22, 2020
We planned a trip to Florida in October and the trip would include people travelling internationally. Unfortunately, there is a travel restriction on entry to the U.S. from various countries. We contacted the host and three days later no response. We contacted AirBnb customer service and explained our situation and was told that this was an extenuating circumstance and that would get back to us. 48 hours later, no response. We contacted them again after waiting that 48 hours and was told that since it's currently July, we cannot cancel a trip in October, because it is too far out to determine that we cannot travel.
We contacted them again a third time, and they said that they were going to investigate this booking and get back to us. Now we are waiting for them to get back to us AGAIN, for another 24-48 hours. Who would believe that a company would be think inconsiderate and unprofessional. The customer service is far from poor. It seems like everytime the story changes and no one follows through.
Reviewed July 21, 2020
I have informed the Airbnb of missing essential amenities in the apartment that is WiFi. I called them at 7 am and continued calling them all day each time waiting on the line. Each time someone else picked up and promised me to call back and just wait. The host had apparently 6 hour deadline to fix the WiFi. I called again, spend another hour on the line until I got cut off. I haven't heard from Airbnb and have wasted a while day. I have never complained on the Airbnb or left negative review because I had generally good experience. WIFI is essential for my work, since I'm staying here 5 nights. So I recommend use only Airbnb if you are sure things go well. They can't handle a simple situation.
Reviewed July 20, 2020
I rented a condo in Destin. My check our time on my itinerary clearly stated 11am. On our last day, cleaners walked into the condo at 9:50am without knocking while my little girl was eating breakfast and I was half naked. I addressed the issue with the host who did not apologize. I wrote a bad review due to his unprofessionalism, and a few weeks later I get a message from Versha stating I lied about my review and the real check out time was 10am. I took a screenshot in my emails directly sent from them showing it was 11am and she continued to act like I was lying and incorrect about the check out time. When I told her even if it was a 10am check out, how is it ok to come in at 9:50am? She had no answer to that. Don’t trust their reviews. They delete all the negative ones. I am assuming the owner requests them to do it. They only care about the owners and not the renters. Use Flipkey instead or any other rental site.
Reviewed July 20, 2020
I am trying to cancel my reservation due to Covid 19. The state that we was going to stay in is shut down due to covid 19. Airbnb will not give me back a full refund. I am very disappointed in this website. I was going to stay there but there is nothing opened.
Reviewed July 17, 2020
Renting from Airbnb is the worst possible thing anyone can do. They do not back anyone that receives a horrible experience. Ants in a home are NOT ACCEPTABLE and I'm not sure why it's acceptable to airbnb! Hotels make it right when anything is found unacceptable. Why is Airbnb any different????
Reviewed July 17, 2020
I booked an AirBNB for a trip to Prague, due to Covid-19 all U.S. citizens were banned from entering the Czech Republic and all flights cancelled, I attempted to cancel the reservation 35 days in advance of the trip, as soon as I was alerted about the ban and flight cancellations. AirBNB not only refused to refund the deposit, they charged the second part of the fees weeks later. According to the "standard reservation cancellation policy", which I have from AirBNB "I would have until July 25th to cancel and I would receive half of the "Cancellation policy - Cancel before 4:00 PM on Jul 25 and get a 50% refund, minus the service fee." I cancelled on June 26th. Legally in the U.S. a company can not charge you for a product or service that they are unable to deliver but AirBNB is hiding behind the owner who is not a U.S. citizen, saying that it is up to them.
Reviewed July 17, 2020
It’s my first time using Airbnb and I was quite excited to find some beautiful places on their website of Vancouver. I found a place that I like to stay. Initially it said the place I want was available so I filled in all my info and paid in full. They charged my credit card, then sent me a text saying the host is not available to confirm my booking, “find another place to stay”. Those were the exact words. So I did. Then I rebooked at another place. Same thing happened. “What is going on? I thought to myself.” Then I received two emails confirming I have two bookings for the same period. The Airbnb support centre sent me an email telling me that I made two bookings for the same period. I took a screen shot of the message I got regarding host not available to confirm booking.
I called the support centre right away and let them know what’s going on. I even showed them the message. He said he will escalate this to the manager and get someone to contact me back within 24 hours. I never received a call. I tried to call them myself. I was on hold for more than 2 hours. “I took a screen shot of the time my call was on hold as proof as well.” Then someone picked up the phone and didn’t say a word for three minutes and hung up on me.
I tried numerous times to send them emails and text messages, no one got back to me. The only person got back to me was the person from the initial booking I made, because I had to explain to him why I need to cancel his booking. He was kind enough to tell me to cancel within 48 hours of initial booking otherwise I will lose 50% of what I paid. So I did, but then I found out that Airbnb won’t refund me the service fee, which was $315. All I want to do is to explain to them that it was their system’s mistake but I still have to pay the price. I don’t think that’s fair at all. Would not recommend this company to anyone I know.
Reviewed July 16, 2020
Worst customer service ever! I tried to update a reservation several times on the app and followed all the instructions and was never messaged back. I called several times and was placed on hold for several minutes. One time I was on hold for 54 minutes before hanging up to call back. When I would chat with customer service as soon as I asked for a refund for my service fee, my chat would close. I had to call the third party vacation rental company to update my reservation with no help from Airbnb.
Reviewed July 15, 2020
My friends and I had to cancel our trip as many others have had to for COVID related reasons. Our AirBnB to FL was paid for in full and once we saw the spike in FL, we cancelled right away. There was also a travel ban and state of emergency in place. I cancelled the trip on the app and got a credit for our trip. Otherwise we would have only received less than half our money back. I spent hours upon hours on hold, talking to several representatives, sending many emails and there was no resolution. We should be able to get a refund giving the circumstances and there was NO flexibility at all. When I was promised call backs, I received emails instead. They were trying to avoid talking to me. Unprofessional and completely poor customer service. I do not recommend this company or plan to ever utilize its services again.
Reviewed July 12, 2020
Hello, I checked in this Airbnb Friday July 11th. I contacted the host several times. I have both conversation through here in the phone and on text. I have pictures and video recording. The place was filthy. It was not clean at all. The covering towels and bedding were not washed. The washer was broke. The couch was broke. There was a brick underneath holding it up. The bathroom flooded to the downstairs bathroom so we were only able to use one bathroom. There was used food in the fridge and freezer. Clothes left behind everywhere. Open soap bars and boxes in the closets. Really bad stains on the carpet. The last night there the air went out for 4 hours. The sliding doors have nails sticking out so several of my guest cut their self trying to open and close the the door.
The host told me he would work something out with me but now he is unable to. I’m 9 months pregnant. I should not have to clean a whole house after paying almost 700 dollars. He told me he not home while the guest are there but I can hear them in the garage the entire time which is creepy at night. I was unable to book somewhere else and because he told me we can work something out I stayed. The backyard has so much stuff. Things that are not shown on the pictures. I want some of my money back. I have 2 small children. You would think they would clean it enough where the guest would feel safe laying down on it. COVID is going on. You would think it would be better clean.
Reviewed July 12, 2020
Airbnb is scandalous. During Covid, we had a few guests request to get out of their bookings with us. We were happy to help, refunding everything less the $200 cleaning fee, so the cleaning company we use are not out any. Everyone agreed. Then came the huge headache to get Airbnb to comply. Between the guests and myself, we spent hours of waiting on the phone to talk with Airbnb. The first time, the agent completely didn't get it and I had to call back to fix the problem they made worse. Finally, we get the agent to understand and help. Then I get charged $404 a month prior to the release of the funds. So basically, I had to give up $400 a month before I could get my $200. What a mess.
Airbnb collected all the money from the guest months ahead. To refund the guest, Airbnb charges me instead of taking it out of the funds they are holding. I won't see the $200 funds until the end of the month. Why wouldn't Airbnb just give me the $200 at the same time they are refunding the guest? It's because they are making money on the money that is owed to me. So now, I'm out $400 just to wait a month to get half that back. Scandalous.
Reviewed July 12, 2020
We had a customer booked for two people (both adults) and they arrived with over 15 people with kids and dogs (dogs are not allowed in our house), made a lot of damage (broken doors, broken bed, damaged floor). Had party going all night, disturbed neighbors, smoked cigarettes and shisha in the house. Total damage of couple thousand Canadian dollars. We did the claim next day and Airbnb did nothing, just said they can't do anything. On the second email didn't even response. Be very aware that this company only cares about $$$ going their direction not your, don't count on any help or coverage from them. We are taking all our properties off Airbnb somewhere else.
Reviewed July 10, 2020
I cancelled a booking due to an event being cancelled due to COVID-19 three months before reservation. Even though I met the criteria for getting a FULL REFUND which was listed on their website, they refused to refund my money saying that when I cancelled, that wasn't their policy. I cancelled early AS A FAVOR so they could possibly rebook the space. If I waited to cancel, I would have gotten the refund, but since I was trying to be a responsible person, I was punished.
Reviewed July 10, 2020
I booked a house in Portugal, Cascais, (Gomes Freire Delight) the owner name is Jose, my reservation was for December 21st 2020, but unfortunately, with Covid19 effect and positive virus result from family I can not travel and I tried to cancel my reservation 5 months before, but the owner refused to refund the whole amount! By Airbnb policy they can refund only 50% and the rest is with the owner chose!! I think that's not fair and shows how the people are dishonest. Some people use the current situation, Covid19, to gain more profit and I think that's not correct, Airbnb should be responsible for the whole process.
Reviewed July 10, 2020
My coworkers and I rented a townhome in Detroit for the marathon this year. At the time of our booking, the policy for this specific unit was a 100% refund if you canceled your booking 7 days prior to your stay. The race is being canceled and we are months from the reservation and only received 50% back of our FULL payment even though the cancelation is for COVID. The landlord or property owner will not respond to requests for refund and Airbnb's policy is only to refund through JULY 2020. In addition, the owner changed the refund AFTER our reservation. All wrong!!!! Will never book with them again!
Reviewed July 9, 2020
Mom has manageable health problems like diabetes and is 83. The app doesn’t help you do anything except look at places. Chatting is 60-90 minute wait. Calling get used to 90-120 minutes. I had a death certificate and a letter from my mom’s doctor. The host wouldn’t let me out and neither would this crappy awful company. Finally called my credit card and they refunded me. This is the zenith of a horrible dot com company that doesn’t give a rats ** if your elderly mother is a huge Covid risks. I hate this company and their poorly designed app.
Reviewed July 9, 2020
I am deeply disappointed and very angry with the fact that although Airbnb have cancellation policies in place if these rules are not adhered to due to "mitigating circumstances" and the guest cancels at the last minute the host is left with expenses that Airbnb seem to not care about. My booking was cancelled hours before arrival and I have spent money preparing for their stay and now they have been allowed to cancel at the last minute with a full refund leaving me with costs that I feel should be covered under these "mitigating circumstances".
My question is how can we hosts ensure we are protected financially when these situations arrive. Also very disappointed that it has take me 3 calls to airbnb and no one has be bothered to address my concerns. Your hosts are feeling unprotected during these testing times and I don't see what airbnb have put in place to ensure we are also looked out for and financially protected during these times. I'm really considering using an alternative site to host my properties. I ask for complaints to escalate and I'm given the feedback link. This is totally unacceptable and a joke... I see this one going down like blockbusters... How are you going to offer properties to guests if us as hosts can't trust you to adhere to contractual terms.
Reviewed July 9, 2020
So I've been hosting for half a decade, and have 11 listings. This company will not stand behind owners and hosts anymore. My wait time is 45 minutes, and they never resolve their "Resolution Center" claims. This company bears the hallmarks of a big business about to go bankrupt or something. If you are a host, it is worth it to use a smaller listing service, VRBO (still ok but also on the decline), Craigslist, or your own website. AirBnB is too sketchy these days. We have pumped probably half a million dollars through their website, and this is how they treat us!
Reviewed July 8, 2020
They will not refund the service fee. If this was a minimal charge, I would not be writing this review. However, they refused to refund my $200 "service fee". I canceled my trip because of COVID-19 and my mother being diagnosed with cancer! We could not take the trip because she is starting chemo you ** bags.
Reviewed July 8, 2020
B) They can only send an email to the department to request the cancellation.
C) I cannot speak to or email anyone in the department directly.
