On Sitejabber, businesses may not offer incentives or pay to remove reviews. Learn more about our Review Guidelines.
Airbnb's reputation is significantly marred by persistent complaints regarding its customer service and the quality of listings. Customers frequently express frustration over inadequate support, particularly in resolving issues related to cleanliness and safety at properties. Many report feeling unsafe or misled by inaccurate listings, leading to financial losses and dissatisfaction. Conversely, some users have had positive experiences with Airbnb Luxe, highlighting exceptional service and quality accommodations. Overall, while there are isolated instances of satisfaction, the overarching sentiment reflects a concerning trend of unreliable service and a lack of accountability towards both guests and hosts.
This summary is generated by AI, based on text from customer reviews
We monitor reviews for authenticity
Thieves, $2K Taken from Us Dispute COVID and Screenshot from Host to Refund Money. Due to COVID our Vegas wedding had to be canceled due to traveling from Midwest and Vegas and our family having multiple health issues that makes us high risk. Even with a screenshot of a promise to be refunded our money in full from host, they in turn said host refused and host refuses to reply. I canceled in April for June-July booking. Now with four kids in hand and both on furlough we are out of 2k for an AirBnB we won't be using. I referred so many wedding guests and friends, but I will DEFINITELY be telling them to take their money and run now and stick with hotels that they can book and guarantee they can actually stay closer to that time. I was LIED to with PROOF and my family was either expected to take a HUGE health risk or forfeit money to this greedy company and the host.
I booked a room through airbnb. My reservation was confirmed, and the money immediately debited from my account. I received an email from the property owner stating I would need to cancel my reservation due to restrictions still in place because of COVID-19. She stated I would need to be the one who cancelled in order for her to avoid a cancellation fee. The companies cancellation policy states the customer can cancel within 48 hours of booking and get a 100% refund. I sent the request to cancel and received a message that stated my request to cancel was sent to the property owner. That request was sent within the 48 hour window. The following day, I received a message from the property owner stating I did it incorrectly and if she accepted my request she would be penalized. When I again attempted to cancel my reservation the way the property owner requested, it was then outside of the 48 hour window and they kept a $65 fee. I attempted to contact customer service and they were absolutely no help, and refused to give me a refund. I will never book with them again
Not sure who's covid response was worse, Trump's or Airbnb's. The ridiculous part of their policy has to do with the type of documents they require to 'potentially obtain a cash refund.' I literally could not obtain them for various reasons. Third party flight booker (flight cancelled) was completely non responsive, so I couldn't get documents from them. They wanted documents from either the location I was flying to or from stating travel was not permitted to either exit or enter a particular area until such and such date. Those documents simply did not exist and were not provided by either of the governments (two separate countries.) Tried a last ditch effort to talk to someone over the phone and got shafted. I did receive a credit. However, this review has to do more so with how they handled the covid-19 response and their deceitful refund policy that was launched. Why announce you will be giving refunds, only to make customers jump through hoops to get them.
Airbnb will not refund me for a cancellation I had to make due to covid-19. I spoke to several managers and a "supervisor". All gave me the run around and we're a complete waste of time.
They deactivated me and my wife's accounts after we had booked our trips and payed in full. Horrible experience!
I had to cancel our family reunion this summer due to Covid 19. I was advised that I would receive a full refund due to my extenuating circumstances.
I only received a partial refund and now nobody will return my calls or respond to my eamail requests. I will never book or recommend Airbnb.
Kathy S
In booked a three night stay in London for October 16,2020. Due to Covid-19 I cancelled my airfare and cruise with no problem at all. I prepaid in full for Airbnb and received less than half of my money back. I spoke to the host who said he only receives his share after the trip is complete and its in Airbnb court. Why should these crooks get to keep more than half my money when I am cancelling 6 months before the trip. DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM.
Very bad customer service. They only give generic answers and are very unreasonable with how they handle customer care issues. Horrible
He Cancellation Policy for Covid 19 is Fraudulent. They promised a full refund for bookings prior to 3/4/20 with travel dates between 3/14-5/15/20. The website states there are 3 options: cancel for full credit, cancel with partial refund, and cancel with full refund and supporting documentation. The third option was not available to me at the time of cancellation and now I have a $600 credit I cannot use. I have tried calling and emailing and have been continually denied a full refund. I ended up having to dispute the charges with my bank. I am very dissatisfied with how this was handled and I think the cancellation policy is designed to rip off consumers during this pandemic.
I lost almost 2000CAD due to AirBnB excuses in their policy.
I've booked an apartement at 188 Keefer Place, Vancouver, I had to cancel due to covid19, since I can't get a visa on time for my trip due to the Visa section is closed until further notice.
