RECOLLECTIONS EN ROUTE: AN AIR BNB NIGHTMARE IN PARIS

I first must disclose that while the experience I am about to share was horrendous to say the least, I have generally had a fantastic experience with Air Bnb over the years. But hey, not every system is perfect. And if you can’t look back and laugh on your slight misfortunes in life, than you are doing it wrong.  

The first time I visited Paris, I did so alongside my then boyfriend {as you do on a romantic trip to the city of love}. I had been using Air Bnb to book most of our accommodation throughout Europe, and Paris was no exception. As I mentioned, most of my experiences with Air Bnb at that point were flawless.

I booked a studio apartment for the two of us in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris. The location was prime and the interior of the apartment was charming and so french, I fell in love instantly. Check in was a relatively easy process. We met up with an employee of the host as he was on vacation overseas. Normally, I don’t mind if a host is physically unavailable to introduce us to the property. In this case, however, it proved to be very inconvenient {as you will learn}.

At the end of check in we were handed the keys. It was mentioned that the door will lock automatically when closed {pretty standard feature in a hotel-style apartment}. This is where I take responsibilities for my actions. The first few days were successful — keys always in hand before leaving the apartment. There was one afternoon, however, that we were running out the door to meet Sarah for dinner. I thought I had the keys in my purse {of course}, when in fact I did not. Fail.

It wasn’t until we were on the metro that I realized the mistake I had made. I immediately messaged our host. He responded saying he did not have a spare key and that we would need to call a locksmith. Fine — an inconvenience, but technically I did it to myself so I can’t really complain. But then our host then told us we would be required to pay for the locksmith. Say what?

I respectfully argued that although we made the mistake of leaving our key in the apartment, it is the duty of the host to anticipate this kind of problem and be prepared with a spare. After all, people make mistakes. His response was an aggressive one, but ultimately shamed us for our mistake and refused to pay for a locksmith. At this point, I suggested we split the cost. I made a mistake, he wasn’t fully prepared as a host. Sounds reasonable enough right? Wrong.

Now he was getting heated. As I continued the conversation, my boyfriend went back to the property to attempt to break in to the apartment {with the help of the host’s employee}, in order to avoid hiring a locksmith. Somehow my boyfriend ended up on the roof sticking a hanger into a window, and I had about had enough.

I calmly explained my disappointment to the host and told him I would eventually contact Air Bnb, though I reassured him I did not want to resort to this option. He came back with more aggression and the most unprofessional manner I had ever come across. He began threatening me saying he had my personal information and would charge my credit card for the locksmith irregardless of my consent.

At this point, I reached out to Air Bnb.

Air Bnb reassured me that my host does not have access to my personal information, credit cards, etc. Following this response, my host complied with hiring a locksmith and paying for it in full {that shit is expensive in Paris — a few hundred dollars}. On top of that, Air Bnb gifted me with a $50 coupon to redeem on any Air Bnb property.

I would never reveal the name of my host on this blog, but I did leave a review on the property, so if you do stumble upon it — book at your own risk. Regardless, you should always read reviews on accommodation websites. I must repeat the fact that this was the only instance in which I had a terrible experience with Air Bnb. I use Air Bnb for most of my travel accommodation when traveling with another person. Safe to say, I love it. This is solely a tale of caution. In this case, do hate the disrespectful, unreasonable, unprofessional player, don’t hate the game.

You can read about {seven} more travel fails that I’ve experienced over the years here.

Do you love Air Bnb as much as I do? If so, get $40 off your first stay here.