Spread the love

Going on holiday should be straightforward. You pick a destination. You buy your tickets. You book a room at some cozy little place. You pack your bags. And then you’re off on an adventure! Sadly, life often isn’t as smooth as that.

That place you booked? You might have just accidentally stumbled on a nightmare waiting to happen. We’ve compiled a list of the very worst experiences travelers have had with Airbnb hosts and homes, as shared by the r/mildlyinfuriating online community. Check ‘em out below. Pssst, Pandas, if your host is arguing that a rat you saw in the kitchen is ‘actually a mouse,’ it’s best to book a hotel in the future.

#1 This Bathroom In An Airbnb

Image credits: sandepants

#2 My Friend Got This Response When Telling The Airbnb Owner There Was A Mouse

Image credits: hyrte0010

#3 The “Mattress” At My Airbnb

Image credits: izzydoesizzy

The r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit is practically a legend on the internet. Created more than a decade ago, way back in June 2012, it’s now home to nearly 6.7 million members from all around the World Wide Web.

Members of the online community share the ‘mildly infuriating’ things that have happened to them. These can range from dealing with rude people and frustrating bureaucracy to rising prices and… horrible experiences with Airbnb and other companies.

#4 More Reasons To Hate Airbnb. I Went On A Trip Several Weeks Ago To New Orleans, And Our Airbnb Host Didn’t Tell Us Until We Landed That The Pool Was Unusable. The A/C In 80% Of The House Was Broken Too

Image credits: daxter304

#5 17 Hrs In Transit Sydney To La, Just Want To Get Into My Airbnb And Sleep, Jet Lagged, Delirious, Airbnb App Makes Me Do Seven Rat Maze Puzzles For Security Check Ayfkm

Image credits: Thackham

#6 This Airbnb Host’s Kitchen Rules

Image credits: randomredditguy94

According to Airbnb, if you ever have a problem during your stay, you should document the issue and get in touch with your host. The company notes that guests have 72 hours (3 days) to report any issues they find to either the host or Airbnb itself.

It’s recommended that you take photos or film the problem so that there’s evidence, whether you’re dealing with a broken chair or something far more serious.

#7 My Airbnb Host Said “The Keysafe Is Near The White Door… It Is Silver With Black Plastic”

Image credits: Arwell27

#8 Airbnb Host Tried To Charge Us For Changing Settings On A Thermostat

Image credits: ViberNaut

#9 I Don’t Even Know Why I Bothered Looking At Airbnb

Image credits: Prize_Opposite9958

To be fair, many hosts are going to be able and willing to sort out whatever problem their guests face. It’s in their best interest to do so, after all. If they’re rude or inattentive, if their property is absolutely awful, they won’t have much business in the future.

Reputation has always mattered. But it’s even more important in this day and age, when it’s so easy to collect proof of (lack of) quality service.

#10 Exactly What You Do Not Want To See In A Cupboard As You Pack Out Of Your Airbnb

Image credits: HenriHeine

#11 Found A Camera In My Air B&b. It Was Halfway Behind The Painting With Only The Lens Peeking Out. Discovered It Because We Heard It Clicking After Me And My Girl Got Out Of The Shower

Image credits: _Atoms_Apple

#12 Found This Camera In My Vacation Rental

Image credits: 400cc

If your host is able and willing to help you out, then fantastic. However, if the problem is serious enough that you can’t stay at the place you’ve booked, you may want to ask for a refund. Airbnb prefers it if the guests and hosts work out any problems they have between themselves, directly. However, if your host is uncommunicative or unwilling to refund you your hard-earned cash, get in touch with the company directly.

#13 I Checked Into My Airbnb Apartment In Seattle Today And Saw This When I Opened The Fridge. F**k Everything About This

Image credits: seanpower

#14 If You Needed Another Reason To Hate Airbnb. 2 Weeks Before Our Reservation Our Hosts Tells Us He Over Booked?? More In Comments

Image credits: veritas__a3quitas__

#15 Airbnb Asking For Tips After Charging A Cleaning Fee

Image credits: rayschlaa

“If we find it’s an issue that’s supported by AirCover for guests, we’ll help you find a similar place, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If a similar place isn’t available or you’d prefer not to rebook, we’ll give you a full or partial refund,” the Airbnb team explains on the company’s website how they approach problematic situations.