I tried to communicate with Hannah many many times, Hannah, the host, is apparently a superhost. But no response was given. She's dead silent! This is the kind of superhost AirBnB has -_-! Doesn't even deserve the title, but you decide!
Tried to explain to AirBnB and they say, that my case is not covered by their policy, and the host has every right to refused returning my money.
I cancelled 2 months in advance, with a consideration that the host will have a lot of time to relisting her place.
I've learned my lesson, I will not involved with a blood sucking, opportunist, cruel treatment of company like AirBnB anymore. I hope everybody reading this can learn from my lesson.
And Hannah, hope you use my hard earned money for good.
During a Pandemic, Airbnb is stealing the money of their customers. They are forcing the hosts who have the properties to give FULL refunds, but then AIRBNB is KEEPING THEIR SERVICE FEES. What service? Then on top of it they give you a coupons that expires DECEMBER 2020. NO ONE WILL BE TRAVELING
THIEVES DO NOT SUPPORT THIS COMPANY.
January 2020, I reserved a condo with Airbnb in Panama City, FL. When the world went on lock down, I emailed the host and we stayed in contact almost every week. Yesterday I got an email saying Sad News, the governor has suspended short term rentals in FL and security will not allow anyone in the Majestic unless they are owners. She said I would have to call Airbnb and they would give me a full refund. I called and was on hold for 30+ minutes and when the rude woman listened to my explanation, she started reciting the Airbnb policy. I could not get a full refund but I could get a credit. I read an article and seen that several people had gotten a refund and she just got more aggravated. Basically I told her what she could do with Airbnb and her attitude. I took the credit because I don't want to lose $1300. I did find another place in a different state and I will use my credit. This is my first and you can bet money it will be my last time to use Airbnb. I think they are operating illegally and they are scamming people during the worst days this world has ever seen. In the future I will got back to the company that has always taken care of my travel arrangements. Hotels.com
Due to Covid-19 my guest had to terminate his reservation a month short. He was on an internship as a Physical Therapist. He asked Airbnb to forgave him the final payment. Airbnb told him that he needed my approval. I gave the approval but Airbnb still automatically charged his account the full amount $863.17. Airbnb did not credit the amount collected to my account. When my guest asked for a refund Airbnb told him that I was responsible for the refund. It has been nothing but extortion and harassment. The outcome is still pending. What is needed is a class action suite against Airbnb unfair policies. I would support any such effort..
TERRIBLE AND FELT LIKE CHEATED. Even when my booking clearly says that a full refund is available, they are deducting the service fee. So what they are doing is they are ready to have the Host feel the heat of the situation but are not ready to have single scratch on their own earnings.
WHAT A HYPOCRISY?
And their service executives are no more than scripted robots. Only can help you with their scripted responses which are not worth a Penny of your real help.
AIRBNB - NEVER AGAIN WITH YOU
I'm disgusted by how they have handled the COVID refund policy.
The business model and the concept of the company is incredible. What I have an issue with is the way they have handled the situation in time of crisis for travelers.
Our family had planned a trip to Hawaii for the end of April (booked in January). We were monitoring the COVID situation throughout February/March, and decided that it was prudent to cancel our trip and had cancelled near the end of March. Airbnb has a refund policy under their "extenuating circumstances" which the COVID pandemic certainly qualifies and had socialized on their website that any trip booked prior to March 14th and reservations that occur before the end of May would qualify. Apparently, that policy is not honored if you were one of many that had planned ahead and cancelled in advance prior to April. Why am I getting penalized for planning ahead?
I completely understand that the company is strapped for cash in this environment and many hosts are suffering in this environment. What would make sense is to issue credits (in lieu of full cash refunds) at a minimum to make customers whole instead of assessing punitive penalties to individuals on a technicality. From here on out, I will not be using Airbnb and will rather pay a premium to traditional hospitality institutions to avoid this type of treatment in the future, Tremendously disappointed in the company and will never use their services again.
