To think the recent changes to Air BnB will mean fewer people will book with them?

[Movinghouseatlast]

Have you looked at Air BnB in the last 2 weeks and noticed the changes they have made to the website?

I ask because I have a glamping business and since the 'summer release' I have had no bookings at all. Absolutely there are issues with the cost of living/ energy crisis but it seems a bit of a coincidence that I was getting plenty of bookings before the changes happened.

I just wondered if from a consumer point of view if the changes are making a difference? I just think it's not user friendly any more!

I do have my own website but I have stuck with Air BnB as I have always had a lot of bookings and to me as a business they work out cheaper than other platforms like Canopy and Stars etc.

Thanks!

What changes have they made?

What changes?

Literally just booked something for August and didn't notice any changes from last month when I last booked.

What have they changed?

I don’t like Airbnb because of the way they display prices and hidden fees. I can’t work out how much it is going to cost until I make the booking. Also don’t want to download the app and find the website glitchy. Hate tripadvisor for similar reasons.

I’ve been avoiding it for a while and use Vrbo and Booking.com instead.

Where is your clamping site? I might be interested depending on location. Always prefer to book direct. Obviously don’t post a link if not allowed but general description/location.

From the website it’s not clear what’s changed?

I’m a bit done with Airbnb. I’m fed up of the cleaning fee and service fee being listed separately and changing the price often considerably at the final stage of booking. I also lost patience during the pandemic with the number of impositions passed on to guests. I know it wasn’t always the hosts fault, but I’m done with bagging laundry on holiday.

A few years ago Airbnb would be my default even for a few nights away but now we’ve realised a hotel or normal b&b is less hassle.

I never use Air B&B. Aways Booking.com. It's the most user-friendly booking site.

What changes have they made?

Have you got someone to check that your listing still appears?

Do you mean the changes around location op? I find their website annoying. Trying to use it today!

I have been put off yes.

I've just booked through air bnb although they aren't my fave site, didn't notice any changes. Could your bookings be impacted by people returning to travel abroad. I camped for the first time in years during covid as thought I should try it, never again!

I recently tried to book through Airbnb, as I've used them before. The ID process was more time consuming than applying for a passport.. I had to supply photo ID and confirmations for all on the booking.

They then wanted me to update my photo on my logon which I forgot to do as it was 10pm and they then cancelled my booking at 5am!! the next day.

I was able to find alternative accomodation through booking.com who didn't request various IDs, cleaning fees, service charges.

Also, looking at other websites I think airbnb is overpriced.

Hope this helps.

My Airbnb listing is not booking currently for the first time in five years.

Sleeps four and weirdly all I'm getting is requests to hold events for between 20-60 extra guests despite saying no parties.

I've also blocked my whole winter calendar as can't be sure the heating costs won't be more than the rental.

Perhaps because more people are seeing Airbnb as having a negative impact on the local community? Whether that's raucous partying or depriving locals of somewhere to live so that they can do tourist industry jobs. Obviously a glamping site is less likely to be an issue

I’m not sure of the changes you’re referring to as it looks the same to me. I’m using it less frequently mainly as you can normally book cheaper elsewhere or direct.

Domestic bookings have crashed all over - it's not just Airbnb.

However I tried to book somewhere via them and had the same experience as a PP. Uploading ID, passport photos etc. It glitched out a couple of times and we abandoned the attempt.

Booked elsewhere via booking.com which was so easy.

Another who won't use them any more for the same reasons given. Last time a tried to book I found an affordable place, but they then hiked the prices by one third at check out once fees were included.
They need to be upfront about costs.

I've just booked an AirB+B in Suffolk. I was searching for self-contained, self catering and plenty of glamping places came up. Personally I wouldn't book one because I think they are expensive compared to some lovely properties where you get a proper bathroom and toilet all of your own. I think about having to nip outdoors to have a wee, or use the shower and that's it for me. Not to mention thinking about all the crawlies that will be sharing space with me.
Maybe, given the price of most glamping places, you are seeing the impact of it being easier for people to travel abroad? Even if they want posh camping they could go where good weather is more assured than the UK.

I’ve been looking into UK holidays recently and I’m put off a lot of glamping places by the price. I’m sure costs have gone up in the last few years but £100+ a night to stay in a hut just isn’t feasible.

I also think that people prefer abroad - it’s warmer and cheaper - and now they have that option open to them again, they’re taking it.

I don’t like Airbnb because of the way they display prices and hidden fees. I can’t work out how much it is going to cost until I make the booking

I've never used Airbnb but if that's the case you and others should be complaining to the Advertising Standards Authority for misleading price advertising. Prices are supposed to be clear upfront, with any additional costs clearly indicated.

What on earth do they need all that for?!

I've never booked with airbnb but booked last week a place through their own website that also had an airbnb listing, so looked at both. The airbnb was the same price (on the first page, didn't click further) but then had various add on fees which added about 25% to the price. No thanks.

The direct website I just put in my card details and the was it! No request for anything else. I'd find inputting passport details for a UK booking really bloody weird tbh.

Interesting people don't notice the changes.

The main one is there used to be a title for each property on the list view of properties, 'Luxury Shepherds hut with sea views, walking distance to beach in (location)'. Now it just says Shepherds Hut in (location). So no way to sell your property to encourage people to click on it.

They have also introduced a load of fancy categories, eg Chefs Kitchen, Architect Designed.

I always used to use it but got pissed off last year when I had two bookings cancelled so they could relist at a higher price. It also happened to several friends. I realise it's anecdotal, but it was enough to make me stop using them. With everyone stuck at home they had a golden opportunity to show a captive audience how great a staycation could be but that wasn't my experience at all.

They do now show the fees ( which is basically what Air BnB are charging you for using the site) all rolled up with the price shown on the landing page. This is fairly recent though.

It is always better to book direct! As an owner I get 25% less than you pay Air BnB so I would always prefer people use my website. Unfortunately they don't!

Air BnB never remove reviews. What you may have seen is an owner totally removing their listing then relisting it using another email address. That is also not allowed but can slip through the net.

I don't book with airbnb because of the negative impact on town centres.

For self catering I use one of the cottages type websites.

For city breaks I insist on staying in hotels (my sister hates this but still travels with me).