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AIBU?

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Original poster

For hating Airbnb

79 replies

Userhey983 · 17/02/2025 10:16

We are moving in April (our tenancy agreement already ended last month) and in the meantime are staying at an Airbnb for the month and will have to find accommodation for the next month as well. I opted against this as I think they are unsuitable for young kids we have 3 under the age of 7. It’s been a nightmare so far as it’s in a quiet area and I try to be considerate of the neighbours but naturally we have a noisy bunch as they are young. They also have broken stuff already. I have found that Airbnb’s are not kid friendly. It’s also in the countryside and as DH takes the car to work at a cafe there is nothing in walking distance. I have told DH there is no way I can look after them here next month; I am working overtime trying to prevent them from wrecking the place, the host regularly visits as she lives next door and I feel terrible when she sees her precious home with toys scattered everyone and not to mention there is no playground or soft play nearby that I can take them to during the day. They have been playing outside but have ruined many of the host’s plants. I will pay for her to replace them but that’s not the point. They are her possessions. I feel so embarrassed but it’s very hard to control such young kids. DH wants to stay here as it’s cheaper but a hotel close to amenities would be way better. We can afford it but I understand what he is saying. And we will probably spend the same amount after cleaning fees or damage fees that will certainly be incurred by the kids staying here.

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CountingDownToSummer · 18/02/2025 07:52

YABU as I don't think the issues you are complaining about are Airbnb's fault, they have done absolutely nothing wrong

ImAChangeling · 18/02/2025 00:58

I would switch to a different property in a more convenient location if you can. If you live anywhere close to a holiday area, is a static van or lodge an option? We did this when we had building work. It was quite expensive even though it was out of season, but it bought us unlimited access to an indoor pool, cafe and ball pit within close walking distance.

In the meantime can your partner work the morning from home and you take the kids out in the car? Or can you drop him at a cafe and collect him later?

maddening · 18/02/2025 00:57

Drop dh off.at work and pick him up giving you use of the car

Kinkyroots · 18/02/2025 00:51

You don’t ’watch’ them. You do stuff with them. Colouring, painting, cooking, games in the garden, walks, tv, dressing up, reading…if they’re occupied they don’t trash. This is not an Airbnb thing, this is a you left all day with them thing and expecting them not to go bonkers when left to occupy themselves. Toy mess is normal. Breaking things and wrecking a garden is not.

Breakingthrough · 18/02/2025 00:46

I’m sorry but saying that it’s normal for two year olds to break things and wreck the garden suggests that it’s your lack of parenting boundaries that is allowing that to happen. I’ve had two year olds and would not dream of allowing this stuff, so it doesn’t happen. Don’t accept it as normal, teach them not to do it.

JandamiHash · 18/02/2025 00:46

KenAdams · 18/02/2025 00:44

🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Probably why they’re destroying everything in sight. Ageing 3 years in one day must come with Hulk-like distress

KenAdams · 18/02/2025 00:44

JandamiHash · 18/02/2025 00:22

Was literally coming on to say this as just realised she is the poster with the kids who have too much screen time. Her kids are Benjamin Buttoning all over the shop aren’t they

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🤣🤣🤣🤣

purpleme12 · 18/02/2025 00:39

Savemefromwetdog · 17/02/2025 13:05

@Userhey983 on yesterday’s thread about your DH giving too much screen time, you had one DD aged 3 and one DS aged 1. So which is true?

Was thinking this too!

Livelovebehappy · 18/02/2025 00:29

Userhey983 · 17/02/2025 12:14

I find it very odd the bitter people of mumsnet always attack mothers and “their parenting style.” Yes I have 3 under 7, the oldest being 6 and the twins are 22 months, emerging into their terrible twos. It’s funny because I have seen a thread, a woman talking about how misbehaved her 2 year old was. She was deemed as a terrible mom since the 2 year old was exhibiting normal toddler behaviours. My children’s behaviour is, whilst not ideal, very normal. They get up to all sorts of mischief and there’s nothing I can do besides the odd no. Tell me how you guys get your 2 year olds to behave perfectly? In fact, I wouldn’t say they’re misbehaved at all. They’re just toddlers!

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Of course young children can be lively and playful, but there’s a line between being lively and being destructive. I’ve had young children, but they didn’t break things in the home, or destroy plants in the garden. And I’ve hosted parents with toddlers and also never had that problem. Loud noisy play, yes, wrecking stuff, no. And I really wouldn’t consider living in a hotel. The owners will probably not be as forgiving of their rooms being trashed, so you might end up with a large bill at the end of your stay.

JandamiHash · 18/02/2025 00:22

Joulesdog · 17/02/2025 15:40

🤣 rumbled

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Was literally coming on to say this as just realised she is the poster with the kids who have too much screen time. Her kids are Benjamin Buttoning all over the shop aren’t they

JandamiHash · 18/02/2025 00:19

OneFineDay13 · 18/02/2025 00:14

OP ignore all the absolute CFs on this thread. your kids are normal and at that age bound to be into all sorts. Honestly some women on MN just love any chance of piling onto someone!! Really uncalled for

It’s not normal for a 6yo to wreck a home.

And toddlers aren’t easy but it doesn’t take much for them to not endlessly break other people’s property. Keeping an eye on them is a good start!

JandamiHash · 18/02/2025 00:16

I have found that Airbnb’s are not kid friendly.