After a week of waiting to hear back, the only response I got was an automated email asking how my stay was. I am currently disputing the charges with my bank. Horrible experience with the website & customer service. They were quick to remove payment then lock my account.
Reviewed July 7, 2020
During this pandemic, our flights were cancelled and we were forced to cancel our Airbnb reservations. One of the hosts asked us to cancel early and they would provide a full refund which gave them an opportunity to rent their home during our time frame. They were only able to refund us their portion and said Airbnb would refund us the service fees. I spoke to their customer service people three times and they refused to refund the service fee even though the unit got re-rented and they would be collecting the service fee twice for the same time period. I will no longer do any business with Airbnb.
Reviewed July 6, 2020
I was visiting Atlanta, Georgia and the place I was staying in had ** in my room which is illegal in the state of Georgia. The front door was kept locked, everyone was told not to talk to neighbors or mention Airbnb, in a gated community. The living room was stuffed with bunk beds with cigarettes and stench of ** mixed with scented candles. The smoke detectors were broken or covered with plastic.
The host tried to charge me extra for every small thing from my friend visiting me, bringing me supplies like food (as I was a visitor in her city) to offering alternatives such as taking me to a grocery store for a premium charge. I reported this to Airbnb and tried to change the reservation which she declined. Things got unsafe with the host threatening me, so I left early and reported checking out. Before I left, I took pictures to prove the presence of **, the front door being locked and all the texts exchanged between me and the host and reported the case. The customer service made me wait for an hour, claimed to forward it to a higher manager and then no response for a week. I tried again next week, same scenario, same behavior. It's been 4 weeks since I checked out and 2 weeks since my last attempt hence I feel I should report this.
Reviewed July 6, 2020
This was my first (and last) experience with Airbnb. My friend and I decided to travel by car to a (supposedly) clean and nice location during the COVID-19 pandemic. We read many, many reviews and selected a "super host" location with glowing 5 star reviews.
1. We relied on the website specifics related to the cleanliness needed due to Covid-19, as my companion and I are both immune-compromised, and have been very secluded during the pandemic. Renting an Airbnb that was attentive to the cleanliness requirements due to the current pandemic was of high priority. In reality, the property you provided us was dirty – the fold-out bed was MOLDY, someone else’s trash had been left, the floor and living room carpet were dirty, etc. The cleanliness we expected in your claims on the website were not appropriate during COVID 19.
2. Our reservation was for a property described as being located around a diameter of Henrietta and Midland within the city of Woodland Park, a location that is within walking distance of places such as the Donut Mill and Café Leo, which served specific needs as we traveled to the Woodland Park area. We traveled nearly 750 miles, counting on the fact that the location would be as described in your advertisement. The actual location was south of town, and not conducive to the specific reasons we rented your place.
We asked for a partial refund of three nights (our actual time at the location) from the "host." He is supposedly residing in Russia. He declined our request and DELETED our one star review of our stay. This company uses deceptive methods.
Reviewed July 2, 2020
Booked a trip to Florida 6/6/2020 renting a beautiful home with family. I am a high risk person so renting the home with pool and jet skiing was the right thing for me! Coming from NYC/NJ on quarantine time! Any way the spike for Florida has spiked TREMENDOUSLY! They are going downhill and closing things up slowly. Traveling there and back has been restricted by quarantining if you're coming and going from one of the 17 states. My story is no different from everyone else here! I canceled and the host agreed to give me back a full refund. The cost was 4k. I was refunded $2,132.81. Airbnb is basically saying Florida is open and covid has always been around it's my fault that I booked knowing this could happen. They can not force the host, even if it's on the site inbox of the agreement.
Let's not write. Let's take action. Airbnb makes their cut which was $500. The owner got his $1,500. Let's get a lawsuit started. Let's write the Attorney general on Airbnb and get a petition started. This has to be illegal what they are doing making money off of Covid 19 and make us suffer by taking our money and saying oh well. Let's put them on the NEWS! Let's take action. They are taking EVERYONE'S money! And you have to wait 2hrs to talk with someone! They can't get away with this!! Please email me if you're interested. I doing something about it! The more people complain it will be a problem for them! **
Reviewed July 1, 2020
Had to call police to remove a guest repeatedly harassing neighbors that refused to leave. Even with police in my home I could not get a response. Ever since, crickets, calling, emailing, chat.. nothing!
Reviewed June 30, 2020
AIRBNB a billion dollar company, with minimal overhead, who received over a Billion dollars in Loans won't refund deposits on cancelled reservations that fall after March of 2020. In my case the reservation was place in Feb of 2020 when there was minimal knowledge about Covid 19. The reservation was to attend a wedding in October of 2020. As the disease will continue to into the year, the wedding has been postponed until 2021. When I tried to cancel the reservation, FIVE MONTHS PRIOR to the occupancy date, AirBNB holds fast to their “policy” of NO refunds. Companies large and small are acting ethically during these times. NOT AirBNB. Additionally, how does AIRBNB swindle the public into collecting large deposits that are not transferred to the hosts until occupancy and not refundable? All, the while AIRBNB invests those deposits to their own advantage.
Reviewed June 30, 2020
My family rented a place in Canada for this summer. We made the reservation back in December of 2019. With the pandemic hitting, we were worried about being able to cross the border, with good reason, since we still can't cross from the US. We reached out to our host and she was fantastic offering a 100% refund. We thought it would be better for the host to cancel early so they would have the opportunity to rerent it to someone that doesn't need to cross a border.
I sent the request through Airbnb and I only received a partial credit. Airbnb advised that the host didn't agree to a full refund. But the host had already sent an email to them requesting the same. But what I realized is Airbnb is keeping a service fee of over 200 in a pandemic. It's Shameful and clearly taking advantage of consumers during a pandemic.
Reviewed June 29, 2020
Due to COVID-19 and stay at home orders we had to cut short our Arizona stay. The spirit of the Airbnb policy on refunds due to the virus would have enabled us to receive a refund for the month. I realize the letter of the policy did not cover us because we made one reservation for two months instead of two separate one-month rentals. Our host returned money to Airbnb which Airbnb only sent a portion to me and pocketed the rest. I should also point out that I had been promised a discount from a previous rental that had gone bad due to a fraudulent host. They have not lived up to that commitment. Adding to the financial dispute is that they have continually delayed and lied to me about investigating my claim. I have tried to give the company the benefit of the doubt due to the impact of COVID-19, but they have failed in every aspect of customer service.
Reviewed June 28, 2020
We booked a trip in February thinking things would get better by July for our anniversary. I ended up being scheduled for a spine surgery June 9. When we notified the host she was RUDE, she also stated to provide documentation for a NEW condition. We thought it'll be safe travel, and my surgery wouldn't prevent us. However after my surgery I had complication, the host offered half the money back but still started she felt it was no reason to cancel. No confirmed cases were in Daytona. Upon canceling with Airbnb she started sending harassing messages, told us we were evil and karma would get us. She said only evil people do things like this. Thank you Airbnb. We'll reschedule once I'm cleared for a different place but they Definitely need to be removed from your site, you provide better service than she's capable of providing. She also stated she should've never booked us like she wanted and never try to book with them again.
Reviewed June 25, 2020
Our family cancelled our late June Ocean City vacation nearly two weeks in advance of our reservation due to civil unrest across the country and particularly due to very disturbing recent unrest on the popular Boardwalk in Ocean City. The unrest, including assaults, stabbings, and brawls was well documented by local Ocean City and Baltimore media. Airbnb and/or Ocean City Host (Herb & Carolyn **, Dominica Beach, LLC) refused to waive their harsh 50% cancellation penalty under their own extenuating circumstances policy: " Natural disasters, terrorist activity, and civil/political unrest that prevent the guest from traveling to or from the destination, or that make it unsafe to host guests." (AND) "Safety and security threat advisories issued for the listing or experience location or the guest party’s departure location."
Here was the Host's unprofessional and unsigned email response: "We go by Airbnb’s cancellation policies. Written by Airbnb not us. They and Ocean City determine if there are extenuating circumstances and neither have declared that there is. I am sorry but we cannot lose money because decided to cancel." The upshot to the whole situation is apparently they were able to fill our cancelled reservation thus getting the new renters' money and 50% of our money. This is a refund abomination; extremely poor business practice, unfair, bordering on illegal.
Reviewed June 24, 2020
I am a host on Airbnb, a super host, and have been trying to work with Airbnb to resolve issues surrounding one of my guests that had to leave early due to Covid. Both the guest and I tried contacting Airbnb to issue a refund for the part of his stay that was cut short due to the pandemic. Airbnb did not respond, so I refunded the guest the money out of my own pocket, understanding Airbnb was extremely busy with all the requests at that time. A couple of months later as travel began to pick back up and guests were booking my place, Airbnb withheld money from the new bookings saying that it was a credit for the prior guest. I called the prior guest to see if he received a refund for his early departure from Airbnb, and he has not received any money. So Airbnb has taken money from me and has still not refunded the original guest who had to cut his trip short due to a pandemic.
I have had numerous online conversations and phone calls with Airbnb where I have been put on hold for several hours. When someone finally picks up they acknowledge that they are incorrectly handling the situation but do nothing to remedy the situation. After Many months of promising to get back to me they finally determined that the money, $689.55, belonged to the company, and not me or my guest. Airbnb has taken money from my guest and from me. I am at the point of considering this theft.
Reviewed June 24, 2020
Bad customer service. I have been trying to get a refund on a canceled reservation for 4 months. This company will waste your time, give you the runaround and not respond to any of your messages. Book with anyone else.
Reviewed June 24, 2020
This is my bad experience in Airbnb. I tried to cancel a reservation with less than 24 hours and they only want to return 50%. I want a full refund. The provide address do not match the description on the website. I contacted Vacasa Florida administrator (Moly) of the condominium and Airbnb didn't want to help me. My biggest frustration is that it wasn't more than 24 hours. The host (Moly) from Vacasa Florida it took more than 5 hours to answer.
Reviewed June 23, 2020
If I could give them a negative 5 I would. No help. Calls to them disconnect repeatedly. Said they'd call back if disconnected. They didn't. A whole bunch of false accusations about damage made and a $1000 bill to replace a stove that I didn't even use! Horrible. GET A HOTEL THAT HAS STANDARDS. Filthy with cobwebs, broken appliances, rotten cream in the fridge, etc...
Reviewed June 22, 2020
Hours and hours on the phone to fix a simple issue. Subpar and SMALL accommodations. Do not even try, this company and their business model stinks like seven day old meat left rotting in the sun. And that is about as nice as I can be.
Reviewed June 20, 2020
This was my first time utilizing Airbnb. I signed up on the morning of my needed reservation.I completed everything that was necessary, after inputting my card info--the website states they will take up to 24 hours to validate all of my info including by license. I knew it wouldn't take the full 24 hours, I figured by the time I made it to my destination (within 8 hrs) that I would have my info. I contacted the host to see if I could just stay in their place since they already have my card info; they stated that Airbnb has to verify first.
I made it to my destination, but the host messaged me stating that Airbnb was still waiting on my id verification. Me and my kids had to have a place to stay so I got a hotel, they text me at 11 pm to tell me my reservation was confirmed and sent me info. I called Airbnb the next morning to figure out why I was charged the full amount when I didn't stay the one night, which seems like any reputable company would have refunded or would have told me before I put in my card info. I would NEVER use them again and I am letting everyone I know about their shady practices. I'm trying to figure out why Airbnb would allow me to book on the same day if they knew about 24 hour validation period. Then Airbnb told me that it is up to the host to refund me the money since they gave it to me. Just back and forth....NEVER AGAIN, this is really 0 stars.
Reviewed June 19, 2020
I booked and paid for an Airbnb. After a long trip, we arrived late at night to find the apartment was filthy and had an inhabitant who answered the door in a drug-induced haze. Air bnb could not be reached. An answering service placed us on hold for over an hour only to direct us to their website with generic options, which came to a generic conclusion that no refund was possible. The host of the apartment was also unreachable, with a phone number listed on air bnb that was no longer in service. We left a message on the website and never got a response. Air bnb was completely indifferent and unavailable regarding an unprofessional and unacceptable and unfair experience. They provided no back up for me and my family who were out the cost of a week’s stay.
