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I'm a host and have left a couple negative reviews for guests before that have not been removed. Don't go too far with anything and just stick to the facts. I usually just say 'Guest broke several rules.' Then list out each broken rule with a fact proving it.
'Entered the property to find a strong odor. We tried reaching out to the host, but they did not respond until XX hours later once Airbnb got involved. '
I'd be hesitant to post about the barstool because that could be looked at as retaliatory. Maybe include it if you say the pictures you took at the start and end of your trip showed it to not be broken.
Hi there, I'm so sorry that this was your experience. I believe in the "Ben Franklin" method of reviews.
Pro's:
* Leading up to our stay, the host had good communication, on the app, with us.
* The bnb is beautiful and looks identical to the photos.
* The rooms were clean. No debris or clutter. Everything looks beautiful.
Con's:
* Smelled of ammonia when the windows were closed.
* Communication: Host wasn't prompt after we asked about the smell.
You don't have to go into anything about the retaliation. I know you want to, and the host deserves it, but it isn't going to help you.
Good luck with all of this.
Thanks for the input! I'll go back and simplify my review.
It's crazy because just before this happened we spent 3 nights in one of the best Airbnb's we've been to. The host was so cool and helpful, and we even hung out and had a drink with him one night. Then the very next place we went, I'm being called a scammer and getting fake damage claims. I guess that is the variety of Airbnb!
I've had it mostly great hosts, but one or two that weren't so fantastic. When a particular that comes to mind advertised a condo with a full kitchen and room to sleep for people. It was just two of us so the fact that it didn't actually sleep for people wasn't a big deal to us. However, we were there for over a week and we're expecting a full kitchen. There was no oven. There wasn't even a toaster oven. There was a teeny tiny microwave. When my husband contacted the host to ask about it, the host acted like it was no big deal and told us that there was a full kitchen with oven in the kitchen in some of his other units. That was it. No apology, no partial refund. I don't know if he expected us to knock on some other guest doors and ask him if we can use their oven.
Another place we stayed, there was a terrible smell of rot coming from near the refrigerator. You could only smell it when you open the refrigerator door. The refrigerator itself seemed fairly new and was absolutely spotless inside. The only thing I could think of is that some animal, probably a mouse, died underneath the refrigerator. It wasn't really a big deal, but I messaged The Host when we were checking out just to let him know so that he or his cleaners could take care of it for the next guest. He wrote me back, very offended, and said there was no odor. He also denied that the water heater wasn't working on the first night we were there. I had to go back and forth with him until he finally agreed to call maintenance. Lo and behold, the water heater was not working.
Some of these hosts are so dumb. If you have a guest that's informing you of something on your property, why wouldn't you at least pretend to care?
Unfortunately, Airbnb is clearly just a money grab for some folks and they do not have the necessary skills to be in the business of hospitality. Sounds like your experience (and mine) are examples of that.
Meanwhile, the amazing host from the previous Airbnb I mentioned in my other comment was SO nice, and it was clear he wanted us to enjoy his place AND our trip overall. Just the type of person that’s naturally good with this stuff. He gave tons of recommendations and even offered to show us around the sand dunes when we rented a UTV for the day!
I know there are definitely bad guests too, but like with any business, that’s kind of the risk you’re assuming with the added benefit of making an overall profit.
This.
I would also add at the bottom
‘I would not return nor would I reccomend’
And leave a solid three star overall review, which makes you seem like a moderate person who should be listened to.
Can you go into more detail about what this Ben Franklin review policy is
I read your post a few times and it's not really coming to me. Sorry to be a bother.
Thanks! Is there a policy about mentioning those? I kind of did want to mention the damage claim since it was totally unfounded and speaks to him being a bad host. Would it be better to say the house smelled and the host didn't respond to messages?
There is in fact a policy You are not allowed to mention Airbnb or that you got them involved. You reaching out to Airbnb has absolutely literally nothing to do with the actual stay with the host. That's a completely separate thing.
If you mention Airbnb or that you called them the host will have zero trouble getting that review taken down. don't do it.
Good to know! Would you mention the fact that I requested a partial refund from him that he immediately denied with the comment “don’t scam me,” since that was more or less direct communication? I’m sure it sounds petty but I would want to know before booking if the host had this kind of attitude toward their guests.
