Re:Santa Monica council votes 7-0 to crack down on Airbnb
by ibejoeb on Wednesday May 13, 2015 @05:43PM
(#9542156)
I used to love Airbnb. I've been on their basically since inception and have stayed in dozens of cities. Everything has been positive. Lately, though, it's been degrading in a few ways:
1. Pricing in major markets is no longer competitive with hotels. Since most Airbnb properties lack anything close to the amenities offered by hotels, it's just not economically compelling anymore.
2. The last several times I've stayed, I've felt the effects of the new scrutiny. I've been to clandestine meetings with hosts, purportedly on premises, only later to find out that the listed address is false. "Enter through the alley door," and, "Say you're my cousin, if anyone asks" are typically elements of the conversations. That's not what I pay for.
Now, my first choice is hotels, and it's only the rare case that I opt for Airbnb.
1. Pricing in major markets is no longer competitive with hotels. Since most Airbnb properties lack anything close to the amenities offered by hotels, it's just not economically compelling anymore.
2. The last several times I've stayed, I've felt the effects of the new scrutiny. I've been to clandestine meetings with hosts, purportedly on premises, only later to find out that the listed address is false. "Enter through the alley door," and, "Say you're my cousin, if anyone asks" are typically elements of the conversations. That's not what I pay for.
Now, my first choice is hotels, and it's only the rare case that I opt for Airbnb.