Reviewed June 16, 2020
My husband and I decided to celebrate our 1st year marriage anniversary by booking a European vacation for the late summer of 2020. We began booking accommodations in January, 2020 such as outgoing flight (we are going to two countries so we booked separate flights depending on price), we also booked our Airbnb's for our Rome, Italy and Barcelona, Spain stays. I was pretty sure that I only searched for bookings that had flexible cancellations and from what I understood they did. Come end of February we start getting worried but our trip is still at the end of August so we were hopeful. Since we still planned to make our trip we just let time pass and hoped we would not have to cancel and that by then we'd be able to go.
A few more months pass and yes I am worried but I am keeping an eye on things because of course I booked everything with cancellation insurance, etc. A Wednesday morning the beginning of June I get an email that my outgoing flight was cancelled. I immediately started rebooking everything but when I got to my Barcelona Airbnb I was getting no money back. After speaking with my airline the soonest they could get me on a flight of similar ticket fare was about 1 month later, I agreed and confirmed the dates. I contacted my host to see if her apartment was available on my new dates, but it was not.
I was so lucky to be helped by Fred, he was consistent on reaching out to me and told me exactly what I'd need to present to cancel my reservation with refund as this situation was out of my control and I was still interested in the same location but could not get it. Fred made sure he stayed with me the entire time and until it was completed. Customer Service is not for everyone, you need to want to help people and Fred is one of the most amazing customer service reps I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
Reviewed June 16, 2020
On Jan. 19, we made a reservation with an initial group of 6 people to travel to Guanajuato Mexico, for a week getaway. We selected Casa Almendro (Quinta La Huerta) which was hosted by this individual, Erik. The trip was booked from Feb. 12th to Feb 19th On Jan. 26 we canceled due to a extenuating circumstance which 2 of our group members could no longer attend, due to a medical reason (life threatening diagnosis), we were unable to financially afford this between 4 individuals, it required each one of us to split it at a higher rate which caused some financial hardship for the majority of our group members, as we were trying to stay within a limited budget. The reservation cost us for 6 nights a total of $713.96. I was charged a fee of $389.73 due upfront.
Because we have been using AirBnB services for years, and having minimal to no issues with communicating with techs or hosts (most of our hosts offer very reasonable cancellation policies typically full refund before 14 days of the intended trip). Our group failed to noticed this individual had a very strict cancellation policy - Free cancellation for 48 hours after booking, and after that cancel before 3 pm on Feb 5 and get 50% refund minus the service fee. We canceled within 8 days of booking him, and reached out to this individual utilizing all the steps AirBnB recommended on their website to negotiate/ and plead with the host to understand our situation for the cancellation was due to some of our travelers unable to attend because they had a medical condition that was beyond our control. Never once did this individual response to our inbox messages, direct emails.
We reached out to AirBnB for assistance, and even the representative assisting us could not get a direct message from him. How is it fair, to charge us half the cost of the stay, when this individual had up to 3 weeks to re-book his place with no issue, and collect funds from us when we were not provided with any goods or services? After failed attempts with both the Host and the Company, I disputed with my bank, but I was denied twice. I contacted AirBnB again, and they re-opened the case but due to Covid-19 each call we made took about an hour to make, on top of that we were always getting disconnected and no one called us back.
We had to sit and wait again until we got a representative who we had to re-explain from the beginning, some of these representatives failed to work with me directly, and at times citing that the fact the reservation was made under another traveler, that was not me, but it was my card utilized to make the reservation, that there was nothing they could do for me and would not even bother to connect me to a supervisor, which I requested over and over again. The company has agreed to continue with the dispute, however they have directly requested that we provide medical documentation to them to prove that our travelers was not able to attend due to her medical diagnosis, which she is actively dealing with ongoing treatment.
We were appalled and shocked that this vendor wanted this from us, this individual is fighting for her life, and for us to trouble her with something she should not have to worry about, we had to ask her if she could get a signed letter from a doctor and to disclose sensitive information regarding her condition to prove why she could not attend. I believe AirBnB is in direct violation of Hipaa regulation, and is requesting Impermissible disclosures of protected health information (PHI). I will be seeking my local legal agency to discuss what possible legal action I can take, if they are unable to refund us, but has anyone ever experienced this before? And if so, do I truly have a viable case against them?
Reviewed June 14, 2020
I used Airbnb since it first began. But no more. Airbnb, unlike other travel companies, has a shady refund policy for COVID which changes every week or so. I booked a place in NYC for summer 20 in November 19. When my internship was canceled in May I canceled my reservation but did not get a refund. I wrote to them just to find out that I needed to wait to cancel until June. If I had done so, I would have received my deposit back. Why? That was a week earlier than I should. This company lost its community appeal a long time ago. Now they are about profits and about screwing their costumers. I read here several cases similar to mine. So, this is not just about me. It's about how this company will lose its local customers. I will never use it again.
Reviewed June 13, 2020
This company does not offer its customers a uniform refund policy. Property owners can have any policy they wish. I placed a large deposit on an apartment 9 months in advance. 3 months later COVID19 appeared and I had to cancel 6 months before the reserved dates. I was denied any refund at all. If you read more reviews you will see this is a common complaint. I will never rent a property on their site again.
Reviewed June 12, 2020
I’m just going to keep this short and say, if a problem occurs during your stay Airbnb offers you no help and cannot problem solve. The representatives cannot help you so they tell you a Support Tech will call you which of course they never do. They cannot accommodate their customers. I’d recommend just not renting from here just in case something ever came up.
Reviewed June 12, 2020
I wish I could rate my experience at ZERO stars. I have waited over a week for a resolution from Airbnb support teams for a reservation I made and will need to cancel due to COVID-19. I have been told COUNTLESS TIMES that a supervisor or the Airbnb Plus team will reach out to me "as soon as possible" and was even told yesterday at 11AM CST that a supervisor will reach out to me within 24 hours with 24 hours being the max amount of time I would have to wait. It has been 25 hours and still NOTHING! Customers should not have to wait over A WEEK to get help. At this point, using the excuse that you're experiencing higher than normal call volumes due to COVID-19 is just that - AN EXCUSE. Someone needs to reach out to me as soon as possible. This is an unacceptable way to do business.
Reviewed June 12, 2020
I was banned from Airbnb because of an arrest 53 years ago as the result of police brutality. I had recently turned 18 years old and because I asked a police officer if he had a search warrant was attacked and choked. I informed Airbnb about the incident and was told that the ban would remain. I have been a licensed mental health professional for 40 years and have never had any other arrests since then. Now Airbnb is posting that they're against police brutality and yet they continued to perpetuate the abuse that I received as an 18 year old.
Reviewed June 10, 2020
I made a reservation and in less than 5min I cancel I realized it was the wrong property due to my mom been handicap. The accommodations were not suitable for her and host kept $270 service and cleaning fee. I pay $663 for the reservation and on their policy said that if you cancel within 24 hr and now Airbnb don't answer and cannot help me.
Reviewed June 9, 2020
Airbnb's cancellation policy is terrible. DO NOT CONFIRM a reservation unless and until you are completely sure you need it. I made a reservation and tried cancelling w/in 12 hours of making the reservation. On a $1,269.59 reservation I received $77 from Airbnb and was told to contact the host for anything else. The host, Angie in Puerto Rico, said she would only refund 80% of her portion, meaning I paid $338 to cancel a reservation. Both Airbnb & Angie put the blame on the other and on the non-negotiable "cancellation policy", and left me in the middle spending hours attempting to contact either and paying $338 to do so. I should say, too, that the room was $32/night, so far from quality housing.
Reviewed June 9, 2020
I booked an apartment in Tel Aviv for early July and paid the deposit. When it was clear that no one will be flying overseas, I spoke to the Host that promised me the full refund and no mention of when is a good or bad time to cancel booking. I contacted Airbnb and canceled my booking, only to be told that I would not get my full refund, they kept $304 of the deposit. Spoke to the host again and he too was disappointed that I was not given the full refund.
I spoke to Airbnb on many occasions, plus emails to no avail, kept telling me the COVID19 Extenuating Circumstances policy applies. I asked them over and over again, what extenuating circumstances is their policy, I canceled when I was advised that no one will be flying overseas. I would have thought that's a very good reason to cancel, but I kept being told extenuating circumstances, and they closed my case. Absolutely disgusted, I will never use Airbnb. The host lost out and many other customers have had the same results. I am so disappointed, and I want more people to stop using Airbnb, they treat their customers with no respect whatsoever.
Reviewed June 8, 2020
We cancelled our reservation in Island Park, Idaho on May 12, 2020. Our reservation was for July 12 -15, 2020. We paid $1178.78 on November 9, 2019. We received a refund of $102.23 on May 12, 2020. Our cancellation was a direct result of covid19. Our son was expecting to come from New York City. He works for the NYC Health Department and is unable to come. We will not be occupying this property or having a need to be cleaned up after. We contacted the owner on May 19, 2020 and he said he would see about giving us a more equitable refund. We have not heard anything from him. Airbnb says this is a closed matter. We were disappointed in the dishonesty shown here.
Reviewed June 8, 2020
I've been an AirBNB user for several years. I've logged about 140 experiences as guest, perhaps 100 as (super) host. I've had a few recent bookings with them after the coronavirus started and I'm completely shocked at the company's behavior. I've read their Covid 19 and Extenuating Circumstances policies several times closely and have concluded they do virtually nothing to provide safety and security of guests while booking during a difficult time.
#1 - We booked a trip to Uruguay for an early May arrival for about a one month stay. Shortly after we booked and paid, Colombia closed its airspace completely. In other words, it would be impossible to get there. We immediately informed AirBNB and were told that this was NOT covered under the extenuating circumstances policy despite it being mentioned there. The issue revolves around date. Booking had to be made before April 14 with a check in date between April 14 and July 15. We reserved after April 14 and were told the policy did not apply to us. As such we were not eligible for a refund and the decision is the host's.
Our host seemed like a lovely, responsive person in Uruguay who flat out refused the refund. We were out close to $1000 and there was nothing we could do. Several calls and emails to AirBNB support were a waste of time. Unlike the airlines, who have refunded or credited me for every reservation I've had that has been impacted in any way, AirBNB does the exact opposite. So my advice to travelers is this: do not book an overseas trip with AirBNB until you are already in the country you are going to. If you cant get to your destination for any reason AirBNB will not refund a nickel, including any payment to host and their fees. If the airlines are more reasonable and fair than airbnb I guess that says a lot.
I'll be closing my AirBNB account after completion of a three month stay in Colombia, where I already am and don't encounter that risk. It's shocking to me that AirBNB does this. Pay no attention to the marketing rubbish on their website about the topic. It's for a limited number of historical reservations and does not include anything booked post April 14 or beyond. It's an attempt to make you feel good but there is nothing there. Notably when I was a host and a guest had verifiable travel problems, I always cancelled and refunded. Our host chose not to, although he wrote an email saying we had a credit at here place. I have no idea if it is legally binding, but the best solution is AirBNB create a voucher, which the client can easily use. We can't simply change the dates as we have no idea when Uruguay will open its borders and when Colombia will open its airspace. Stay away, very far away.
#2 - On this trip to Colombia we had a one month plus stay at a lovely home outside of Medellin. All was going well until a week after check in where I encountered very serious anti-semitism on the part of an employee of the host. I immediately notified both AirBNB and the host and told them I was leaving that day, as I have no tolerance for any type of discrimination (racial, sexual, religious, etc). I provided AirBNB with all documentation *including text message where the host admitted everything, was told I'd be entitled to up to $1345. In the ensuing weeks I've written and called AirBNB at least 10 times who have failed to act - make a decision or issue a refund - despite their claims on their website about their intolerance for discrimination. They don't respond to emails other than with form letter responses and it's clear to me they could care less about my issues or refund.
This is a company that is as insensitive as they are greedy. After a seven year history with 200 stays involving thousands of dollars of fees paid to them, they don't seem inclined to act on either of these issues. As such I'm closing my account when my last trip ends September 2 and will never use them again. These are fundamentally bad people with a track record that matches. As an experienced traveler who has travelled 200+ nights per year and has used multiple sites to book I would strongly, strongly encourage you to not use AirBNB, they lack integrity, provide no customer service when things go wrong, and their fees are high and hard to justify.