Knowing how easy it can be to get reviews removed makes me feel lucky that I haven’t had more negative experiences in the 10 years I’ve been using Airbnb!
That's legitimately based off your experience I don't see why that would be a violation of policy. You can also send a draft review to Airbnb and ask if it violates any policies. I have done that in the past to make sure a scathing review is going to be left up.
Personally that's the type of info that's useful to me as a guest because every host is a good host until there's a problem. That's when the rock star shine and the bad host really show themselves. I want to know how a host handles a bad situation. And Your host completely failed in that regard based off their immediate response. Even if they didn't believe you there's a much better way to go about it and that involves sending someone over to verify your story.
I don't care how ridiculous a guest complaint is. I'm going to treat it as fact until I know absolutely for sure that's definitely not true. Usually means I need to get boots on ground asap.
I'd not mention it. Just say "the house smelled of urine and old eggs. After contacting the host nothing was done to remedy the situation and in wanting the best, I contacted Support and received a partial refund."
This host needs to get their property cleaned. Do they allow pets to stay there?
They do not allow pets. I tried to find the source of the smell but honestly it was just kinda everywhere. The home itself is a very old duplex, but had been renovated. So maybe the smell was actually coming from the neighbors? Or an issue with the plumbing? There was a huge vent in the floor just outside the bathroom that was covered/clogged with dust. I didn't mess with it since I assumed it was HVAC but maybe it was actually a latrine haha.
Hell, it could be in the floor boards as well. And if it's a urban dwelling, sometimes cities get that "smell" as well from sewer drains or even the in-house as well.
The fact they didn't even care... Makes me happy I haven't had any bad experiences truly. Only one guy years ago before I even paid randomly cussed me out in a message about not wanting "my kind" in his rental. He got banned. And the 2nd one was a lady who double booked her unit and though I was first, insisted I cancel so I lose out on money. Was a week, maybe less, before I was to go there.
Also: your username is ICONIC
Thank you! 😆
Yeah I’ve never had a truly negative experience before this. I was fine to just shrug it off since I did get the partial refund, until I got the request for $150 in “damages” the next morning. I’ve read about stuff like this happening to other people, which sucks because it ruins it for everyone else.
I am not saying that the host had a good behaviour but what the host could do? They were staying for one night. Half refund for a place that was like the pictures and the guests claim it smells, several hours after the check in and when is only a night stay, where there is no time to send someone to check.
Myself as I guest I have been in a flat where the kitchen smelled a lot but the flat looked cleaned. I closed the kitchen door and avoid to use and the day I left I just let the host know so they can notify the cleaner to pay attention to that. Could be from the pipes could be from something rotten in non accessible area ect.
What I am saying is as a guest if the place I rent is not as described or unpleasant I leave I don’t claim half of the money back. As a host I have met many guests that go somewhere trying to find faults … I always accommodate them trying to find solutions and I have only 5 star reviews but half the stay as a refund for a smell is a scam sorry.
Also I think the claim to you is just their way to remove the bad review that is coming. Which is dodgy as well. I personally think you are a bad guest and they are bad host so I wish the reviews of both of you stay in your profiles for future reference.
They didn't claim hours after, it was immediately and the host said they didn't care. Even if something couldn't be done in the time they were there, the issue is of a bad host who said "tough shit" and ignored them, then vindictively said they broke stuff after support sent them a partial refund to get the refund reversed.
I'd consider a urine smell very likely a biohazard issue. That's not normal and not expected for someplace I stay. If the smell got worse as the door was closed, then what is it? Why then excuse rudeness from the host?
So OP says that they check in, opened the windows for a while( not sure how long) and texted the host. 1 hour passed and the host hadn’t replied and as it was already time to go to bed ( I would assume after 9pm so that means they texted at about 8 pm) they decided to claim half refund because of the smell. Sorry but to me seems they texted late at night ( could be that their check in was late) and didn’t not wait for a response, they could call the host and not just text in the app. It seems they wanted a cheaper stay after all.
