In a series of viral TikTok videos with over 900,000 views as of Monday, user Raef (@iraefsal) details a harrowing experience with an Airbnb host in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The video, displayed as a slideshow, tells the story of one couple’s stay and subsequent falling out with their “superhost,” which escalates dramatically after their departure.
At first, the host was polite and seemed grateful to the guest for choosing their accommodation. However, things took a turn for the worse after a guest left a review containing both positive and negative opinions 12 days into their stay, as shown in a screenshot shared on TikTok.
Guests praised the “amazing views of the Smoky Mountains” and noted the Airbnb hosts’ communication skills. However, they also listed several problems. The bed sinks, the apartment is misrepresented as a 2 bedroom when it is actually a studio with a sofa bed, the towels smell like cigarette smoke (they are non-smokers ), and confusion over the $75 cleaning fee and being asked to perform cleaning tasks such as taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, and piling up used towels.
The host’s response to the review was swift and harsh. In a message to the couple, the presenter slammed them, saying: [can] It’s obvious that your review looks stupid even though the listing clearly states that the condo is a studio. ” According to the screenshot, the host then claimed to be a well-connected lawyer and threatened legal action, stating that he was prepared to file a “paid action” for damages and economic loss and that he would be required to file within 24 hours. He demanded that the review be removed or he would be sued for “$1 million.” ”
The intimidation tactics continued, with the host claiming without evidence that the guest smoked in the room and sending a $300 demand through Airbnb. They supported this claim with a photo of ash on the counter and a note accusing the guests of smoking and lying in reviews to cover up their actions. Raev asks, “‘How could a superhost get away with this??'”
However, Raev highlighted a pattern of hosts attacking guests who leave negative reviews, and provided evidence of other public reviews detailing similar complaints about cleanliness and mattress conditions to back up these claims. I objected. Each time, the host aggressively countered negative feedback, accusing one guest of leaving his pubic hair shaved and another of misusing his mattress.
In a final twist, Airbnb removed the review from the couple’s stay, as shared in a follow-up video. the host persisted They asked for $300, but Mr. Reiff explained his reasons and adamantly disputed the claims.
This incident highlights the complexity of potential pitfalls Questions are being raised about the nature of peer-to-peer accommodations, including guest protection, host accountability, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The situation gained attention online, sparking a debate about the expectations and responsibilities of hosts and guests in the sharing economy.
The Daily Dot reached out to Airbnb via email and Raef (@iraefsal) in a TikTok comment for further comment on this escalating situation with an Airbnb host.
*First published: January 1, 2024, 2:00 PM CST
carlon spearman
Kahron Spearman is the community manager for the Daily Dot and Nautilus magazines. He is a journalist, copywriter, and host of KAZI 88.7’s “Discovery with Kahron Spearman.”