And if you are a minority, be very cautious as although they claim they have an anti- discrimination policy in reality they don't apply it, enforce it or care about it. They will dismiss your claim and always side with hosts. As a minority guest, you are treated as a second class citizen. I found out the hard way. They totally tolerate hosts who dislike minorities, will disregard whatever you tell them happened even if you have hard evidence to prove how you were discriminated against.
Reviewed June 7, 2020
NEVER EVER EVER AGAIN BOOK THROUGH AIRBNB. Horrible - they don't care about their customers. Will not give me my cash refund because I can't travel during the COVID - they are giving travel credit. I have 4 people I need to pay back as we split the room. I called their support and they said there's nothing they could do. Wait times take forever if you have a problem. If you contact support they don't get back to you. I had to call them multiple times - never hearing back. They said they would escalate and I never heard from anyone. They don't care about you at all. They will NOT survive as a company for this poor customer support. Please please boycott these people and stay at a hotel instead. This has been so stressful.
Reviewed June 5, 2020
I made a reservation on February 3, 2020 for $1816.47 at a Colorado Springs Airbnb home for 5 nights with check-in on July 12. This was a combined family reunion and college graduation celebration. Then the pandemic struck and life changed for all of us. I contacted the host on April 2, 2020 and she said that pandemic cancellation refunds weren’t available for our reservation/check-in dates yet according to AirBnB, so I monitored the AirBnB website for their “Extenuating circumstances policy and the coronavirus (COVID-19)” policy.
My husband is 73 years old and has Sarcoidosis, a rare lung disease particularly vulnerable to the Covid virus; my husband’s pulmonologist has provided written medical opinion to attest to our situation. In addition to my husband’s health condition, he was also furloughed from his job. My daughter has asthma, and another family member on our list is undergoing chemo and radiation due to recent cancer surgery. Knowing our situations precluded our family from travel, I regularly checked the AirBnB cancellation policy page. When our reservation fit the criteria for a full refund, I cancelled on 6/1/2020 but was issued a ‘travel credit’, which we can’t now - nor never will - use.
I contacted the host, Tanya, several times, for help in finding out the protocol for where to go and who to contact for refunds. She would not provide any information or additional sources at AirBnB regarding refunding my money. In fact, her last email just said, “Bye Anna, I’m done”. AirBnB customer service pays lip service only to understanding and 'attempting' to acquire a refund, but they don't do anything. This is abhorrent and completely dishonest! What can we do to make AirBnB refund money for unused services?? Does anyone know how to start a class action suit? We must do something!!
Reviewed June 4, 2020
I'm blown away at the response I have received despite my many attempts at obtaining assistance. My home is tied up in a divorce and my husband is illegally squatting and not selling our home. For months he has been renting it out through Airbnb to massive parties. This is also against our HOA and they are threatening a lawsuit. I have the judges orders as well as our legal agreement and despite everything Airbnb is still allowing my home to be rented illegally and has declined to pull down the listing.
Reviewed June 4, 2020
Had a June reservation & according to Airbnb I would be eligible for a Full Refund & host emailed me they would put me in for a refund but I had to cancel reservation first but there was no refund option. Host said they would change that, after I cancelled. Now Airbnb will only give a credit. I need my money to pay my bills not theirs! Airbnb does not honor their own policy. I can’t use a credit from a company that will be out of business because they do not value their customers.
Reviewed June 3, 2020
I have had my International flight at end April cancelled. No fault of mine. So, the 12 or so bookings with Airbnb should be an easy cancel. NO. I am still dealing with them. It seems one phone call/chat/email for every one of the 12. They refunded but kept the service fee. Not cricket. The Voucher they issue expires less than a year, (2020) from my original booking date. While they quote the Host's policy on refunds, the Host does not hold the $$. Airbnb does, until the client checks in. So they should be the most responsible for refunds! I think they offer a good service overall but I will be RUE to use them again, and will look to another agent, that offers UP front full upfront cancellation refunds. It has truly been a pain that I am still dealing with them at this point.
Reviewed June 2, 2020
We have utilized Airbnb internationally and domestically, as well as the other home rental Company since 2002. This year we arranged for an August 2020 stay just South of Bozeman, MT. We booked via Airbnb but the host/owner erroneously sent VRBO CONTRACT for signature and additional information. Long story, short. We needed to cancel secondary to covid-19 issues. Airbnb’s cancellation policy differs from VRBO’s and host will not refund our payment to date. $1259 had been paid and we will receive $92 back. Support staff has been no help, lots of finger pointing, “out of our control” crap. Host equally unhelpful throughout this experience. We are extremely upset and will never rent via Airbnb again!
Reviewed May 29, 2020
I have been super happy with all my AIrBNB experiences until this latest experience with cancellation due to Covid. In February I booked a room in Indiana to attend my niece's wedding in June. Of course in March the pandemic started and BC was under a non-essential travel ban. Being a nurse, I knew this was not going to end in a matter of weeks, so I cancelled my booking on April 7. I thought this was being fair to the host and they would have over 2 months to book the room with local travellers.
Well, Airbnb will not give me a refund because I "cancelled before May 1". The host won't even answer my emails. This is ridiculous. The US Canada border was closed long before May 1. I am out almost $400. I know this is much less money than many other people lost to Airbnb, but it is a lot of money to me. The people who rate the Airbnb cancellation policy as great, are the few lucky ones. Somehow their posts are showing at the top of the list.
Reviewed May 29, 2020
I had to cancel my 3 different reservation because of COVID-19 and one would not refund the money, so Airbnb gave a coupon for the amount. I need to cancel again and the place I'm staying is free cancelation and airbnb refuses to work with me. I've talked to them twice and they say somebody will contact me and no one does. I've been a faithful user of their company but they are failing majorly in customer service with a tiny bit of pressure of the pandemic.
Reviewed May 28, 2020
We booked a trip (10 days before check in). Had to cancel that night (about 4 hours later) due to COVID reasons (I don’t feel comfortable sharing more). I have been talking to support since then about the cancellation. They would rather risk infection and financially hurt the host than refund money.
Reviewed May 27, 2020
We had to cancel our reservation due to employment related travel restrictions over COVID 19. Airbnb provides full refunds to health care workers, but does not consider government employees as essential. We are required to be at work and if traveling outside of our work restrictions, required to mandate to a 14 day "unpaid" quarantine. Airbnb did not give us an option to get a refund. And it took over two weeks to get an answer to find out the company gave us a credit. We don't want a credit. WE WILL NEVER USE AIRBNB AGAIN. We are going back to hotels that may cost more, but treat you right! DO NOT USE AIRBNB. If I could rate them a Zero, I would!!! We are out over $600 we can't get back!!
Reviewed May 27, 2020
I reserved an apartment for 11 nights in Anaheim, CA. Later on, I discovered that the host has a picture on his post warning people from walking around because there's a good number of homeless around. Having 7 months baby around, my wife got scared because of Covid19 and for the safety of us since she tends to walk our son around during the day. This was a major concern for us, so I contacted the host and kindly asked him to cancel our reservation especially that they offer free cancellation within 48 hours.
Just to be clear, I had no other choice but to move out during this time, and I never used Airbnb before. The return policy was ridiculous and they did not allow me to cancel my reservation and was forced to either go ahead with my reservation or to receive only 50% refund. I called Airbnb customer service and the lady talking with me, whom I supposed to receive help from, was more like fighting me! She was very rude with me and made me regret using Airbnb. I think this is the first and last time I use this website.
Reviewed May 27, 2020
Made reservation in February for a June stay. Event was canceled the first week of April and had to cancel trip. They said their refund policy was only good through end of Match, but they would grandfather my refund if they extended the date. Well, they extended their posted refund date through the end of June. So, I should be good right? Nope, they denied it. Said it doesn’t meet the requirements. Very disappointed.
Reviewed May 27, 2020
Airbnb are refusing to refund our reservation. We have two police officers and one hospital worker unable to attend the 'vacation' due to being ESSENTIAL workers and unable to take time off during this pandemic. The host has declined a mutual refund, and to make matter even worse he has encouraged us to cancel the reservation, meaning he receives 50% ($2000) and we pay him the remaining $2000 in person next year, but he won't do it through the app! He has violated the Airbnb host rules and Airbnb are rewarding him. We will never forget this!
Reviewed May 25, 2020
Like many people reviewing Airbnb these days, I also have a serious problem with their cancellation policy during this COVID19 pandemic. I read all their policies, and the COVID19 Extenuating Circumstances policy, too. I first contacted my host for the reservation. She agreed completely that I should receive a full refund, and to contact Airbnb by online chat. However, our reservation is for November 2020, smack into the next flu season, and doesn't fit their "one size fits all" policy. I started an online chat with them, copying and pasting the letter Congress wrote to the White House on 5/22/20 about how serious the upcoming flu season will be.
I did this, offering documentation and proof of how it is IMPOSSIBLE for 6 of our 9 travelers to fly to the property the end of November. These family members are in high-risk or living in/near a current hotspot of COVID19. The airport they would travel to and use has one of the highest death rates outside of NY/NJ, and they have very small children.
I ended up in 3 consecutive days of circular chats with Airbnb, with them finally telling me it was the host's decision. My first sentence to them on the first chat was the host agreed to the refund. I finally told them to close the current chat, I would be going to my bank to dispute the credit card charge. I'm in the bank's window of time (120 days) for that. Our family has spent almost $10,000 with Airbnb over the last several years, with 2 of us spending the winter at one of their properties near my elderly mother-in-law. Good customers. Airbnb's policies are rigid and care nothing for their customers. Don't believe the words "I understand completely", or "you are important to us". It's just their script.
Reviewed May 24, 2020
I made reservations prior to the global pandemic. I never had used Airbnb before this and wanted to give it a try. The plan was for a best friends trip to Cleveland, we were going to see a wicked concert and enjoy a ball game on Independence Day. We were so excited. Enter Covid 19. Silent and deadly, killing thousands with absolutely no discrimination. Regardless of the world situation, my host refuses to refund me more than 50% of what I paid. My check in date is two days past June 30th, 2020. This is also Airbnb’s Covid response cut off date.
I wasn’t aware that Covid would stop posing a threat to the human population just because Airbnb suggested that June 30th be the day to do so. This company is expecting people to put on a brave face and travel to get their money’s worth despite the virus that is ravaging the world OR lose significant amounts of money so that Airbnb and the participating host can still fill their pockets.
I work hard for my money and iny opinion, it’s being stolen from me. Sure, there is a cancellation policy in place for normal circumstances. Fair is fair and I would have no problem with this if the situation was normal. NOTHING ABOUT THIS SITUATION IS NORMAL. After this experience I would strongly suggest sticking with the pros when it comes to vacation. Book a hotel or with a resort, not people trying to make an extra buck. You will find that buck taken earned or not if you use Airbnb.
Reviewed May 23, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all my flights were cancelled as no international flights were being permitted. My host and AIRBNB will not refund my money. They are keeping almost $1000.00 (USD). The host company name is APARTAMENTY STARE MIASTO, my reservation was for the OLD CITY FLORIANSKA GATE 6 in Poland. I have made every attempt to request my refund but they are refusing. Airbnb will not honor their own COVID-19 refund policy. Please share.
Reviewed May 23, 2020
This all started Easter Sunday, I was on booking in Fullerton when I was asked to vacate the premises, wow in a national pandemic which also was kicking out a two-year-old child, my family and myself. Airbnb providing no reason why they were doing such a thing but continue to choose to do it and did not have no regard for anybody safety at 10 p.m. Easter Sunday, they taking $524 a month and continue to disregard my calls and my peds to reimburse my money. I've tried everything very cordially, very respectfully to no avail, please help.
Reviewed May 22, 2020
After spending 2 days trying to make a reservation for my son in Eugene Oregon, I got an email from Airbnb stating that my account was permanently deactivated because I have a criminal record. I have a drug charge from 2003. I guess Airbnb doesn't think you are ever punished enough. This is discriminatory and hateful.
Reviewed May 22, 2020
In early March, COVID hit our area and we were subjected to quarantine that prevented us from traveling for two upcoming trips. Airbnb posted customer messaging that all stays impacted by the COVID pandemic would be refunded and that it would take some time to process changes so not to worry about delays. As time passed, we realized that our stay had not been cancelled and refunded and reached out to the Airbnb support to request this be taken care of. We spent 1.5 hrs on the phone getting transferred between service specialists and put on hold. We were then told that that we would need to wait for a supervisor to call us back.