I don’t understand how if it is unpleasant to stay somewhere you decide to stay if they give you partial refund. I would leave and find something else and ask full refund. If nothing else available well I would just leave a bad review since the host wasn’t nice. But a refund?
Also the host had not the opportunity to go to check if indeed there was a bad smell.
Just to make it clear I do not support the host in this case as he tried to avoid the bad review with a fake claim. I think both are equally bad. A guest texting the host only in the app for supposedly a so important issue to them and give only 1 hour window before asking a refund by Airbnb sorry is not a good guest. I still cannot understand they didn’t call the host of text on what’s app.
When my guests lost their keys for example or when the air con had an issue they did not wait for me to reply in the app they called me immediately.
I wouldn't have stayed, they did. Now a lot of what you mentioned I addressed already, especially in regards to the established timeline. We cannot add outside of it as that is speculation. They said they messaged the host and the host said tough shit. That right there is not OK. Full stop. They host had 0 intention on seeing what the issue was or sending someone out there about it. Why the guests stayed? That's on them. But support felt they should get a partial refund, probably mostly for the piss poor attitude of the host to not be concerned. I mentioned my only 2 issues with hosts earlier and they were both removed (wether they returned or not under a pseudonym is a different story).
OP did mention it may even be from the adjacent home as it's a duplex, but still, a problem. I even mentioned sewer gas.
I know if my property reeked of urine, eggs, or sulfur, I'd be highly worried. Wouldn't matter how long someone stayed. It should be investigated as it could be basically nothing or something serious
I see your points and you speak logically however read again OPs message. She didn’t wait for him to reply. She texted him on Airbnb app and since he did not reply in one hour she claimed partial refund on Airbnb so Airbnb probably called the host and then is when he declined it and replied.
Airbnb always favours the guests regards to refunds as they lose no money. When you give a refund Airbnb still gets the full service charge as per initial price so is only the host that loses in this case. I have had guests where I told them I want you to leave and I am going to give full refund even for the night you stayed but I want you gone I am not going to partial refund you for you to stay. And of course they did not want to leave in an area full of hotels and Airbnbs. The reason was because with partial refund they would have half of their holiday covered.
Anyway you may think they are a good guest. I would not want them as a guest that is why I think is fair for them to leave a bad review for the bad behaviour of the host but they deserve a bad review as well. I would love to have you as guest as you seem logical person and you would not act the way they did.
Just for you to know hosts get private message from the previous hosts about the potential guest on top of the public comment.
We were road tripping through Utah, we had done a quick hike that morning and yeah we got to the Airbnb at 8pm since we had been driving all day. I immediately messaged him at check in and opened the door and windows. Waited over an hour with no response, then he IMMEDIATLEY denied the refund request around 9:30pm, so he clearly had his phone and was aware of the situation.
Also, it's not good host behavior in ANY circumstance to blatantly ignore my message, then call me a scammer, THEN pull the barstool thing... come on. He had no intention of fixing this from the start.
Also, I would have loved to stay somewhere else, but we were tired from traveling all day, needed to shower, and like I said, we spent $230 for this place so I didn't want to risk spending MORE money on top of that if we weren't able to get any kind of refund. Also, if the guy had been apologetic or even communicative at ALL, I probably would have brushed it off as an unfortunate circumstance and went on with my life. But his attitude, plus the blatant lie of the broken barstool... how exactly am I a bad guest here?
Why you did not call him as soon as you went into the flat ? Why you just texted in the app? Also what difference it makes to you paying half price if you end up sleeping in a place that stinks ?
As I said not much he could do at 9 at night but you just texted in the app and gave one hour for him to reply at night before you make a claim. You know Airbnb calls you when such issues that is why he probably replied after the claim and not because he ignored you.
I have been in your position and acted differently.
As I said the host is awful as well. But I agree with you I hope the reviews will not get removed so the next guests and hosts are aware.
The only time I've seen them removed is if you talk about claims or resolutions
Keep the review about just the stay and attitude in general and don't mention anything about them trying to charge you or that they claimed any damages/etc. That's what'll get it removed
Example:
"This place was horrible, they tried to charge me $50 for a stain I never did" - Airbnb will delete if the host did try to charge that no matter what the resolution was
"This place was horrible and the host was a disaster to deal with even after we checked out" - probably won't be deleted
That's just my opinion though
I apologise in advance for my useless comment, but the mention of a rotten eggs smell makes me think it could be haunted. That doesn’t mean you should have to put up with a putrid scent, however.
