Why I Rarely Use AirBnB Anymore

I used to love Airbnb. When the pandemic hit and I started working 12 hr days from my office in a home that was undergoing major renovations, ArBnB provided a cheaper alternative to hotels and a more comfortable environment from which to work. Unfortunately, over the years, I've grown increasingly frustrated with the platform. Rising costs, hidden fees, unreliable hosts, and safety concerns have made Airbnb less appealing to me. More and more, I find myself opting for traditional hotels or managed apartments instead. Here’s why Airbnb has lost its charm for me.

Rising Costs and Hidden Fees

One of the biggest reasons I’ve stopped booking with Airbnb is the price. What used to be an affordable alternative has now become just as expensive—if not more—than hotels.

• Cleaning Fees Are Outrageous: I've seen listings with cleaning fees over $100 for a single night’s stay, which makes no sense, especially when I’m still expected to take out the garbage before checking out.
• Service Fees Add Up: Airbnb tacks on service fees that significantly increase the total cost.
• Minimum Night Requirements: Many listings now have two- or three-night minimums, which is frustrating when I just need a quick stay.

When I compare the final Airbnb price with a hotel, I often find that a hotel offers the same or better value—especially with free breakfast, daily cleaning, and reliable service. It’s become clear that Airbnb is no longer the budget-friendly option it once was.

Host Unreliability

My Airbnb stays have become increasingly hit-or-miss. Unlike hotels, which offer consistent standards, Airbnb properties vary widely in quality. Some hosts expect guests to follow excessive rules—like stripping the bed, doing dishes, and taking out the trash—even after charging steep cleaning fees. Worse, several times, I’ve had hosts cancel last-minute, or try and switch me to a different and unacceptable unit, leaving me scrambling for a place to stay.  In Ottawa there are numerous units owned or managed by disengaged, out-of-town hosts and they are poorly managed and quite neglected.

Unreliable Reviews

One of the most frustrating aspects of Airbnb is the unreliable review system. When I book a hotel, I can check a wide range of independent reviews on multiple platforms, but Airbnb’s review system feels heavily skewed in favour of hosts.

• Fear of Retaliation: Unlike hotel reviews, Airbnb reviews are double-blind, meaning both guests and hosts can leave a review, but neither party sees the other’s until both are posted. This system discourages guests from leaving honest negative feedback, as they fear retaliation from the host.

• Overly Positive Ratings: Many Airbnb listings have near-perfect ratings, but in reality, the experience doesn’t match up. This happens because guests are hesitant to leave anything below four stars, knowing that anything less can severely impact a host’s ability to rent their property.

• Censored or Filtered Reviews: Some guests have reported that Airbnb removes or buries critical reviews that could impact bookings. Negative feedback that calls out serious issues may not always be visible.

• Hosts Pressuring for Good Reviews: I’ve had hosts explicitly ask me to leave five-star reviews, even when the experience wasn’t worth it. In some cases, they offer discounts or perks in exchange for positive feedback.

Because of these issues, I’ve found it hard to trust Airbnb reviews. Unlike independent hotel rating sites, which aggregate real guest experiences, Airbnb’s system feels manipulated, making it difficult to get an accurate picture of what a stay will actually be like.

Safety Concerns and Scams

Safety is another major issue. Unlike hotels, Airbnb properties don’t have standardized security measures, and some listings have turned out to be outright scams. Hidden cameras, fake listings, and unsafe conditions have all been reported. In Ottawa, an Airbnb rental was linked to a violent altercation, raising serious concerns about guest safety. (Ottawa Citizen)

At least with a hotel, I know there’s staff available if something goes wrong. With Airbnb, I’m often left to figure things out on my own.

The Managed Apartment Alternative

Hotels have caught on to Airbnb’s weaknesses and are fighting back. Many now offer apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and extended-stay discounts. Loyalty programs also provide added perks, like free nights and upgrades—something Airbnb lacks. When I factor in the reliability, cleanliness, and amenities of a hotel-apartment, it’s hard to justify choosing Airbnb anymore.  In Ottawa I'm a huge fan of Sonder the O'Connor and The Business Inn & Suites

Conclusion

Airbnb used to be my go-to for travel, but it no longer feels worth it. The rising costs, hidden fees, wonky review system and unreliable hosts have all pushed me toward better alternatives. Hotels are now offering competitive pricing and better service, while Airbnb has lost the unique charm that made it special in the first place. Add in safety concerns and it’s clear to me that Airbnb just isn’t what it used to be.

I know some people still swear by it, and maybe in certain cases, it’s still a good option. But for me, I’ve moved on. Whether it’s a hotel, a managed apartment, or even a traditional bed and breakfast, I now prefer accommodations that offer reliability, security, and a good value for my business dollar. Airbnb, as much as I used to love it, just doesn’t fit the bill anymore.