Recently I rented an Airbnb that turned out to be nothing like the pictures. The building that the apartment was in was falling apart, stank of cigarettes and was on a sharp slant to the point where my suitcase would roll if I left it standing in the apartment.

I left immediately, booked a hotel and messaged the host for a refund - they said no. I had to get Airbnb involved and they asked if I would accept a partial refund. I said no.

The Host asked me to cancel my trip, but I refused because I would have to agree to not accept a refund of more than $30.

At the end of my stay I was asked to leave a review and I left an honest, critical review of the apartment. Airbnb immediately messaged me asking if I'd accept a full refund to take down my review.

This is the kind of sketchy activity that will keep me booking hotels instead. I now have no faith in a place with all good reviews, as guests who leave critical reviews probably removed them for refunds similar to me.