Air Bnb deletes reviews

[Rodney Sums]

I recently used Air Bnb for the first time as a guest. Long story short there was an issue the host was not helpful with.  I had to contact customer service to get some expenses refunded. 

Air Bnb ASKED ME to submit a review. I  noted my experience in a balanced fashion summarizing the bad experience but including positive feedback about the host and the property.

I got a msg my public review was deleted because it "didn’t have enough relevant information to help the Airbnb community make informed booking decisions." It became clear why I saw no mention of the strong wet wood/mildew smell of the room and building from other reviewers. 

The most disappointing part is I really wanted to like this service. I wanted to support other landlords. I can appreciate there are those who weaponize reviews or are obnoxiously critical. Knowing Air BnB deletes feedback gives me concern about the veracity of the reviews available when considering a property to rent. I was planning to make a booking at the end of the month.  Not anymore.

As hosts, do you like this practice?  Do you feel it is helpful?

[Rodney Sums]

Quote from @Lauren Kormylo:

Quote from @Rodney Sums:

Quote from @Lauren Kormylo:

Here's the main problem with reviews on Airbnb and VRBO, the companies view anything less than 5 stars as a failure.  A place with a 4 star average can be shut down and booted off the platforms, when in other settings, 4 stars means very good.  So owners have to fight to keep their averages up.  Airbnb is notoriously pro-guest, so who knows why in this instance the review was removed. I'm sure it was on a technicality. 

I thought that may be true. I saw nobody with anything below like, 4.2. Often lower rated places tend to be reflective of budget lodging. This particular platform determined that's not the case and there's no money to be made from that? 

They do have budget lodging, some 1 bedrooms are way under $100/night, and Airbnb also allows renting out a room in your own home.  But those places are expected to get 5 stars too.   You are expected to get 5 stars if your place is clean, and is accurately described and pictured, and you have good service from the host.  The star rating is not to tell the level of luxury or amenities like a "5 Star Hotel" would be rated.  VRBO has the same rating system as Airbnb.  

 Sorry I meant budget relative to what you're getting. For example $100 a night might  get you a 4/10 review score hotel in San Francisco but the same $100 gets you an 8/10 room in Tucson. 

Interestin to know they have such high expectations despite censoring feedback thank you for sharing.