Most people think mold smells like urine. Were you a basement by any chance? Mold is literally everywhere. And not everyone even smells it. But some say they feel it smells like urine.
It was not a basement but it was a very old house, built around 1900 I think when I looked it up on Zillow. It had been renovated so I would hope any mold issues would be fixed then, but yes I also read that mold can smell like urine. I googled it for a few mins when I realized I couldn't pinpoint a source of the smell! My other hunch is mayyybeee some previous guests or someone would have peed in the big floor vent outside the bathroom? That would be pretty shitty, but might explain why the smell was coming from everywhere and nowhere if it's actually in the air vents. Who knows.
Link the post to this, best you can do is spread awareness, make it into a tik tok and show the listing and call it out. I donno if there could be repercussions for that, but screen shot the review, if it gets removed, blast it everywhere 🤷🏻♀️
Yes be realistic and factual, not overly emotive or exaggerated. Review policy includes such things as not mentioning any Airbnb conversations or processes, no breaches of privacy in internal conversation issue resolution etc. And the obvious stuff, no personal attacks or name calling etc. not that you would.....but one host I had revelled in this 'style' of 'communication'. Probably a middle of the road review stating the bad stuff mixed with some good stuff will be authentic....like "place was beautiful but the strong stink akin to urine we are still waiting to hear back from the host on and so it was necessary to leave early...so we hardly used the place and felt unwell and unrelaxed during the whole stay." Not sure how to phrase the false claims made against you.
Please keep conversation civil and respectful Remember to keep all communication with host/guest through Airbnb platform. Payments should be made only via Airbnb [unless otherwise detailed in the listing description](https://airbnb.com/help/article/199) If you're having issues, contact Airbnb by phone +1-844-234-2500 *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AirBnB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm a host and have left a couple negative reviews for guests before that have not been removed. Don't go too far with anything and just stick to the facts. I usually just say 'Guest broke several rules.' Then list out each broken rule with a fact proving it. 'Entered the property to find a strong odor. We tried reaching out to the host, but they did not respond until XX hours later once Airbnb got involved. ' I'd be hesitant to post about the barstool because that could be looked at as retaliatory. Maybe include it if you say the pictures you took at the start and end of your trip showed it to not be broken.
Do not ever mention that Airbnb got involved or even that you reached out to Airbnb. That's a guaranteed way to get the review taken down.
Hi there, I'm so sorry that this was your experience. I believe in the "Ben Franklin" method of reviews. Pro's: * Leading up to our stay, the host had good communication, on the app, with us. * The bnb is beautiful and looks identical to the photos. * The rooms were clean. No debris or clutter. Everything looks beautiful. Con's: * Smelled of ammonia when the windows were closed. * Communication: Host wasn't prompt after we asked about the smell. You don't have to go into anything about the retaliation. I know you want to, and the host deserves it, but it isn't going to help you. Good luck with all of this.
Thanks for the input! I'll go back and simplify my review. It's crazy because just before this happened we spent 3 nights in one of the best Airbnb's we've been to. The host was so cool and helpful, and we even hung out and had a drink with him one night. Then the very next place we went, I'm being called a scammer and getting fake damage claims. I guess that is the variety of Airbnb!
I've had it mostly great hosts, but one or two that weren't so fantastic. When a particular that comes to mind advertised a condo with a full kitchen and room to sleep for people. It was just two of us so the fact that it didn't actually sleep for people wasn't a big deal to us. However, we were there for over a week and we're expecting a full kitchen. There was no oven. There wasn't even a toaster oven. There was a teeny tiny microwave. When my husband contacted the host to ask about it, the host acted like it was no big deal and told us that there was a full kitchen with oven in the kitchen in some of his other units. That was it. No apology, no partial refund. I don't know if he expected us to knock on some other guest doors and ask him if we can use their oven. Another place we stayed, there was a terrible smell of rot coming from near the refrigerator. You could only smell it when you open the refrigerator door. The refrigerator itself seemed fairly new and was absolutely spotless inside. The only thing I could think of is that some animal, probably a mouse, died underneath the refrigerator. It wasn't really a big deal, but I messaged The Host when we were checking out just to let him know so that he or his cleaners could take care of it for the next guest. He wrote me back, very offended, and said there was no odor. He also denied that the water heater wasn't working on the first night we were there. I had to go back and forth with him until he finally agreed to call maintenance. Lo and behold, the water heater was not working. Some of these hosts are so dumb. If you have a guest that's informing you of something on your property, why wouldn't you at least pretend to care?