#16 Port Huron, Mi Outrageous Airbnb 67$/Night Listing Came Out To 261$. Cant Forget The 150$ Cleaning Fee That Will Be Conducted By The Guest

Image credits: LockPuzzleheaded3519

#17 Airbnb Host Asking For Tips

Image credits: Eliot_Lochness

#18 Notice To Airbnb Guests

Image credits: peachydonut69

All travelers have very different needs and expectations. That’s why it’s so important that Airbnb hosts are super transparent about their property. If the listing photos, descriptions, and reviews match reality, then everything’s fantastic. So long as the guests know what they’re signing up for, there shouldn’t be too many issues. Problems pop up when the listing is portrayed as far more glamorous than it really is.

To put it bluntly: you do not want to dash your guests’ expectations. If your property hasn’t been renovated in ages, don’t try to hide the fact by posting photos from a decade ago, when the home looked better. Guests who feel that they’ve been lied to are going to feel insulted. On the flip side, someone who gets exactly what they were promised will have come to terms with the fact their stay may be slightly uncomfortable.

#19 Only Cheese Grater At The Airbnb I’m Staying At

Image credits: internationalfunyman

#20 I’ve Never Felt So Gigantic (Airbnb In Italy)

Image credits: rosindel

#21 The Wi-Fi Password At My Airbnb In France

Image credits: sandberg_93

Airbnb notes that the top amenities that guests want include having a pool, a hot tub, wifi, a kitchen (obviously), free parking, air conditioning and/or heating, a washer or dryer, TV or cable, a fireplace, and self-check-in. These are all things that are nice to have. Though arguably, having access to wifi and a kitchen is far more important than having the luxury of washing your stress away in a hot tub.

#22 Airbnb Left A Slightly Shitty Review Of Me

Image credits: Pliers-and-milk

#23 While My Family With Young Kids Were Staying At This Airbnb, A Old Man Walked Into The Backyard And Started Draining The Pool

Image credits: Particular-Bike-9275

#24 $700-A-Night Airbnb And They Gave Us Half A Sponge

Image credits: mach4UK

Then again, people travel for different reasons. Some just need a logistically sound place to crash because they’re all about active adventuring. Others may genuinely want to unwind in style at the Airbnb home. Hosts need to understand what kinds of travelers they’re attracting with their properties. If they can identify their target audience and cater to them better, they’re more likely to grow a loyal following.

#25 The Airbnb I’m At Has The Toilet So Close To The Sink I Can Wash My Hands And Poop At The Same Time

Image credits: Lobsterbib

#26 Water Has Been Piss-Yellow And Metallic Tasting In Our Airbnb For A Week Now. Owner Says They Can’t Do Anything About It

Image credits: Go_Commit_Reddit

#27 This Is The Hot Tub Of The Airbnb Which Was The Main Reason Why I Rented The Spot. Smelled Terrible And Was Obviously Not Cleaned In Forever

Image credits: Forsaken_Storm_6397

Meanwhile, guests have some other very common sense expectations. When they arrive at a property, they want the place to have the essentials, from toilet paper and soap to fresh towels, linens, and pillows. Moreover, if your guests happen to be working remotely during their trip, they’ll want a reliable wifi connection, a space where they can work comfortably, and good lighting. Even providing something as simple as some paper and a pen can make all the difference for pros working remotely.

#28 The Sheets At My Airbnb. Homeowner Wouldn’t Answer The Phone Because It Was The Sabbath And He Couldn’t Work

Image credits: prophecygirl785

#29 Airbnb Is Getting Out Of Hand

Image credits: fmbrandon

#30 My Airbnb Assured Me They Have A “Very Safe” Baby Gate

Image credits: rakufman

At the end of the day, no matter what niche of customers you cater to, your goal as a host is to provide quality. That means maintaining and renovating your property as needed. That means ensuring that your place is spotless every time you have a new guest. And that means being available to fix any issues that might pop up. Remember, if your guests spotted a rat running through your kitchen and snapped a photo, your initial reaction should not be to argue that it’s not a rat but a mouse.

What’s your worst Airbnb story, dear Pandas? Tell us all about it in the comments.