A digital nomad’s Airbnb rental turned into a nightmare when she found herself in a freezing trailer with an unhelpful host. After her initial complaints were ignored, she took to TikTok to share her experience, leading to a refund from Airbnb. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other travelers relying on Airbnb.
Jamie Inlow, the founder of Be Still Getaways, turned her neighbor’s sheep barn into a successful Airbnb business. She launched a short-term rental management company, partnered with a local real estate agent, and expanded her portfolio. By focusing on design, amenities, and diversifying opportunities, Inlow built a thriving Airbnb business.
New York City’s new law banning most short-term rentals has led to a significant decline in Airbnb listings. However, illegal rentals are now being advertised on social media platforms and lesser-known websites, resulting in a ‘black market’ for short-term rentals. People are turning to alternative platforms like Craigslist, Facebook, and Houfy, which offer fewer restrictions. The shift to off-platform rentals poses risks for both guests and hosts. Airbnb is exploring other markets and shifting attention away from New York City.
Airbnb is facing bans in several cities, with Barcelona being the first European city to effectively ban the platform. New York recently joined by banning booking service platforms like Airbnb from offering short-term unregistered rentals. Additionally, a report from Which? found that Airbnb’s are not cheaper than hotels in most destinations. The study surveyed 50 destinations and discovered that in 38 of them, a one-bedroom Airbnb rental is more expensive than a hotel room. While Airbnb rentals often offer more space and amenities, hotels generally offer better affordability.