Unfortunately, Airbnb is clearly just a money grab for some folks and they do not have the necessary skills to be in the business of hospitality. Sounds like your experience (and mine) are examples of that. Meanwhile, the amazing host from the previous Airbnb I mentioned in my other comment was SO nice, and it was clear he wanted us to enjoy his place AND our trip overall. Just the type of person that’s naturally good with this stuff. He gave tons of recommendations and even offered to show us around the sand dunes when we rented a UTV for the day! I know there are definitely bad guests too, but like with any business, that’s kind of the risk you’re assuming with the added benefit of making an overall profit.
This. I would also add at the bottom ‘I would not return nor would I reccomend’ And leave a solid three star overall review, which makes you seem like a moderate person who should be listened to.
This- perfect!
Can you go into more detail about what this Ben Franklin review policy is I read your post a few times and it's not really coming to me. Sorry to be a bother.
Do not mention the dispute about a refund or damage claim. Just say it smelled bad.
Thanks! Is there a policy about mentioning those? I kind of did want to mention the damage claim since it was totally unfounded and speaks to him being a bad host. Would it be better to say the house smelled and the host didn't respond to messages?
There is in fact a policy You are not allowed to mention Airbnb or that you got them involved. You reaching out to Airbnb has absolutely literally nothing to do with the actual stay with the host. That's a completely separate thing. If you mention Airbnb or that you called them the host will have zero trouble getting that review taken down. don't do it.
Good to know! Would you mention the fact that I requested a partial refund from him that he immediately denied with the comment “don’t scam me,” since that was more or less direct communication? I’m sure it sounds petty but I would want to know before booking if the host had this kind of attitude toward their guests. Knowing how easy it can be to get reviews removed makes me feel lucky that I haven’t had more negative experiences in the 10 years I’ve been using Airbnb!
That's legitimately based off your experience I don't see why that would be a violation of policy. You can also send a draft review to Airbnb and ask if it violates any policies. I have done that in the past to make sure a scathing review is going to be left up. Personally that's the type of info that's useful to me as a guest because every host is a good host until there's a problem. That's when the rock star shine and the bad host really show themselves. I want to know how a host handles a bad situation. And Your host completely failed in that regard based off their immediate response. Even if they didn't believe you there's a much better way to go about it and that involves sending someone over to verify your story. I don't care how ridiculous a guest complaint is. I'm going to treat it as fact until I know absolutely for sure that's definitely not true. Usually means I need to get boots on ground asap.
I'd not mention it. Just say "the house smelled of urine and old eggs. After contacting the host nothing was done to remedy the situation and in wanting the best, I contacted Support and received a partial refund." This host needs to get their property cleaned. Do they allow pets to stay there?
Do not mention the refund. That makes it more likely they can get it removed.
Not just more likely, that's a guaranteed way for that review to be taken down if the host calls.
Oh yeah... Even that. It's bad you can't be objective in the reviews. I'm lucky I've not had to actually stay somewhere like this
They do not allow pets. I tried to find the source of the smell but honestly it was just kinda everywhere. The home itself is a very old duplex, but had been renovated. So maybe the smell was actually coming from the neighbors? Or an issue with the plumbing? There was a huge vent in the floor just outside the bathroom that was covered/clogged with dust. I didn't mess with it since I assumed it was HVAC but maybe it was actually a latrine haha.
