Airbnb hit with backlash for asking for "Kindness cards" and donations for hosts

[Demovictory9]

Airbnb, the vacation rental online marketplace, initiated a feature this week offering customers the chance to donate money to hosts.


initiated a feature this week offering customers the chance to donate money to hosts.
Airbnb's latest attempt to appease hosts and customers amid a tumultuous year was met with a searing backlash on social media.

The online vacation rental marketplace, headquartered in San Francisco, initiated a feature this week offering customers the chance to donate money and "kindness cards" to hosts.

"Today we're introducing a new way to connect with your favorite hosts. Now you can create personalized kindness cards that make it easy to send a message of appreciation or encouragement, with the option to add a contribution. We hope these cards will make hosts smile, and bring a little joy your way," a message from the company to customers read.

"Airbnb has lost its f---ing head, why would I donate to my host? I can't even afford one house." Twitter user olenskae fumed.

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Airbnb-asks-people-to-donate-money-to-hosts-15407730.php

[LisaM]

1. Good grief.

I mean, this is ridiculous.

[zipplewrath]

2. No, not completely

I had a VRBO that I booked for about 2 weeks after the lockdown hit New Orleans. I had to cancel after the full refund date. None the less they did, and in fact they were gracious and responsive to the whole situation. A kind note and a promise to use them when the trip becomes appropriate seems, well appropriate. Strange times call for strange albeit strange responses.

[North Shore Chicago]

3. +1

[LisaM]

5. AirBnB has caused a lot of problems.

There is a definite relationship between housing shortages in places like San Francisco, higher rents, and AirBnB. I had a friend who had to move because her condo was surfeited with illegal AirBnBs. They skirt laws and have made cities unlivable due to too many tourists. I of course have never used them, but the idea of sending notes to people who have contributed to some of the problems I list above floors me.

[miyazaki]

6. It's hilarious, a tip jar for landlords.Wtf.

[jumptheshadow]

4. He'll have to learn to put the toilet seat down first (nt)