I was contacted 6 days later through a chat response at 1am by a support rep telling me she could not help and that our reservation could not be refunded because it was "too late". Then the case was "closed", which effectively ends your support communication so that you are unable to reply and have to start communication over again. No reference number or option to escalate provided. So we started a whole new communication process online and by phone and still have not had responses 48 hours later. They have apparently designed systems to operate with very little human oversight, which is convenient when they work, but not when you need a real human to respond to.
Reviewed May 22, 2020
I booked a 7 night stay with this super host. Trip got cancelled due to COVID. I talked to his partner, as Frank was ill. I was assured I would be refunded. They said my money would be refunded on the day that we were supposed to arrive. I have been calling, emailing and contacted Airbnb. They have not been helpful. He scammed me out of $2300. Do not use this service. User beware.
Reviewed May 21, 2020
The "virus" has shut down the Breckenridge area and we've been trying to cancel our reservation, what a fiasco. Their position is that you can reschedule but there is no refund; they've had our $7500 for months since you have to prepay. Supposedly the homeowner of Slopeside Manor feels that he's not obligated to refund or do anything. Airbnb staff is saying they went and pushed the homeowner to allow a rescheduling which may or may not be the case but either way all we'd like to do is get a refund since the area is closed and that is not of our making.
Reviewed May 21, 2020
I am a faithful customer/traveler at Airbnb and have used their services in many countries. I have never had any issues until now. I intentionally booked a refundable accommodation for July 7th. I cancelled my trip due to a change of plans. The booking was refundable, AND I requested a refund of the $130 service fee since I’m unable to make the trip. According to their policy, I am able to request a refund of the service fees up to 3 times in a 12-month period. This is only my second time EVER requesting service fees, and AirBNB refused to refund the service fees!! I am continuing to request that they handle this graciously, and I don’t understand why they would do this to a faithful client. Regarding the even more disappointing covid-19 reviews here associates with AirBNB, I might recommend a class action lawsuit. It seems that there are enough of us harshly affected to do so.
Reviewed May 21, 2020
I followed all the rules to get a refund after I had to cancel my trip due to Coronavirus. Instead of the refund I requested I was told they would keep my money and I could use it for another trip. I was going to a wedding in Paris that had to be cancelled. I don’t know if or when I will travel again. I am 79 and lost my husband to the coronavirus. I filled out the papers for a refund and got back an email for a cancellation explaining they would keep my money and I had plenty of time to make another trip.
I called immediately to say I wanted a refund. The man I spoke with said someone would contact me. A manager named Lou said it was too late to change this to a refund. Nothing I said would change her mind and she told me they would not give me a refund and that was final. I don’t understand how people can keep your money when they cannot give you what you paid for. I wouldn’t recommend anyone take their chances with a company like this. I have the emails she sent me. It seems many people are like me, unable to have their money refunded, even though they can’t leave for their trip through no fault of their own. I have photos of my receipts and I have emails. I’m not tech savvy, but I can get a friend to email them to you if you would like.
Reviewed May 20, 2020
Do NOT and I repeat Do NOT use AirBnB. They are a disgusting group of scammers. I attempted to cancel a reservation made when I cancelled my Alaskan cruise due to Coronavirus concerns. The owner blames AirBnB and AirBnb blames the owner. They would not give a refund even with a 4 month notice. Disgusting. Don't even consider using them.
Reviewed May 20, 2020
A company not giving the service fee back in this time period. Even though the corona virus extenuating situation covers up to June 30th they are not willing to refund the service fee. No way to get a straight answer.
Reviewed May 19, 2020
I had booked a house for my family out of town for a wedding. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the SIP order, the wedding was postponed and I needed to cancel my reservation. I paid 370.00, they would only refund 24.00!! This company/app is shameless and heartless. Renter beware!!
Reviewed May 19, 2020
AirBnB is incredibly greedy. Currently given the pandemic, we have a state-wide law that requires us to Shelter-in-Place. We cannot travel let alone leave our homes freely unless it is for necessities like medical reasons or groceries. Given this situation, I asked for a reservation that is in a couple weeks to be cancelled and a full cash refund. Instead, I was placed on a hold time of 25 mins, told I would be messaged by a customer care rep and then that rep messaged me I could receive travel credit on AirBnB. Meaning AirBnB would unlawfully keep my $ and profit off of people's hardships during a very difficult time. How incredibly greedy and short-sighted of a company that is supposed to to be "doing good" by "helping" people during this time. I will never use AirBnB again, you just lost a previously loyal customer.
Reviewed May 19, 2020
I booked a stay at The Lake House 5 mins from Chickamauga Lake Hosted by Starlena ** in January 2020. My check in date is in June 2020. I had two people in my family to test positive for COVID 19 so I contacted them to inform that I did not feel comfortable traveling with family as I have a 4-month-old child and also none of us were working. I was given a 1/2 refund. They profited almost $500.00 off my cancellation and this pandemic. I was told I could get a refund only if my dates was booked.
Airbnb has an extenuating circumstances but my proof even after emailing them the positive results I did not qualify for a full refund. I think it is wrong to benefit off of this pandemic when people are scared to travel. I understand cancellation policies and it is a business but I am sure this is not their main source of income renting a home but either way I feel it is wrong to profit off of this and people are losing their lives and are scared to travel. I have contacted Airbnb but they stand behind the host not refunding me fully even though they have grants available to offset money they may miss out on due to the COVID 19.
Reviewed May 18, 2020
On April I cancelled a reservation because the event I was to attend was cancelled due to Covid 19 uncertainties. My check in date was To be June 11. I was denied a refund of my $1006 deposit because Airbnb “extenuating circumstances policy” only included check in Dates thru May 31. I was told by three different reps that if the policy was extended to Include June then I would get a full refund. In early May, the period was extended to include June 15. Then I was told that I cancelled too early so I still did not qualify for a refund. The whole experience has been extremely frustrating. Covid 19 hardships were bad enough, And Airbnb has just compounded the whole situation.
Reviewed May 15, 2020
We rented a house through Airbnb for a national volleyball tournament being held in June. The volleyball tournament was cancelled due to COVID. I notified Airbnb at the end of April. I told them we needed to unfortunately cancel due to the pandemic and wanted a full refund of $997.00. They denied this request! I will never book with Airbnb again for this reason????
Reviewed May 13, 2020
We rented 3 different houses through Airbnb, and VRBO in February 2020, due to COVID 19 we do not feel comfortable to travel. VRBO refunded our money very quickly, When we contacted Airbnb they said it's up to the hosts and the hosts are not willing to work with us. Airbnb need to look beyond this year and should keep customers happy, for sure I will not book with them anymore. They have caused us anxiety and they are stealing our hard-earned money. Airbnb you suck big time. I will tell everyone on social media. What a fraud.
Reviewed May 13, 2020
I would rate this company 0 stars if I could. I had to cancel a trip due to covid-19. The border between my country and the host country is closed. Airbnb will not issue me a refund. Many calls, messages, and I got nothing. I spoke to several managers and a supervisor who were all completely useless. Will never use this company again.
Reviewed May 13, 2020
Due to Covid19 I had to cancel a work trip where I was planning to stay at an Airbnb. Even though there were stay at home orders for both my state and the state I was traveling to, I wasn't able to get a full refund for my reservation. The condo owner gave me a full refund (even though he didn't have to), but Airbnb wouldn't refund me the "processing" fee - which is all done by a computer. I find this practice very un-ethical in the circumstances that we're in right now.
Reviewed May 12, 2020
We booked two trips earlier in the year and now we are trying to cancel since we cannot travel now and they will not refund our money. We have gone round and round with them and the host and still have not received our refund. I will NEVER use Airbnb again!!!!
Reviewed May 11, 2020
I needed to cancel my trip due to Covid 19. My superior excellent host promised a full refund because I cancelled according to her host policy. Air BnB over-rid her policy and would not give me my full refund. Basically they said the host is wrong, too bad.
Reviewed May 10, 2020
I'm so disappointed in how Airbnb handled our cancelation due to COVID-19. We had a trip scheduled for June 12-19, and rented a house by Superhost Steve in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. My daughter & Husband both have autoimmune diseases, so out of precaution, we canceled. Per the policy, the host has to approve the refund of fees, which we had already paid $1,700. We canceled on April 20, and I have been going back & forth with their customer service reps, and nothing.... I'm so disappointed that they do not care about their guest health, only their business. I will never use them again, and will tell everyone I know not use them!
Reviewed May 8, 2020
Airbnb nor SIF Apartments in Iceland deserve even one star! My family and I always plan our trips a year in advance. Our daughter was turning 15 and we let her choose the location and she chose Iceland. I went onto Airbnb and selected a SUPERHOST??? SIF Apartments (they have several listing) and we paid in full $3,200 US$ for 8 nights from June 18th to June 26th, 2020. Then when the COVID Virus hit we started getting nervous. I sent the host SIF Apartments a message to see how things were going and a Maria replied and said, "Oh everything over here is GREAT." But as the days and weeks have passed I started checking more into about Iceland and their restrictions due to the COVID Virus and currently they have mandated 2 weeks quarantine for all people coming to Iceland plus ALL activities are closed until late July or August.
We have a direct flight from Denver Colorado to Iceland and currently all flights from the US to Iceland from Denver are canceled and the only flights which are currently only 2 flights a week from Boston are flying into Iceland. I contacted Iceland Air and they said due to the COVID Virus there would be NO PROBLEMS at all in canceling our flights and getting a full credit for future travel for 3 years. We were able to cancel and get FULL refunds on all our activities plus canceled our car rental.
I again contacted SIF Apartments and requested not for any money back but to change our reservations to next year 2021 a year later and again Maria replied that it was against Airbnb policy to change that far in advance. So I contacted Airbnb which as most of you know is VERY difficult but then I received finally a response from Airbnb Case Manager Jinky and they said that they don’t care about changing dates that it was up to the host, so a run around and pointing fingers. So, I contacted yet again SIF Apartments and again Maria comes back and says she would allow me to only change the trip for this year and not to next year. I replied back to her and asked yet again, "Can I please change to next year and I would even be willing to pay a change fee even though I didn’t feel I should due to our daughter will be back in school and the COVID Virus will still be here thru the summer," and to no surprise SIF Apartments won’t respond.
I yet again asked for them to reconsider and that I wasn’t asking for money back even though I could cancel and at least get 50% back per their policy (but if you read other reviews I might be wrong in that thought cause it sounds as though Airbnb does not refund and they find every reason not to per other reviews). I then contacted Airbnb Jinky and asked them again to please help me out and I told him again I wasn’t asking for a refund. Just need to change due to the COVID Virus and their EXACT words was, "Sorry we can’t help you. It is up to the host and Airbnb can’t do anything about it." I asked Jinky again how can Airbnb and SIF Apartments get away with not helping their customers out and they said that their host are their number one concerns. I have used Airbnb several times and never had issues but again I never asked to cancel or change any of my trips.
Bottom line is Airbnb and SIF Apartments in Iceland STOLE our money and Airbnb owners should be ashamed of themselves, but I guess that is why they are billionaires. They steal people’s money and laugh at you. If you read Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky own message it is all about helping out the host and nothing about customer service in this time with the COVID Virus. Bottom line is again all other people are doing the right thing and taking care of each other but not Airbnb nor SIF Apartments in Iceland. I hope and wish Airbnb and SIF Apartments get what they deserve in the future.
Airbnb plus SIF Apartments in Iceland closed the communication loop and would not reply or work with me so I had no choice but to cancel and settle for 40% (which I haven't received yet) of a vacation for our daughter's 15th birthday. Thank you Airbnb and SIF Apartments in Iceland for stealing our money and not caring about a situation I had no control on.
Reviewed May 8, 2020
As a traveler, I've had good experiences with the hosts & properties: and when I had a bait & switch situation, Airbnb immediately assisted me and I was refunded the next day. Overall, once you understand the system, you will probably not use anything else. However, it is not like the hotel circuits, and the hosts are not wealthy business moguls (as a rule). This is more like a hostel situation since 9.5 times out of 10 you will be sharing a bathroom with several other rooms but you'll sometimes also have things like a full kitchen, food that the host brought or someone else left, and free washer/dryers. My impression of reading the first several items on here re Airbnb is that people have jumped here to complain without having any real feedback from airbnb, or having looked through the TOC or FAQ even.
