LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Airbnb logo is displayed on a computer screen on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
I’ve seen some crazy Airbnb hosts in my day, but this one might take the cake.
One Airbnb host is being called out on TikTok, and rightfully so. The host is charging guests for air conditioning during their stay at their home. The video posted to TikTok about the ordeal has amassed hundreds of thousands of views. The video shows a thermostat that appears to be operated by inserting coins, much like a parking meter. Meaning, if you want air conditioning on your stay, you’ve got to pay up!
The thermostat in the video is made by a brand in Spain, who’s mission is to design technology to stop climate change. Don’t get me wrong, I think that is a great mission. However, when you’re on a vacation, the last thing you want to be doing is playing “check the meter” with the air conditioning.
I do know that energy prices have been much higher in Europe recently, and perhaps this was a necessary for this host to make ends meet. If that is the case, I think it is important the Airbnb host makes sure their guests are aware of that. I would be so upset if I was surprised to find out I have to pay for air conditioning in my Airbnb, like this guest was.
My own experience:
I used to use Airbnb, and other rental websites all the time, but I have notices since the pandemic started they have started charge more fees, and it’s been less and less ideal. Just last week my friend was telling me about an Airbnb that she stayed at, where the host made them wash and dry all the dishes, wash and dry all the laundry, put it away and clean the whole house. Those things would have been absurd except for the fact that the host also required a $150 cash cleaning fee… FOR WHAT?
Obviously, experiences with Airbnb are on a case by case bases, as I’ve also had amazing experiences. All I know is that I would be very upset if I had to pay for my air conditioning on vacation.
