Getting Wrong

I was an early adopter, fan and advocate for Airbnb. Yet, I find myself using it less and less because the price point is no longer interesting. I could easily get myself a predictable experience at a hotel in the same location for a lot less. Yes, that means not being able to live in a bedroom that was designed by an artist couple - one specialized in wood and the other in metal. Not having access to the best view of the ocean from a cliff top villa and not being able to learn about the local culture from a friendly host who has lived there for generations. This are all the things that Airbnb made possible at first and then pulled out of reach in degrees

Airbnb is now undergoing its most ambitious transformation yet. Chesky announced the company’s expansion beyond home rentals into a vast array of services and experiences, what he calls “the Airbnb of anything.” Users can now book not just places to stay but also chefs, glam teams, guided tours, cultural experiences, and more, all vetted and curated through the platform. This move aims to make Airbnb a hub for all aspects of travel and local experiences, for both tourists and locals.

My concern is that all these experiences he intends to offer through the platform will likewise go the way of renting a room or a house from a host. The thing that used to be all about fun, adventure, surprise and affordability has lost most aspects of it. I have seen hosts working off to the side, asking if I'd like to book directly with them not via the platform so we could both be better off. Some have asked for me to cancel the reservation so they will not be penalized for lack of performance. One host put me up at a hotel because he had his cards very badly mixed up between bookings through Airbnb and private arrangements. There was no room for me when I showed up and I could not even got off my car. He had promised parking on the street but it would take a miracle in the neighborhood for a single spot to open up. So, he paid for me to park somewhere else. He did the right thing by me but I doubt Chesky was doing the right thing by him.