My reason for coming here is to say I dislike the pricing protocol, it's deceptive and it really makes no sense. I came to realize that when a room says it's $45/night once you go to the listing it will likely now say $53 (for unknown reasons) and then you'll see there are cleaning fees (which some hosts will waive) and hefty service fees and operating fees that are taken by Airbnb itself. So, you're now booking a room for $55/night x 4 + cleaning fee (avg $15-50), operating fee (about 8% from what I can tell) and service fee (also about 8%). Now you're actually paying $78/night. Still much better than most hotels but at first this is a bit off-putting and not at all transparent. Many hosts offer large discounts for a full week or month stay.
Pay close attention to the pictures and then notice not only what the reviews say but what kind of people are reviewing the place. Sometimes you can clearly tell it's mainly men with a bit of roughness to them, and very few women. If something is inexpensive and you think "how bad can it be", you might be in for a rude awakening.
My other gripe is that you can not review the host without them knowing it's you (also your review will not show up unless they also leave you a review, at which time you can each respond to the other's comments). That alone is unfair, that your review is based on their leaving a mutual review. So if you want to really be honest but you might need to stay there again, you'll have to bite your tongue or develop some hidden language among travelers that the hosts won't be in on. In fact, sometimes a vague "Always a pleasure" or "Just what I needed" is likely saying "I'll be back so I can't be too honest".
For instance, I have been to a few places that are very clean and stylish, all the amenities and extras. I'm happy to leave a good review. Although with one of them, they were doing construction in the back yard, had huge mosquitoes, and loud dogs next door, plus an old dude yelled at me for parking on the street in front of his house, and there was often no toilet paper. But in the end I decided none of that was important enough to make the host uncomfortable (I recommend keeping a roll with you, if you can). He and his family were exceptionally nice and accommodating otherwise.
Likewise, another place was far from Sparkling Clean, it needed deep cleaning and had been jerry rigged for years on the repairs. But in that joint there's a nice kitchen and plenty of parking, always toilet paper around and the sheets are clean and the mattresses are top of the line. So I give them top rating. Let the other control freaks talk about the little crap.
Sometimes you find a common step is unexpectedly tall; or you find that an onsite manager thinks other people's discarded microwave meal trays should be washed and left out for guests to use (yuck); or you find that there is no heat or fan available. But usually there's not anything too complicated to overcome, and most hosts are super responsive.
For me, I feel glad that people have brought something into Silicon Valley (in my case) where decent hard working people can find a place without losing their shirt (in places like Santa Cruz you find the Airbnb are not as affordable as something inland). And yet despite this very real competition, hotels are actually charging higher fees, not lower. For me, that's a thing of the past since hotels don't feel my Walmart Greendot bank account is a real account and often will not accept my "prepaid" card; or they take a $200 deposit that can take up to 14 days to get back.
Forget all that and set yourself up an AirBnb account. You create your profile and hook up to a PayPal or credit card, send a selfie, and your set to experience some unique and often enjoyable rooms without ever standing at a hotel desk and waiting for the solo receptionist to finish his lunch. Most have super easy electronic entry, and with many you will never even run into the host; however, most are super responsive.
With the current pandemic, it's important to learn hand signs and realize people can not see you smiling -- remember to give a wave and tip your head, or thumbs up. It's only polite. For me, Airbnb is a great way to save money and sleep somewhere nicer (hopefully) than my car. The crappiest hotel I've been to this year cost twice as much per night as the best Airbnb I've used. Once you understand how to use it, you will never use hotels again. You can find the most amazing out of the way places with poolside service, or just a regular house with converted rooms in the back. But as I said, don't hit that Submit button until you look at the total and really see what it's breaking down to per day or per trip, look at all the reviews, the host's responses, and don't dismiss a feeling that something isn't quite right. Call or message the host before reserving, if you have questions.
I did once have to go to Airbnb's help page. A girl had posted a room way below what she claimed she actually wanted. She then talked to me on the phone for an hour all the while apparently not knowing. So pretty soon she calls again trying to talk me into accepting the new price (3 times higher) and putting my paid amount as a down payment. She wouldn't return my funds and kept trying to convince me we were great roommates.
Airbnb saw that she sent me a request to alter with the new price and they could easily see it was not what I had agreed to (although the gal on the phone said she thought it was an honest error, I can tell you that many foreign women will sell you snake oil and I don't believe it was an accident for a minute). I think she immediately called me -- never had that happen before -- to bond with me and make me feel obligated before announcing she didn't understand and made a big mistake along with her sob story about her boyfriend leaving her and her mom being in the hospital.
Another time, I got a room with no window and very little light. I messaged the host and all he said was "submit change". I could tell his English was minimal so I had to decipher what he meant -- was he asking me to cancel with the strict no refund policy in place? Turns out he was trying to get me to request to alter the dates (different from cancellation) and he did refund me. We had messaged, as well, and I knew he had a better room and I was willing to pay a little more for that. I don't know if he would have agreed if I just straight up wanted to change the dates. But the hosts have complete control over their reservations. And I should mention, the host does not actually receive the funds until the guest arrives. Airbnb holds those funds in a special account in case of things like COVID or other extenuating circumstances.
On another occasion, I found a super good deal at a home I'd seen before on my searches but always thought might be too hoaky. There was huge and numerous hand-written signs (control issues), and some other questionable pictures on their listings. But this one was upstairs with a big window, the pics of the room looked like I could make it work. I booked 2 weeks. Four days in, I realized I was the victim of a bedbug infestation (my bites were not typical because of my sever reaction to the saliva, so it took me a few days and several more bites to put 2+2 together).
I messaged the host who asked for pics and then refunded the rest of my stay, no questions asked. This tells me they knew there were bugs here. As well as the fact that they immediately put the room back up as available for the next unsuspecting economist. (If you come across bedbugs please report them at Bedbugreports.com). When I realized not only did they know but were going to simply rent the room out again, I wished I had asked for a full refund of the time I'd been there, also. But I'm fortunate to still be working and can afford to spend a little to learn a big lesson: If it looks jacked up, it probably is.
As an Airbnb client, I would like to just point out one thing to other travelers that the average hotel client or spoiled college student will need to be briefed on: Since you will be sharing a bathroom or 2 with sometimes several other rooms, please remember to limit your time in them and do vanity things in your room, such as makeup and blow drying, toenail digging and Qtipping. You can put on makeup anywhere, but when nature calls there's only one place to be. You would not want to have to wait for some inconsiderate person to free up the only working bathroom when they have 6 hand-wash items, their nail kit, hair dye and bath bomb. Uh, no, dear, YOU need a hotel.
Reviewed May 5, 2020
I made a reservation and got confirmed, my card got charged right after. Within a HALF AN HOUR, the host messaged me and told me that she can't have guest on those days (never mentioned the reason). I asked her to cancel from her end, so I can receive my full refund. She never responded until the time I write this (almost 4 hours later). I contacted AirBnB and as usual this type of online business services, they discourage all customers to seek customer supports by pingpong the app/website navigation and answered using pre-written default answers and when I tried to chat with any live agent, no one available or never be anyone works for the business anyway, all bots. What I hate most about all of this, AirBnB strategy of refund, that may take up to 15 business days. While banks or any financial institution will penalize just right after one minute passes midnight, AirBnB takes their time to refund their customers hard-earned money. Swell.
Reviewed May 5, 2020
Europe travel ban announced 3/11 so on 3/12 I did what seemed right and cancelled my Amsterdam trip for 4/1-4/11. Sent email to "Superhost" Jess (Museum Suite, near Leidse Square) before I cancelled extending my regrets and cancelled but no response or refund for even the contractually entitled amount after several attempts and over 30 days. No response whatsoever. After getting customer service involved they strong armed a $400 refund (kept their fee of course) and told since I cancelled before 3/14 I am out $589. If the ban was announced late on 3/11 why are people who DID THE RIGHT THING and promptly cancelled on the 12th and 13th being punished?
Reviewed May 5, 2020
AirBnB doesn't even deserve one star! I lost almost 2000CAD due to AirBnB excuses in their policy. I've booked an apartment at **, I had to cancel due to covid19, since I can't get a visa on time for my trip due to the Visa section is closed until further notice. I tried to communicate with Hannah many many times, Hannah, the host, is apparently a superhost. But no response was given. She's dead silent! This is the kind of superhost AirBnB has -_-! Doesn't even deserve the title, but you decide!
Tried to explain to AirBnB and they say, that my case is not covered by their policy, and the host has every right to refused returning my money. I cancelled 2 months in advance, with a consideration that the host will have a lot of time to relisting her place. I've learned my lesson, I will not involved with a blood sucking, opportunist, cruel treatment of company like AirBnB anymore. I hope everybody reading this can learn from my lesson. And Hannah, hope you use my hard earned money for good.
Reviewed May 5, 2020
We had/have a house booked for Memorial Day at the beach in Florida. Due to Covid-19, the state is not allowing any rentals, such as Airbnb houses. We have spent hours trying to get a refund. They refuse. They'll give a credit, but after this ridiculousness, no thanks. My wife is an essential worker and sacrificing to make sure others are staying safe. So many people and companies have been so generous - providing meals, prayers, support, masks, etc. Airbnb is a POS and has ZERO customer decency. As a family that travels often, we will never be using Airbnb again.
Companies are making exceptions and going above and beyond to help people during this time of crisis. Airbnb has made it more difficult than ever for their users. I would stay away. Stay far away from using this crappy company with horrible (or no) customer service. We're about to just issue a chargeback through the credit card company. Airbnb has been abysmal.
Reviewed May 4, 2020
Airbnb refused to give me a full refund for a June 26th stay in San Fransisco, a large city, when both the host and I agreed it would not be safe or productive for me to visit as we would be staying in their home at the same time as them. Their customer service insisted I needed to call back in 2 weeks again so I could get the service fee and TAXES they refused to just resolve. They needed government documentation the city isn't safe? Try watching the daily addresses from the President and Governors to see why being a tourist in a major city would be a bad idea, 11 days after your site already notes as valid for a refund. Thank you for wasting my time so I can call back in 2 weeks to get the resolution that could've happened today in 5 min.
Reviewed May 4, 2020
We booked several homes in Spain during June 2020 for my family of 8. We had been looking forward to it for 9 months, then Covid 19 hit. All of the hosts agreed to give us a 100% refund as the State Department and NIH forbids international travel this summer. Airbnb decided to keep 25% of the money and won't even talk to me about a refund. My friends who are traveling used Trip Advisor and received a full refund. Now that I know this, I will never book with Airbnb again. The host explained to me that they don't receive the money until the guest has stayed there. The customer service person from Airbnb told me to speak to the host to get the refund - but they don't have the money. The telephone reps must be taught to lie to the customers so they don't have to refund. What a great business model.
Reviewed May 4, 2020
I booked a cottage for July and because of Covid 19 have had to cancel. I cancelled on March 16th. Still no refund to my credit card, and no pending transaction showing. Airbnb will not communicate with me thru email. Will have to go thru my credit card to get this refund back.
Reviewed May 4, 2020
I booked a home for a friend's June 20th wedding well before Coronavirus. Sadly, our friend had to cancel her wedding. I reached out to AirBnB for help and they were impossible to get ahold of. I then spoke to the host directly and he offered to let us cancel outside of Airbnb’s policy for a 10% fee but didn’t know how to make that happen on Airbnb’s website. When we finally spoke to their online chat they were unwilling to help, were rude and told me if I wanted to cancel under the agreement I reached with the host, they were going to charge me the Airbnb service fee and that I should just wait and risk it.
I questioned why I would be charged the service fee when I wasn’t staying there and could I speak to a manager and they said no there’s no one else and they were completely unwilling to help. It’s so sad that a large corporation would be so confrontational to consumers and taking money from their pockets in the form of a service fee (not for their hosts). Almost tragedy and confusion.