Giving Airbnb 5 stars because I am impressed by how quickly they responded to 2 queries that I sent them recently regarding cancellation of my booking and request for full cash refund because of my flight being cancelled thanks to COVID-19. I imagined that it would be a headache because of the stories I had heard with other hotel and travel agents e.g. extremely slow or no replies at all. However, within 2 days of submitting my request for full cash refund together with the required documentation, I received Airbnb's replyRahim that I would be receiving full cash refund. The first time round when I contacted Airbnb to ask some questions, I received a helpful and pleasant reply in less than one day. Thank you and great job Airbnb! :)
Much like many of the others on this review site, I too had a trip planned to NYC July 2020. We have several of us who are now unemployed and are at high risk, but that doesn't phase any one at Airbnb and or the host who rent their houses out. My state has a mandatory 2 week quarantine if you travel to and or from NYC. I find it utterly appalling that during such a time as this when literally EVERYONE is having to make changes due to this crisis that a company such as AIRBNB would not accommodate everyone effected by this crisis. I will NEVER use them again. We have lost out on $1100. 00 which is very much needed at a time like this. I am very upset and frustrated with the lack of compromise and compassion AIRbnb has shown the people who bring in the money. AIRBNB if your reading you should be ashamed at your business practices.
I had a 3/28/2020 reservation for a place in Florida and due to the virus cancelled it on 3/12. The host assured me that I would get a full refund including the $40 service fee. They did not give it to me saying they are only honoring this for reservations that were canceled 3/14 or later; I argued that the state was locked down during my scheduled trip, but Airbnb said nope. They have lost a customer and I promise to continue to disparage them for the rest of time! That said, based on the rest of these reviews I do not expect them to make it out of this pandemic in once piece. What a terrible organization. I hope Karma gives them a nice kick in the $#*!.
I'm extremely disappointed in Airbnb and their response to COVID-19. My fiancé and I have had to cancel our original wedding and honeymoon plans due to the virus. We had booked our honeymoon with Airbnb and we're very excited. After we were forced to cancel our plans, and writing to Airbnb to ask for a refund, we were given no response and no refund back. We are both out of work due to the virus and need that money back to start our life together. We will not be booking Airbnb in the future, and will not suggest it to anyone else either.
If I could give you a negative rating I would. So many complaints of you not refunding people's money because they are unable to use their prebooked reservations due to COVID 19. This will be remembered by many of your FORMER customers after this is over. So I guess steal as much money as you can while you still have a business.
Answer: AirBnB is the worst. You might be able to go to the resolution centre, but previous posts are correct. Watch your money with them. Once they make an error it's hard to get it back. You may have to go through the credit card you charged it to and even then the dispute process might take awhile. Hopefully, you have other money to use in the mean time or the date of your trip is at least weeks out? They are asking you to "verify your ID" so they can gain access to your linked in, Facebook and google contacts. They say it's a security measure to protect you and everyone else but it's not. They are pirating your info. They take your contacts and use it as a marketing tool for themselves or sell the contacts to other distributors. It's very common with sites like this now. If you want to continue using AirBnB you have no choice unfortunately.
Answer: Being a host, I can say that when things are going good, all is great, but if something goes wrong, as a host, you will not get the support from Airbnb that is promised. They do not stand behind their hosts, I find they like to a facade that all is great in the land of Airbnb. I have cancelled my listing and will not deal with them anymore in the future.
Answer: As a host & licensed realtor with multiple properties in both Los Angeles & Las Vegas which I book directly and also have listed with multiple vacation rental agencies, SAVE YOURSELF TIME, MONEY & AGGRAVATION by booking either DIRECTLY with the host or through other REPUTABLE Agencies, such as Roomorama.
Answer: I haven't been a host, but would certainly recommend that you read ALL the reviews here before getting involved with Airbnb. I can't think of ANY business of ANY type I would patronize that got a 1.5 star rating after 382 reviews.
Answer: They offered $25 discount of next booking I just chose to go else where
Answer: You don't. The only thing that you can be sure of is that if you have a problem Airbnb will be unreachable. They hide from dissatisfied customers and hosts alike. You are taking big chances when you deal with them. The benefits just aren't worth the risks.
Answer: No, you would be lucky and have to fight to get a refund if you cancel 1 day after you make the reservation!
Answer: Hello, First, the credit card co. Needs to be notified and will refund the amount spent. In turn, the cc co. Will backcharge. Airbnb is notorious for these types transactions and should be shutdown. Your son has learned a business lesson... research a business prior to do business!
Answer: This is the root of my problem with AIRBNB. They do not check to see if a host can legitimately rent the place they are advertising. In my experience, the host cancelled 48 hours before, claimed she was going to be evicted if she rented to me. I was only 3000 miles from home. AIRBNB offered me a 10% discount to rebook another place. I did not and will not use them again.
Answer: Susan's answer is very thorough and I agree with her. Even more important when booking places outside your country of origin to ensure you don't get a flea pit. Also, always look at the reviews, they are very important. If there is a really bad review, don't stay there. You need to check the locations online as well. You don't want to be in a bad, dangerous area... this just happened to someone staying in Philadelphia. If you have a problem, the AirBnB website is useless. Google the AirBnB customer service number from your location. Renee