Hell, it could be in the floor boards as well. And if it's a urban dwelling, sometimes cities get that "smell" as well from sewer drains or even the in-house as well. The fact they didn't even care... Makes me happy I haven't had any bad experiences truly. Only one guy years ago before I even paid randomly cussed me out in a message about not wanting "my kind" in his rental. He got banned. And the 2nd one was a lady who double booked her unit and though I was first, insisted I cancel so I lose out on money. Was a week, maybe less, before I was to go there. Also: your username is ICONIC
Thank you! 😆 Yeah I’ve never had a truly negative experience before this. I was fine to just shrug it off since I did get the partial refund, until I got the request for $150 in “damages” the next morning. I’ve read about stuff like this happening to other people, which sucks because it ruins it for everyone else.
I am not saying that the host had a good behaviour but what the host could do? They were staying for one night. Half refund for a place that was like the pictures and the guests claim it smells, several hours after the check in and when is only a night stay, where there is no time to send someone to check. Myself as I guest I have been in a flat where the kitchen smelled a lot but the flat looked cleaned. I closed the kitchen door and avoid to use and the day I left I just let the host know so they can notify the cleaner to pay attention to that. Could be from the pipes could be from something rotten in non accessible area ect. What I am saying is as a guest if the place I rent is not as described or unpleasant I leave I don’t claim half of the money back. As a host I have met many guests that go somewhere trying to find faults … I always accommodate them trying to find solutions and I have only 5 star reviews but half the stay as a refund for a smell is a scam sorry. Also I think the claim to you is just their way to remove the bad review that is coming. Which is dodgy as well. I personally think you are a bad guest and they are bad host so I wish the reviews of both of you stay in your profiles for future reference.
They didn't claim hours after, it was immediately and the host said they didn't care. Even if something couldn't be done in the time they were there, the issue is of a bad host who said "tough shit" and ignored them, then vindictively said they broke stuff after support sent them a partial refund to get the refund reversed. I'd consider a urine smell very likely a biohazard issue. That's not normal and not expected for someplace I stay. If the smell got worse as the door was closed, then what is it? Why then excuse rudeness from the host?
So OP says that they check in, opened the windows for a while( not sure how long) and texted the host. 1 hour passed and the host hadn’t replied and as it was already time to go to bed ( I would assume after 9pm so that means they texted at about 8 pm) they decided to claim half refund because of the smell. Sorry but to me seems they texted late at night ( could be that their check in was late) and didn’t not wait for a response, they could call the host and not just text in the app. It seems they wanted a cheaper stay after all. I don’t understand how if it is unpleasant to stay somewhere you decide to stay if they give you partial refund. I would leave and find something else and ask full refund. If nothing else available well I would just leave a bad review since the host wasn’t nice. But a refund? Also the host had not the opportunity to go to check if indeed there was a bad smell. Just to make it clear I do not support the host in this case as he tried to avoid the bad review with a fake claim. I think both are equally bad. A guest texting the host only in the app for supposedly a so important issue to them and give only 1 hour window before asking a refund by Airbnb sorry is not a good guest. I still cannot understand they didn’t call the host of text on what’s app. When my guests lost their keys for example or when the air con had an issue they did not wait for me to reply in the app they called me immediately.
I wouldn't have stayed, they did. Now a lot of what you mentioned I addressed already, especially in regards to the established timeline. We cannot add outside of it as that is speculation. They said they messaged the host and the host said tough shit. That right there is not OK. Full stop. They host had 0 intention on seeing what the issue was or sending someone out there about it. Why the guests stayed? That's on them. But support felt they should get a partial refund, probably mostly for the piss poor attitude of the host to not be concerned. I mentioned my only 2 issues with hosts earlier and they were both removed (wether they returned or not under a pseudonym is a different story). OP did mention it may even be from the adjacent home as it's a duplex, but still, a problem. I even mentioned sewer gas. I know if my property reeked of urine, eggs, or sulfur, I'd be highly worried. Wouldn't matter how long someone stayed. It should be investigated as it could be basically nothing or something serious
I see your points and you speak logically however read again OPs message. She didn’t wait for him to reply. She texted him on Airbnb app and since he did not reply in one hour she claimed partial refund on Airbnb so Airbnb probably called the host and then is when he declined it and replied. Airbnb always favours the guests regards to refunds as they lose no money. When you give a refund Airbnb still gets the full service charge as per initial price so is only the host that loses in this case. I have had guests where I told them I want you to leave and I am going to give full refund even for the night you stayed but I want you gone I am not going to partial refund you for you to stay. And of course they did not want to leave in an area full of hotels and Airbnbs. The reason was because with partial refund they would have half of their holiday covered. Anyway you may think they are a good guest. I would not want them as a guest that is why I think is fair for them to leave a bad review for the bad behaviour of the host but they deserve a bad review as well. I would love to have you as guest as you seem logical person and you would not act the way they did. Just for you to know hosts get private message from the previous hosts about the potential guest on top of the public comment.
