“Running Airbnb Not Easy”: Goa Homestay Owner Shares Nightmare Experience with Guests
A Goa homestay owner recently shared their distressing experience with unruly guests who left the property in complete disarray. The owner of The Golden Perch, a popular Airbnb, took to Instagram to post a shocking before-and-after video showcasing the state of their property after the guests departed. The video highlighted dirty dishes, a filthy kitchen slab, and unclean induction cooktops, along with a foul odor emanating from food left out in the open.
In the caption accompanying the video, the owner expressed their frustration and disappointment, stating, “When you put in efforts and someone destroys it, something dies in you. But we need to get back up again and focus on making things better.” They added that while they don’t expect the property to remain pristine, they hoped guests would be more considerate. The owner emphasized that running an Airbnb is not just challenging but also “not easy on the heart.”
Confrontation with Guests
When confronted about the mess, the guests justified their actions by comparing the situation to another Airbnb experience. They remarked, “Before we stayed at SkyVillas where infants made a lot more mess, and they didn’t even complain. So, you should not have allowed our booking.” This response added to the owner’s frustration, as the cleaning process took an entire day.
Watch the video shared by the Airbnb owner:
Mixed Reactions Online
The Instagram post went viral, garnering over 950,000 views and more than 20,000 likes. Reactions in the comments section were divided. Some users sided with the guests, questioning the owner’s expectations. One user wrote, “If you can’t provide the service, don’t continue the Airbnb, sell the property.” Another stated, “It’s just dirty! Nothing is damaged, so why make a big deal out of it?”
On the other hand, many commenters sympathized with the owner. One user highlighted the importance of respect, saying, “Money can buy a lot of things but not empathy, care, class, or manners.” Another added, “It’s about being mindful and respectful, which many people lack.”
A Broader Debate
This incident has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of both hosts and guests in the short-term rental industry. While Airbnb has revolutionized travel and hospitality, challenges like these underscore the need for clearer communication and mutual respect between hosts and guests.
As the debate continues, the Goa homestay owner remains focused on improving their services, hoping for better experiences with future visitors.