I think it’s the other way around - it’s more likely your kids aren’t Airbnb friendly. Why are they wrecking the place?

OneFineDay13 · 18/02/2025 00:14

OP ignore all the absolute CFs on this thread. your kids are normal and at that age bound to be into all sorts. Honestly some women on MN just love any chance of piling onto someone!! Really uncalled for

Turmerictolly · 17/02/2025 23:27

It's a shame you had to move out of the rental. You could have stayed there until you were evicted (although I'm sure that would have been stressful for the landlord). A park home/mobile caravan is a good call as there are usually on site facilities for kids like an indoor pool/playground.

LardoBurrows · 17/02/2025 22:43

Just move to a different Airbnb closer to soft play, parks, civilisation. Tell your DH this what is happening even if the next Airbnb is more expensive, he cannot expect you and the kids to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a car.

Have you thought about renting a mobile home or park home, might be cheaper and there would probably be less personal stuff to get broken.

snowlady4 · 17/02/2025 22:31

Hang in there!
You're in a strangers house and going through a big period of change. It will get better.
Is there anything positive about the place? Nice to be in the countryside and have a bit of space perhaps?
Perhaps the owner wants to befriend you and thats why she visits so often?
Obviously, try to limit destruction and replace everything broken with nicer things- you don't want a bad review! Next time, maybe chat to the host more pre booking and ask about things you consider child friendly/not.
Everything is a learning curve. Put this air b&b down to experience, make the best of it and learn from it.
It's all temporary.. good luck with the move!

Mandylovescandy · 17/02/2025 22:22

I agree some properties are tricky with young kids but the great thing about Airbnb is that you can see all the photos and work out if it will work for you. Have spent a couple of months in one with young kids and it was fantastic - toys for the kids, lots of outdoor activities nearby. Maybe you just need a different place. No cooking facilities for a month sounds awful to me so the hotel option doesn't seem great at all

Whotenanny · 17/02/2025 22:14

How far away is the nearest anything, from a coffee shop or woods/stream/hill?

JMSA · 17/02/2025 22:13

Diabolicallly · 17/02/2025 10:20

You hate Airbnb because your kids are out of control and you chose somewhere miles away from anything.....right......

Erm, sorry, but pretty much this 😬

HellNoWay · 17/02/2025 22:11

eqpi4t2hbsnktd · 17/02/2025 12:57

I hate airbnbs - we never stay in them anymore. Always filthy and full of other peoples grubby stuff.

Aww.. mines not!! It's impeccably clean and i spend hours cleaning it :) You need to find Airbnb's which r ranked in the top 1 or 5% and have great reviews, including 5* for cleanliness!

There's some lovely Airbnb's out there!

HellNoWay · 17/02/2025 22:04

I'm an Airbnb host! We have a v kid friendly property, are pretty cheap, and are v comfy!! If u stayed with us for a long stay I'd not mind about a few plants being damaged or a bit of noise. We never hear our guests anyway!.

I'd say the problem is u r overly worried, and maybe the Airbnb isn't the right one for you!

Get to know the host, explain your concerns, and if they r nice, they'll put at your ease!

U r welcome at ours anytime!!

Barrenfieldoffucks · 17/02/2025 21:33

Chemenger · 17/02/2025 10:19

You are staying in one Airbnb out of many, many thousands. It sounds as if you have chosen an unsuitable one for your family. That isn’t the fault of Airbnb or the host. You need to stop your children breaking things and wrecking the garden, what makes this so difficult?

Agreed. Why not an AirBnB in walking distance of a bus stop or park? It isn't all or nothing.

BreezyScroller · 17/02/2025 21:28

Userhey983 · 17/02/2025 12:14

I find it very odd the bitter people of mumsnet always attack mothers and “their parenting style.” Yes I have 3 under 7, the oldest being 6 and the twins are 22 months, emerging into their terrible twos. It’s funny because I have seen a thread, a woman talking about how misbehaved her 2 year old was. She was deemed as a terrible mom since the 2 year old was exhibiting normal toddler behaviours. My children’s behaviour is, whilst not ideal, very normal. They get up to all sorts of mischief and there’s nothing I can do besides the odd no. Tell me how you guys get your 2 year olds to behave perfectly? In fact, I wouldn’t say they’re misbehaved at all. They’re just toddlers!

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Normal toddler behaviour doesn't excuse lack of parenting. My children’s behaviour is, whilst not ideal, very normal. No, it's not. You just let them.

I never had a 2 year old destroying the place. I wouldn't let them for a start. You supervise, and stop them?
"terrible 2" is about their temper, not destroying things.

You don't let your kids eat washing powder, put their fingers in an electric socket or jump out of the window. Because you are not a bad parent. It's exactly the same with destroying the garden or anything else! You PARENT. With that lazy attitude, it looks difficult to find a place suitable for your needs, if you let them trash the place, they will do it anywhere.

Drylogsonly · 17/02/2025 21:17

We Airbnb with our kids because we have more room and save a fortune on hotel costs, can buy/prep food etc.
I’d love to just get 2 rooms or a suite in a hotel and eat there but we’d be bankrupt!

femfemlicious · 17/02/2025 16:58

Let's be real 2 years olds are extremely destructive. It's really hard to watch the every minute. It's almost impossible to control them. You need to get out of the house and let them use their energy. Being cooped up at home is just not it