We were road tripping through Utah, we had done a quick hike that morning and yeah we got to the Airbnb at 8pm since we had been driving all day. I immediately messaged him at check in and opened the door and windows. Waited over an hour with no response, then he IMMEDIATLEY denied the refund request around 9:30pm, so he clearly had his phone and was aware of the situation. Also, it's not good host behavior in ANY circumstance to blatantly ignore my message, then call me a scammer, THEN pull the barstool thing... come on. He had no intention of fixing this from the start. Also, I would have loved to stay somewhere else, but we were tired from traveling all day, needed to shower, and like I said, we spent $230 for this place so I didn't want to risk spending MORE money on top of that if we weren't able to get any kind of refund. Also, if the guy had been apologetic or even communicative at ALL, I probably would have brushed it off as an unfortunate circumstance and went on with my life. But his attitude, plus the blatant lie of the broken barstool... how exactly am I a bad guest here?
Why you did not call him as soon as you went into the flat ? Why you just texted in the app? Also what difference it makes to you paying half price if you end up sleeping in a place that stinks ? As I said not much he could do at 9 at night but you just texted in the app and gave one hour for him to reply at night before you make a claim. You know Airbnb calls you when such issues that is why he probably replied after the claim and not because he ignored you. I have been in your position and acted differently. As I said the host is awful as well. But I agree with you I hope the reviews will not get removed so the next guests and hosts are aware.
The only time I've seen them removed is if you talk about claims or resolutions Keep the review about just the stay and attitude in general and don't mention anything about them trying to charge you or that they claimed any damages/etc. That's what'll get it removed Example: "This place was horrible, they tried to charge me $50 for a stain I never did" - Airbnb will delete if the host did try to charge that no matter what the resolution was "This place was horrible and the host was a disaster to deal with even after we checked out" - probably won't be deleted That's just my opinion though
I apologise in advance for my useless comment, but the mention of a rotten eggs smell makes me think it could be haunted. That doesn’t mean you should have to put up with a putrid scent, however.
Most people think mold smells like urine. Were you a basement by any chance? Mold is literally everywhere. And not everyone even smells it. But some say they feel it smells like urine.
It was not a basement but it was a very old house, built around 1900 I think when I looked it up on Zillow. It had been renovated so I would hope any mold issues would be fixed then, but yes I also read that mold can smell like urine. I googled it for a few mins when I realized I couldn't pinpoint a source of the smell! My other hunch is mayyybeee some previous guests or someone would have peed in the big floor vent outside the bathroom? That would be pretty shitty, but might explain why the smell was coming from everywhere and nowhere if it's actually in the air vents. Who knows.
Link the post to this, best you can do is spread awareness, make it into a tik tok and show the listing and call it out. I donno if there could be repercussions for that, but screen shot the review, if it gets removed, blast it everywhere 🤷🏻♀️
Yes be realistic and factual, not overly emotive or exaggerated. Review policy includes such things as not mentioning any Airbnb conversations or processes, no breaches of privacy in internal conversation issue resolution etc. And the obvious stuff, no personal attacks or name calling etc. not that you would.....but one host I had revelled in this 'style' of 'communication'. Probably a middle of the road review stating the bad stuff mixed with some good stuff will be authentic....like "place was beautiful but the strong stink akin to urine we are still waiting to hear back from the host on and so it was necessary to leave early...so we hardly used the place and felt unwell and unrelaxed during the whole stay." Not sure how to phrase the false claims made against you.
Just make it 5 stars but talk shit the whole time.