But hearing that Airbnb allowed a home to stay on the platform after this report is shocking
2024: Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras (341 points, 505 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167
2019: Airbnb Has a Hidden-Camera Problem (77 points, 56 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300
2019: Airbnb and security camera disclosure (680 points, 393 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832
I'm a host. The POV I see this from is that of someone who pays close attention to the market and the changing perception of short term rentals. I've read far enough beyond the headlines to know that these accusations are very often not what they seem, and that this narrative is being blown way out of proportion considering how infrequently it actually happens.
The POV a sub-segment of NYT readers see this from is one of being righteous about short-term rentals (in theory at least.)
The POV of writers and editors at NYT is to respond to their readers' preferences.
I would rather sit infront of a reception talking to a real person than frantically be in the middle of the road trying to call non-existent support hotlines or email them hoping I get a reply AFTER I've blown my accommodation budget on the provider.
Fuck AirBnb. Book. A. Hotel.
However, Airbnb is becoming more expensive in a lot of places so it may work itself out.
Short-term house rentals are not a new idea. Before VRBO and AirBnB—before websites in general—we would call up the local chamber of commerce where we were going and they would give us the phone numbers for local real estate firms that managed short term rentals. Then we would call them directly and book.
Those types of companies are still around, and often when I book through AirBnB or VRBO, that’s who the “host” is.
The home was equipped with some security cam that overviewed the hallway to the bathroom and the entire living room.
I covered the cameras with a basket so there was still audio possible.. I figured if the Airbnb owner would complain I had proof that they watched.
After a month back at home I got a message that I got a full refund (didn't ask for it, just wanted to make them change the listing).
“Based on the information provided,” she wrote, “we were not able to conclude that there was a violation of our policy.”
I suspect that “Liviana” is an AI bot and know for a fact that airbnb couldn’t care less about this. A proper justice system would bankrupt them over this.
Although to be fair, why does anyone think letting a random stranger rent you a room is a good idea. I bet people also think the sheets and towels get washed between stays.
I'm thoroughly sick of the template claims and replies with posturings about how much they care, only for these companies to magically never find any issues in slamdunk situations. It's practically industry status quo at this point, like a shadow justice system of the worst kind.
Janky AirBnb hosts are one reason I prefer hotels
I was in an AirBnB two nights ago in Wisconsin. It was the second floor of a house with the hosts on the second floor. The shower was in an old claw-foot bathtub. Unfortunately, after I got in, the shower rod fell out of the roof and hit me in the head. Then the rest of the shower mechanism collapsed, spewing water onto the floor.
My first reaction was to figure out how to justify what happened. The host came out to see what happened. She was apologetic and wanted to sincerely make amends. First she offered $50 back. Then as I was leaving, she gave me her entire fee. I've been on the road for awhile and she was the most conscientious service persn I've interacted.
Tonight, I'm in a lesser known brand extended stay suites chain. It took 10 minutes for the clerk to make it to the lobby for my check-in. She gave her reason but it was focused on excusing herself rather than making my experience better. Then for the first time ever, I couldn't get the wifi password right, given what she had written. I want back to ask her and she didn't know and had to experiment. Meh.
In general, corporate AirBnb probably sucks. If the host also sucks, good luck. And a high ceiling but also low floor vs. mediocre hotel chains.
Still, I'm staying at the same chain tomorrow night. Airbnb was too expensive...
danso•3mo ago
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-came...