With every new technology I have tried to embrace the newness. I tried Snapchat and Instagram. Years ago I gave up my beloved flip phone. I have a SMART TV that is smarter than me. I stream Netflix and Amazon like a junkie and I was one of the first to embrace Barre class (not having a drink at the Bar).
I gave Airbnb three tries. I am done. I have come to the realization that I am just not an Airbnb type of person. I should have seen the handwriting on the wall. Years ago I went to Paris and stayed in a real Parisian’s apartment. Aside from the romance of staying in an authentic apartment, I realized on day 3 that this was not for me. The idea of walking up four flights of steps each time I arrived “home”, wore off fairly fast. The charm of a shower with no curtain wore off after the second day. I should have known.
My first Airbnb experience was horrible. The host cancelled on me twelve hours before take-off. Try finding a room on Christmas Eve in a warm climate. The second experience was lovely. The third experience was more than disappointing. I gave it three tries. I am done, out, call reservations for me.
Following are five reasons that I am not an Airbnb girl.
- I actually want a TV in my room
The third time pushed me over the edge. There was no TV in my space, anywhere. The host said, “We didn’t say there was a TV”. My reply was that you didn’t say that there were walls or windows either. I had my laptop and yes I could download movies but real time streaming didn’t work in their area. As a news junkie, I was deprived. I also could not work on my laptop and watch a movie at the same time. There is not a hotel in American that does not offer TV and cable.
- I want the promise of a bed actually on a bed frame
There is not a hotel in America that does not offer a TV and a bed that is actually on a bed frame. A box spring and a mattress do not make a satisfactory bed when the guest is paying the same or more than a hotel room would charge.
- I want to be able to control my own temperature
We take so much for granted in our lives. Every time you go to the thermostat and make the room colder or warmer you assume the gesture. You assume anyone has the same ability to affect their environment. Until you find out that you cannot make your own living space warmer or colder.
- I want not to be at someone else’s mercy
The first host cancelled my stay hours before I arrived; the third host controlled the temperature in my space. I want to be able to affect my own space. I want a front desk or a manager that I can complain to. I don’t like only having a host or waiting on the phone for 35 minutes on hold with the Airbnb mothership. Give me a human, distant, professional that I can complain to, the old fashioned way.
- I want a clean room with free little samples
I learned that I like coming in to a clean room. Even traveling by myself, while not a slob, I like a clean room. Sue me. I tried giving it up. I like a clean room better than an untouched one. And I like all the little free samples too.
