An Airbnb guest has become an internet sensation after sharing his experience of staying in a rental that appeared to be nothing more than a large bathroom with a bed. David Holtz, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, posted a photo of the unique space on Twitter, mocking the situation in his caption. The post quickly went viral, garnering over 1.3 million views and prompting a response from Airbnb’s official help account.
Holtz claimed that he had booked the rental in London, and at the time of his booking, it had no reviews. He also alleged that he had contacted Airbnb customer support multiple times, but the company showed no interest in helping resolve the issue. In response to his viral tweet, Airbnb’s help page encouraged him to send his email address connected to his Airbnb account for further investigation.
The photo shared by Holtz showed a bathroom with the usual fixtures of a shower, toilet, and sink. However, what made it unusual was the presence of a white bed right next to the toilet. People on Twitter couldn’t help but make jokes about the lack of privacy and the compact space. Some noticed the clear glass between the toilet and the bed and questioned the lack of a privacy partition, while others jokingly suggested using the toilet seat as a nightstand.
Holtz’s experience wasn’t unique, as others shared their own similar encounters with quirky Airbnb rentals. One person recalled their own encounter in London and how they had to find another rental due to the unsanitary conditions.
This incident comes after another viral moment involving an Airbnb host who faced criticism for excessive labeling of rules throughout their rental property. A TikTok video showing laminated notes stuck to doors, walls, tables, and cupboards went viral, with the guest expressing that it took away the feeling of being relaxed on holiday.
It remains to be seen how Airbnb will address the concerns raised by Holtz and other guests who encountered unusual accommodations. The viral nature of these incidents highlights the importance of clear expectations and honest listings in the increasingly popular vacation rental platform.
The Independent has reached out to both Holtz and Airbnb for further comment on the matter. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder to both hosts and guests to ensure transparency and quality in their Airbnb experiences.
