Frustrated Traveler Exposes London Property Listed On Airbnb: It Is A Huge Bathroom With A Bed
According to the traveler, "the whole space is essentially just a large bathroom that the host put a bed in."
A US traveler, Holtz, thought he was booking a normal London stay, until the photos told a very different story. He posted a picture that showed what looked like a full-on bathroom setup, with a bed shoved in there like it was no big deal.
At first, it sounds like one of those “cheap listing, weird layout” stories. But the complications stacked up fast, because the listing reportedly had no reviews, Airbnb’s response to Holtz did not feel very helpful, and people in the comments went from shocked to straight-up ruthless. Some called it an upgrade from a prison cell, others warned it was “just a bathroom,” and the whole thing turned into a mini debate about what travelers are actually paying for.
Here’s the full story, and it’s exactly the kind that makes hotel loyalists feel vindicated.
Unscrupulous homeowners try to maximize profits, even from the smallest properties.
freestocks-photosA traveler from the US had a firsthand experience with such properties.
daveholtzHe posted a photo of a bathroom with a bed.
daveholtz
Airbnb's response to Holtz.
AirbnbHelp
Sadly, Airbnb's customer service wasn't very helpful.
daveholtz
Airbnb's presence has significantly influenced the availability of apartments in numerous cities.
Aleksejs Bergmanis
Landowners have the opportunity to generate substantial profits by leasing apartments to travelers.
cottonbro studio
Holtz shared updates about what happened afterward and responded to some posts.
daveholtz
Nobody could have said it better.
eamanjahani
It was an upgrade from a prison cell.
daveholtz
The listing had no reviews.
shidume
People should be aware by now that it's just a bathroom, not a room.
daveholtz
Some folks started poking fun at the property, just like this one.
tperzyk
In a property like this, you're expected to pay this amount.
etherfuse
A friendly reminder for those staying here.
frogtwitt
For this user, nothing beats the comfort of a hotel.
nvictorme
It also echoes the friend who booked a luxury stay without asking, then refused to split costs.
Literally!
roqueadeleon
Hilton joins the conversation.
Hilton
This room makes it possible.
jonaagenilsen
More people are advocating for hotels.
RodsFromGod
A chargeback is due for the traveler.
MPECSInc
This listing is among the reasons why people consciously avoid using Airbnb.
ericjeker
Why it's better to book a hotel.
MuskTillDawn
What did the pictures look like? It makes you wonder.
levi_Blackerman
Some users believe people should be ditching Airbnb.
jeffchatterton
The property is a gentrified prison cell.
LeaMaric
This apartment in NYC would be a steal compared to the property listed on Airbnb.
ArielEsq305
Some hosts are just so good at hiding the real deal with the property.
e_21106
Capitalism at play.
_MattBoswell
If only we could see the photos of the listing.
Just_Mel_O
People have actually stayed there?
3BoysNdaddy
When it's low-priced, there's always a catch.
joedevon
This is the reality of Airbnb listings.
tina__nigro
Airbnb used to be awesome.
BirrelleBee
Uh oh.
tranhelen
Why do people tolerate such places?
ediepa
Holtz posted the bathroom-with-a-bed photo, and the internet immediately started treating it like a crime scene.
When Airbnb responded to Holtz and customer service still felt unhelpful, the jokes turned into anger real quick.
With the listing showing no reviews and people comparing it to a gentrified prison cell, the “just a bathroom” argument got louder.
After Holtz shared updates on what happened afterward and folks demanded a chargeback, even Hilton got dragged into the conversation.
Airbnb has some cheaper options, but sometimes you'll find listings that just don't cut it. If you want to avoid those bad experiences altogether, sticking with hotels might be your best bet.
As mentioned by some users, hotels will always have the extra benefits that can't be offered by Airbnb properties.
Holtz is left wondering if he paid for a room, or if he just got charged for a bathroom.
Budget travel gone wrong, see the friend choosing separate hotel rooms to avoid sharing costs.