Reviewed May 3, 2020
I rented a condo in Myrtle Beach SC for the end of April 2020. On March 26 I was notified by the host that Myrtle Beach was stopping all rentals because of Covid19 until after April 30 and I would receive a full refund by April 6. I did receive a credit from Airbnb for their service fee which expires Dec 31 2020 (it should be good until Dec 31 2021). I have yet to receive the rest of the refund after trying several times, even talking to a person from the resolution center. This is the first time I used Airbnb and won't again.
Reviewed May 2, 2020
I just seen an article that stated Airbnb would give a full refund if travel was cancelled. Well excuse me! This is a total lie! I made a reservation in January for a PCB condo for May. I have worked with the host through all the Coronavirus Debacle. The host was very nice and said I would get a full refund. When you call the Airbnb people, forget the nice part. I understand travel limitations but I should have received my money back.
This morning I received an email that FL governor has suspended all short term rentals. I was told I could get a full refund. When I started cancellation it was for 50% or I could take a credit and get the full amount. I was on the phone for 32 minutes waiting for someone that was rude and could not help me. So now I have an Airbnb credit and I am scrambling around trying to find a rental. This is my first experience with Airbnb and you can certainly bet your hard earned dollars it will be my last. Moving forward my travel arrangements will be made through Hotels.com. I have used them for years and never had a problem.
Reviewed May 1, 2020
So as a nurse working Frontline for the past month in New Orleans, LA, I decided to use Airbnb. Airbnb are advertising discounts for FRONTLINE workers, their attempt to support us doing the pandemic. Except they aren't actually supporting the workers, at least this has not been my experience. I filled out the LONG application for discounted stays on the AIRBNB site, which requires you enter your licensure information, received a call from an "Airbnb Customer Service Representative". Her name is Iesha. Iesha states she will email me a discount code to help assist in the housing prices except Iesha never calls back. 3 weeks later, I call the number she never answers the phone, I call Airbnb customer support. They state that they have no record of anyone calling me about a coupon.
Until I state that I will simply inform the public that Airbnb isn't supporting the efforts of frontline workers, I receive a message stating that they found the correspondence and are trying to get in touch with the team I spoke with. They send me a link to FRONTLINE STAYS, however, the link has a virus and is inoperable. The customer service staff were completely unhelpful and I would use VRBO or some other app, I'm sure they will never reach out.
Reviewed April 30, 2020
I cancelled my accommodation due to COVID on c. 20th March, as the other 50% of the holiday amount was about to be taken out of my account, and the terms on Airbnb said if I subsequently cancelled due to COVID I wouldn’t get any money back. So I thought I am better losing £440 instead of £880. I contacted my host and they said they would transfer my deposit of £440 to a later date or give me a credit. Air BnB however are saying their system doesn’t allow this and I’m not entitled to anything. It is absolutely disgusting that a huge company like this is profiting from this situation. Their behavior is unethical and disgusting, and their customer service team doesn’t help at all. I would never use them again.
Reviewed April 30, 2020
Based on the excellent reviews on Airbnb site we rented this location with Airbnb. We trusted the website and reviews. A Superhost place. A rare Find it says on the site. After a few days the nightmare started. Defective appliances, fridge stopped working, lamps, TV, internet, kitchen cabinet falling apart, dishwasher came of the kitchen counter and fell on me loaded with dishes, walls under repairs, pot and pans not clean, bugs in the bathroom and ants in the kitchen. Basically the place was under renovation. Paid in advance on credit card impossible to get a refund.
Reviewed April 29, 2020
I booked a trip in early March 2020 to Beverly Hills, California and booked a location through Airbnb. Airbnb's original COVID-19 extenuating circumstances policy didn't originally cover my planned travel time. I ended up having to cancel and requested a full refund based on COVID-19, but the Superhost refused to issue a full refund (only 50%). Airbnb then revised their policy to include my original travel dates indicating that those eligible would receive an automatic refund. I have yet to receive any type of refund, not even the 50% I was supposed to (at minimum) have received back from the host.
Reviewed April 29, 2020
"Robert' in Ann Arbor on Huron Street, encouraged us to break the law rather than refund our monies, as we cannot travel due to the Covid virus. He wouldn't give us our money back - after 6 hours with customer service - we were cut off numerous times, the website didn't work - we FINALLY got a customer service rep to refund our monies. Even "Kevin" in customer support must have not read Airbnb's policy on Covid 19 trips; we were well within the framework of getting our money back - he basically said, 'tough luck'! I was sure to cancel that credit card so Robert can't charge any more. Airbnb has woefully uneven customer support and apparently 'Robert' thinks it's fine to break the law. Travelers aren't even going to be allowed to come to Michigan during this time!! Very disappointing; I will never use Airbnb again!
Reviewed April 29, 2020
Had to cancel because of coronavirus, cancelled 1 day before they officially made it policy to refund all guests who were affected and couldn’t travel.. My reservation fit all the guidelines to a T but they aren’t paying due to a technicality (** one I might add).
Reviewed April 28, 2020
Our Family Rented this property on Feb 5, 2020, Hosted By DELMAR, Wellfleet, MA 02667 for a trip planned to begin on June 6th. One family was flying from California and has a high risk traveler with high blood pressure, another from Ohio who has COPD and emphysema. Massachusetts currently has 56k covid cases. Host DELMAR refuses to refund any part of the deposit which was 1900.00.
Reviewed April 23, 2020
My story is similar to many on here. We were to arrive in Nice (Massenet property) on May 12, 2020. Due to the coronavirus, travel restrictions, flight cancellations we were obviously not able to get there. We had a reservation with a "strict" cancellation policy. We canceled on March 10th and on March 14th the Airbnb "extenuating circumstance" policy came out. I have approached our host 3x and told she would not be refunding anything 3x. I put 50% of the total owing down in January...$596.32 CAD. I read the paperwork carefully, so I thought.... reading the sentence that stated "cancel before 4 pm on May 5 and get a 50% refund minus the service fee." Nowhere in that sentence does it say 50% of the total payment - I understood it to mean 50% of what I had already paid. I truly believe airbnb - perhaps not the individual hosts - needs to step up and help out the consumer.
According to Wikipedia the company had revenue of 2.6 billion in 2017. I assume that went up in the subsequent years. I have written an email to the CEO of Airbnb - head office in San Fransisco CA. As of today I have had no reply. I will never book with Airbnb again. There are so many options out there - with no need for these ridiculous down payments....and simple cancellation policies. I canceled two with booking.com and it was the easiest thing in the world. Absolutely no hassle. I am crossing my fingers that if enough of us inundate airbnb with our concerns we will be heard.
Reviewed April 23, 2020
In February I booked a one week stay with Airbnb in Mexico. Fast forward to March when the entire world went into lockdown and borders were closed due to COVID-19. I immediately canceled my booking and it said I would be refunded my March 23. March 23rd comes and goes and no money or any other contact from airbnb. I reached out today to be told my reasons do not qualify and I would not be receiving any money back. Confused how a global pandemic, closed borders, travel restrictions, and cancelled flights doesn’t qualify. Asked for the “case manager” to call me and he said due to the outbreak he was unable to make phone calls. Will absolutely never support airbnb ever again.
Reviewed April 22, 2020
I had a bad guest stay recently. Everything from broken tiles, burnt plastic on pans, stolen bathroom fixtures, the whole place smelt of weed-- the worst was they broke the hot tub by smashing in the inlet grate. Airbnb refused to give me a claims advocate until I lodged a quote, but that wasn't possible for 5 days until the hot tub repair person arrived to determine what the issue was and how much it would be. As soon as this happened I lodged the claim and got a claims advisor only to be told that as another guest had checked in the interim my claim is now invalid. What? Countless emails and messages has only led to Airbnb becoming elusive and not calling me when they said they would. It feels like the dmv on steroids. As a host I just need help on this. I feel like I'm in some sort of a bad dream.
Reviewed April 22, 2020
I booked a house and less than 3 days later had to cancel because of the virus (Coronavirus). The wedding venue cancelled. When I contacted Airbnb to get a refund, they stated the refund had to come from a vacation company that the house was owned by. When I contacted the vacation company they stated Airbnb had to refund the funds. When I contacted Airbnb again they only gave 50% of my money back. After 3 days of booking the home, they refused to give me a full refund and kept stating the host had to agree to a full refund. Their customer service was not helpful and would not do anything to resolve this issue! Be ware - look at who the host is - stay away from Evolve on Airbnb because these two combined will be a nightmare if you have to cancel.
Reviewed April 21, 2020
I booked this accommodation in December last year and paid £603.30 as a retainer for my daughter and fiancé to stay in for seven weeks for their wedding. They live in Australia. Due to covid 19 outbreak they only stayed there for 7 nights then had to fly back to Australia having had to cancel their wedding. I informed Airbnb of the cancellation at the time and the reason why ie Covid 19! Last week Airbnb tried to take the remaining of the cost which amounted to £303.0. Fortunately I had insufficient funds in my account so they could not get their hands on the money. I have since blocked payment to them but they are emailing and phone me for the remaining payment. Their conduct is disgraceful and insensitive in these current times. Perhaps their billionaire air owner should cough up and do the right thing.
Reviewed April 20, 2020
Airbnb is choosing to keep service fees during a national disaster pandemic, which is completely unethical and a very poor business decision for their future. Do not use Airbnb!! No company should behave this way during a time such as this. They unapologetically spout legal jargon to innocent renters who have to cancel due to fear of travel during a pandemic! Who does that? Do not use them unless you want to be out a ton of money with no way to recoup.
Reviewed April 20, 2020
I rented at Airbnb 3100 Marys Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76116 with host D.R. Couch. Cancelled due to COVID 19. D.R. Couch will not refund my deposit and Airbnb will not help. Sad they are preying on people.
Reviewed April 20, 2020
My mum booked the whole family a weekend away for May and paid half of the cost of the accommodation upfront. On 16 March the UK Government announced that all over 70s and anyone with an underlying health condition should self-isolate due to COVID-19. This was quickly followed by a further announcement on 20 March for a full lockdown of the country.
As 3 of our party are considered part of the vulnerable group (my mum included), we decided to cancel our booking. We made it clear that this was a COVID-19 cancellation and the host stated that he understood our position. My mum received a notification on her account stating that she would receive a refund of £240. All good - we were happy because this is all we had paid so far so would be getting a full refund.
After we didn't receive the funds my mum got in contact with Airbnb. Turns out that this £240 was a refund of the whole cost of accommodation and not what we had paid so far, in short, we would get nothing back. Of course we questioned this as we believed we qualified for a COVID-19 refund but apparently we cancelled 'too early' despite our reacting to Government guidelines. What's worse is we COULD have applied for a refund under the Extenuating Circumstances policy but because our position wasn't made clear for some time, the 14 day appeal period had long since expired.
Airbnb told us we would need to rely on our host to give us a refund, which he, of course, refused - turns out he's not so understanding afterall! We made this cancellation in good faith that we were covered under the COVID-19 policy (our date is NOW included in it) but because of the miscommunication and not only confusing but ever changing policies we are to lose our money. An example of Airbnb penalising those who fall in the vulnerable category but outside their policies. Shady to say the least. Our host has now ghosted us as we tried to appeal to his better nature.... obviously will be getting my friends and family on TripAdvisor to give him the review he deserves!!
Reviewed April 19, 2020
Our group of 9 senior citizens had put a 50% deposit of $1361.68 in January and Airbnb will only refund us $111. 06! Because of the Covid19 pandemic our cruise was cancelled and all cruises cancelled until at least November 1, 2020. We are amazed that our cruise lines offered a full refund and Airbnb offered such pitiful understanding! I see many others are having the same problem and think maybe we should file a class action suit against them! They are making money hand over fist for ABSOLUTELY NO SERVICES RENDERED! My email is ** to see if we get enough responses to file against them! They've messed with the wrong people! I'm not throwing in the towel this easily!
Reviewed April 19, 2020
I booked a NY property in Feb 2020 for July 2020 before the COVID 19 pandemic. Due to the fact that the pandemic affected our family financially as well as the fact that NY was hit the hardest by the virus, we decided to cancel our vacation with our host Jonathan **. IN addition, a family member has a verified health condition which we were willing to provide documentation of to receive a refund but the host refused stating he had a strict cancellation policy. Airbnb refused to push the issue and we were out 1200.00 dollars which would have helped our family financially in this tough time. It is amazing how people can be so heartless and greedy in this time of hardship. And it is also unbelievable that a huge company like Airbnb would refuse to help. I will never use this company again.
