Airbnb.com Airbnb Scams, Fake Photos, Fat Fees, ripoffs, No support, No refund Internet
Airbnb is internet business to offer temporary rentals. People advertise their listings with photos, descriptions and prices. Renters like me would choose an accommodation based on these photos and descriptions then Airbnb collect the rental, add their own fees and whatever other fees at the time of payment.
I arrived to Chicago and rented a room based on the photos which displayed a stylish furnished loft with kitchen and bathroom for the price of $49 per night. I reserved the room for a week. I was charged the rent plus hefty fees of Airbnb and the host added cleaning fees which added up to $349.
When I arrived there, I was amazed at what I saw. The place is like nothing in the photos. This is an exit way to a store (in a rundown area) with stained couch, bunch of stored furniture, standing old mattress, no kitchen and most of all there is no door. There is a curtain which is opened since this is the exit to all the renters that they jammed in to the store. The store was divided by curtains to small areas, some lucky ones have doors but most divided by curtains. No place to store my luggage and my valuables from all the renters as they exit the store passing by the stained couch!!
I am a business man visiting for business in Chicago. Immediately, contacted Airbnb support and was advised to take photos. I did and took also video as I was told to leave by the host, young woman's male friend. I was left stranded with my heavy luggage about to miss my first day of business as the Airbnb support telling me to cheer on the phone!! Asked them to contact another host but they would not.
Several communications and I emailed the photos and the video. However, Airbnb kept their fat fees, all the other fees they charged me and most all of they rewarded the host with half of my money. I was penalized for leaving the room and awarded the host of 50% of my money. I received a total of $137 out of $349. They will not view the videos or the photos. Their email, from Lyanna, Senior rep, Airbnb Customer Service, that their decision is final and they will not view the video or photos!!
Airbnb claimed that they are not responsible for the accuracy of the photos people place on the site and they will not refund the rent I paid or their fees!! This was the second time I had similar experience with Airbnb. Beware, you are renting some fake photos, scams and no protection. Airbnb just wants their fat fees and they will support the hosts by taking your money.