[olladecarne]

When Airbnb is bad, it's really bad. You're gambling with the possibility of completely ruining whatever trip you had in mind. I've had both cases where a host cancelled last minute and also where I tried to cancel months in advance and was denied. Both of those experiences cost me more than I'll ever save by using Airbnb in my lifetime. I'm never using Airbnb again if I can help it. The last time I booked a hotel I felt so much less stressed and I realized whatever premium they charge is 100% worth it.

[ghaff]

That's probably true. Your chain midrange business hotel probably has some rooms that aren't in a great location and maybe it's a bit overdue for a refresh. But I can't remember the last time I had a genuine problem with a hotel whether room availability or billing.

I have used Airbnb once. And it was quite pleasant. In a tourist area where the hotels were really pricey and this was somewhat cheaper (though not cheap)/likely better. So it worked out. But I'm aware it's probably a bit of a crapshoot.

[rdtsc]

> You're gambling with the possibility of completely ruining whatever trip you had in mind.

Exactly. Landing in a new city with the family, taking time off work and then gambling on some random guy with a house coming through and not ripping us off is just too much risk.

AirBnB might even “fix it” but then we’re running around at night, with suitcases, to a new part of time and then spending days on the phone getting refunds.

Maybe that sounds adventurous and exciting for someone else but just doesn’t work for us.