Airbnb Adventures: The Real Story Behind Hosting

We love Airbnb—honestly, we do. But let’s be real: hotels can be tricky. The noise, the cleanliness, the little questions that pop into your head at 3 a.m.—sometimes it feels like you’re rolling the dice.

Hosting an Airbnb, though, is definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme. Sure, plenty of people make it sound easy, like you can just open the door and watch the money roll in. We have a friend who hosts, and let’s just say… the stories could fill a book.

It’s also worth noting that many hosts hire property managers to handle bookings, cleaning, and guest communication. This convenience comes at a cost—and often a significant one that eats into profits. And while management may handle logistics, it doesn’t change the reality that some guests leave behind appalling messes, resulting in truly heinous cleanups.

To be fair, hotel workers face their own share of atrocities as well. The difference is that hotels are built and staffed for constant turnover—most Airbnb hosts are not.

Lesson #1: It’s a Lot of Work

Cleaning, booking, maintenance, guest communication, and managing that constant low-level anxiety are just the tip of the iceberg. Occupancy rates go up and down, but your bills? They stay the same.

Lesson #2: Not All Guests Are Created Equal

Some guests leave the place spotless. Others… well, let’s just call them messy pigs. Then there are those who expect a five-star mansion experience while paying doghouse prices. Writing a thoughtful review? Many guests have absolutely no idea how to do it.

Our friend’s stories range from bizarre to outright shocking: professional scammers using the house to receive FedEx packages from unsuspecting victims, adults-only films being shot in the living room, and underage, drug-fueled parties. Most guests are perfectly fine—but let’s not sugarcoat the chaos.

Lesson #3: Your Plumbing Will Hate You

The things people flush down toilets or cram into drains… well, let’s just say it can be mortifying. Expect a few awkward calls to the plumber and moments where you suddenly find it very hard to make eye contact.

Final Thoughts

In short, Airbnb hosting can be rewarding, but it is far from glamorous. You need patience, a sense of humor, and a strong stomach. The upside? The stories you collect are priceless.

And please—above all else—if you are a messy pig, clean up after yourself.