Reviewed April 18, 2020
Reserved a condo at Belltown Court in Seattle with "Lori" but only have been able to communicate with a Belltown Vacation Rentals, a different person each time. Lori appears to be fictitious. My daughter is a frontline ICU nurse during this pandemic and had to cancel her wedding. The unit was for myself, my fiance and 3 brothers, all of whom are high-risk seniors, living in the current hotspots of GA, LA and FL. Rental started June 2nd, 2 days before the current May 31st cut off. Customer service contact was futile (and flippant), as well as communication with the "Host" (whom customer service said was ultimately the decision-maker). I have lost about $1500 (they will be happy to refund the $100 cleaning fee). Will NEVER consider AirBnB for travel plans again. Their short term gain shows no conscience or decency. Shame on them.
Reviewed April 18, 2020
Airbnb claims its standards and trust is based on five criteria one of which is “fairness”. Having read numerous reviews submitted by disgruntled clients and from my own experience of late it is apparent that Airbnb is not abiding by its so called standards and trust criteria. Like many others I have become a victim of Airbnb’s unconscionable conduct by its refusal to refund money paid in advance for holiday accommodation subsequently cancelled as a consequence of the Coronavirus. Despite assurances that I would receive a refund of ($4856.99) it is becoming apparent to me that this will not happen.
Reviewed April 17, 2020
I booked a place for two nights. It was $1350. There is a policy if you cancel within 48 hrs you get full refund. I cancelled within two hours. I soon found that they double charged me so I had $2700 worth of charges. I called Airbnb and they said they only charged me once and refunded it. I even screenshot my receipt to prove they charged me twice along with a screenshot of my cc statement that they charged me twice for proof and they still denied and refused to refund me. My credit card confirmed over the phone it was double charge and Airbnb said they had no proof of charging twice and refused to give me my refund even though I proved with two different forms from receipt from them and credit card. Yet still nothing. I cancelled within two hours of booking because it was too expensive and now I’m out $1350 for nothing. Horrible business even with multiple forms of proof.
Reviewed April 17, 2020
My husband and I will not be able to take our trip to Scotland/Ireland this summer because his current deployment has been extended with the U.S Army. With the combination of COVID-19 and our country's current travel limitations, the United States military as a whole has decided to extend units deployed overseas for at least 60 days. Because of this extension, my husband will be coming home potentially mid-July, which is after our travel plans. I went ahead and cancelled all our reservations online. I then submitted a claim after reviewing AirBnb extenuating circumstances policy. The deployment extension falls under the cause of "law enforcement agency and military" in AirBnb extenuating circumstances policy which allows us to receive special review to "waive the cancellation penalties if you have to cancel because of an unexpected circumstance that’s out of your control". To me this is common sense.
However, Mayriz, one of the Case Managers of Airbnb, not only does not acknowledge our situation but keeps giving me giving me the COVID-19 automatic responses. She has refused to work with me, or even show any level of empathy of our situation. I am not happy that we have to cancel our trip and I am especially not happy that my husband will not be coming home anytime soon. So I do not understand why they cannot give us the time and respect we deserve, take our claim seriously, or do any work on their part to see if we are eligible to be waived. We will never be using AirBnb for our future travel. I will also warn any military family that they do not respect your sacrifice or time if you were pulled away to serve overseas.

Reviewed April 17, 2020
We have a 2 months reservation starting June 1st which is currently 1 day beyond what Airbnb covers within COVID-19 policy. Our host posted a very stringent cancellation policy which allows to be fully refunded only 48 hours after reserving. Airbnb is holding our money, not the host. However, Airbnb will NOT return your money unless the host cooperates, unless it falls within cancellation policy. Do not book with heavy cancellation policies if you cannot foresee the future. Airbnb will not back you up if you feel unsafe to travel.
Reviewed April 16, 2020
I rented an apartment (13 Calle de Abades) in Madrid for 3 months and had to return to US after 6 weeks due to Covid 19 travel restrictions. The owner and his agent were informed before I left on March 14. My rent for the entire month of March was already paid. After I got back to US on March 18 and self-quarantined for two weeks, I found that Airbnb had taken the $2200 rent for the month of April from my bank account. My request for a refund was refused by Airbnb and the owner. Most legitimate companies have given refunds for travel disrupted by Covid 19. The amoral behavior of Airbnb and others involved in this case is reprehensible.
Reviewed April 16, 2020
I booked a place to stay through Airbnb in Washington, DC for a trip March 12- 14, 2020. Beginning around March 10, 2020 - CDC and WHO were recommending people not travel, especially those with underlying conditions. WHO had declared this a global pandemic already. Washington, DC and NC (where I live) were both under a State of Emergency. I had concerns because warnings were just starting about being in groups of people. We were going to DC for sight seeing, my son has asthma and I have high blood pressure. I was scared we would go on the trip and get sick/be exposed to someone, and we would be quarantined in DC for possibly 2 weeks, I couldn't afford that.
I tried to call Airbnb to inquire about cancelling, I was on hold for approximately 45 minutes. I reached out to the Host and told him my son has asthma and asked if I cancelled (trip was next day) would he give me a refund. He stated yes and told me to contact Airbnb. I did that and I received a partial refund based on cancellation policy. At this point they did not have a refund policy established (when I cancelled). After they developed their refund policy for COVID19 I submitted a refund request through the website as directed to the host to request the remainder of my money. Their new policy for refund included stays beginning March 14, 2020, my booking was to start March 12 and end March 14, 2020. He didn't reply to my request after a few days maybe a week.
I submitted a request to Airbnb under their Extenuating Circumstance policy, and received an email stating they were investigating but had alot of cases but would follow up. I received an email the next day from them stating they wanted to make sure I received my email with the result of my appeal. I responded and told them I didn't get any response. During this time I reached out to the Host hoping he would give me the refund knowing how bad things had gotten regarding COVID19. He stated "you got what you got from Airbnb" and stated that he had lost $2,000.00 during all of this. I reminded him he agreed to the refund before i cancelled, he said he was referring to the cancellation policy refund, not to give me a full refund. I called Airbnb this time, I spoke to a rep who stated she would check into it.
An hour or so later I received an email from Airbnb asking if i had something stating my flight was cancelled, or we were ordered not to travel. I advised her of the CDC, WHO and State of Emergency for DC and NC. I took snapshots of information from their websites (including dates) and included in the response. I offered to get a letter from doctors stating our underlying health issues that caused us concern. Later I received another email from a different woman stating she knows I'm not happy but I don't qualify for a refund, and they consider the matter resolved. I responded and asked to speak to a supervisor, I didn't receive any response and have yet to.
If the Host had stated he would only refund according to the refund policy I may have still gone on the trip, maybe not, at least then I would have had the full information to make a decision. Then if I lost money it was my fault. Airbnb can clearly see through their message system the owner agreed to the refund. But they choose not to assist the customer. My reservation happened to fall 2 days before the random date that Airbnb chose to use for their refund policy. It seems to me Airbnb is more interested in retaining Hosts more than customers who pay the money to rent. But without customers there wouldn't be Hosts. I would not recommend Airbnb based mostly on their poor customer service and willingness to back a customer when a Host made a written promise.
Reviewed April 16, 2020
Booked an Airbnb for memorial weekend for a friends wedding. We booked this trip back in January, the wedding recently got canceled because of covid-19. Tried canceling the reservation to get a full refund. Was told we could get a refund but only in credit. They were trying to give us 50 back and keep 400+ in credit. Even though it states if you booked before March 14 you get a full refund. Nope not the case. You get credit. And they make it impossible to actually talk to a real person. They just send you messages with an automatic system that does absolutely nothing besides give you a headache. And ask you to supply government official documents stating why you can’t travel. Was also told to contact the host first to get our refund, she told us there was nothing she could do on her part since she has not received any money yet from our trip. This company is an absolute joke.
Reviewed April 16, 2020
Airbnb is advising their hosts that guests are being offered full refunds (not true: it's simply travel credit). Airbnb pockets the money and offers NO transparency on your account as to how much you have. In other words, you will only see the 'travel credit' upon requesting to stay somewhere else. Additionally, if you have three separate canceled bookings, the credit is issued in three separate increments and cannot be used together. For example, if you have a total overall credit of $3,000 but it was issued by three canceled stays, you can only apply one stay credit per additional booking. In other words, unless your new stay equals out exactly to your old stay, you will end up paying additional funds despite having additional credit available. It is RIDICULOUS.
Reviewed April 15, 2020
Airbnb are profiting off the Covid virus. They're offering refunds to guests that fall into their 'Covid cancellation guidelines'. I've found out this is an outright lie. If you can't provide a service, don't keep the money. Equally, I am shocked at how many hosts don't care if their guests don't actually get any service. Airbnb and their hosts don't deserve any business.
Reviewed April 14, 2020
Airbnb customer service is as bad as it gets. I was on a trip abroad that was interrupted by COVID-19. I had booked Airbnb lodging in January and checked-in in February, 2020. I had to urgently leave the country and lodging before being trapped when the borders of the country in which I was located closed in March. Even so, Airbnb refused to provide me with a single penny of a refund for $400 in prepaid nights that I could not stay in the foreign country. Airbnb publicly posted that they want to help protect hosts /and/ guests against losses due to unforeseen circumstances. Yet their COVID “refund” policy clearly indicates that the pandemic could not be foreseen at the time that I reserved and checked in, but Airbnb refused to provide a refund. At one point, they tried to make it seem to me like it was the host’s fault that I did not get a refund. Yet, Airbnb also refused to return the unearned portion of their service fee in my payment. That is dishonest.
Also, during the COVID outbreak, they would only speak to guests via messaging. But they took several days to respond via message. My “conversation” with Airbnb took nearly 2 weeks to complete, with very little opportunity provided to exchange questions or remarks. Initially, after the host refused to provide a refund, the Airbnb rep ignored my request for a review under extenuating circumstances, told me the “decision was final,” and ended the message thread prematurely. To restart the conversation, I had to get back into line which took FIVE more days of waiting before a new rep responded to my request.
My case clearly fell within Airbnb’s stated extenuating circumstances policy as a traveler affected by national border closures. But they ignored that. They did something else which further demonstrates their dishonesty... AFTER the COVID pandemic was announced, they wrote a NEW policy, specifically for COVID, which they used to exclude innumerable legitimate claims under their previously written extenuating circumstances policy. They are playing fast and loose with their guests’ money, and in this case, the health, safety and possibly even lives of its guests. It spoke volumes to me, when in my 3 month trip with several bookings for lodging, transportation and activities, Airbnb was the ONLY provider which refused to grant me a refund.
---Of note, Airbnb has moved into the hotel arena... In my experience, small hotels have begun using Airbnb to book hotel rooms. When the guest arrives, the guest discovers the surprise situation and deals with the associated problems. The whole set up is a sham. ---Moreover, in my experience almost no hosts include or offer "breakfast," despite this being called Air Bed and Breakfast (Airbnb). People are better off going to a real bed and breakfast, or just booking with a hotel to start with.
Reviewed April 14, 2020
I am appalled! Their response to travel changes and cancellations due to COVID-19 is abhorrent! If they continue to mis-manage this situation like they are, they’re going to have a huge class-action lawsuit on their hands. What they’re doing is flat-out wrong. Upon cancellation, they are issuing either a small, negligible and, frankly, insulting amount of money back or a “travel voucher” in the full amount, which is basically in store credit. In order to receive a full discount, they are requiring that you send government-sourced documents proving you are unable to travel. The simple, proven fact that COVID-19 can show no symptoms but still be spread should be proof enough. Instead, they’re insinuating that it is still perfectly safe to travel unless the government has expressly told you otherwise. This is ludicrous.
The AirBnB executives should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Your heinous decision to show a lack of realistic sympathy and understanding during this time will cost you greatly in the form of losing a great deal of loyal customers and/or money. I will never again use your service and will encourage every person I come in contact with to do the same. If I do not get my full refund, I will pursue all legal action necessary on the grounds of corporate misconduct and negligence. I am using and recommending HomeAway, VRBO, Flipkey, TripAdvisor or Booking.com moving forward.
Airbnb Company Information
- Company Name:
- Airbnb
- Website:
- www.airbnb.com
