This Bachelorette Party Discovered Airbnb Hosts Hiding Inside and Watching Them
We're not going to sugarcoat it for you: Airbnbs are very hit-or-miss. The popular site boasts many dreamy rentals, but we've also seen more than our fair share of scams—from Italian villas that don't exist to the most bizarre en suite of all time. But the latest in Airbnb horror stories comes from one group's rental in the Bay Area, where things got creepy fast.
At first glance, this villa had the makings for a perfect bachelorette weekend: The "Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven" had a generous number of bedrooms as well as a pool and jacuzzi. (Not to mention its San Rafael location offered great access to San Francisco and wine country.) The weekend was off to a great start—until one of the girls found a false wall-slash-door that led up to a secret suite on the second floor. Sure, many Airbnb hosts have areas that are off-limits to guests, but these hosts said this single-story home had no stairs. Goosebump-mode activated.
What made things even creepier was when the security cameras by the pool moved as its guests did—as if the party was under surveillance. Although many Airbnb owners legally install on-site cameras for guest safety, what happened next proved the group had good reason for suspicion. "We soon discovered a man was watching us through the upstairs window later in the evening while we were at the fire pit," one of the guests wrote on the Airbnb listing, which has since been removed from the platform. "We took action and called [the host] and cops to come help. I caught [the host] and her husband sneaking out of the side of the house." Though Airbnb does offer private rooms in shared spaces, this guest claimed the host said multiple times that nobody was home. "Lied," the guest added. "Got caught."
The guest adds that their two-night stay cost the group $4,600; however, they only stayed for 11 hours and, as of three days ago, did not receive an instant refund. So, they seemingly created a TikTok dedicated to sharing their experience, which has already racked up millions of views.
And, as a surprise to absolutely no one, the internet is collectively shook. "Just imagine how many people stayed in this Airbnb, without even knowing," one commenter observed. "Knowing today's technology, I would not ever trust staying anywhere but home," another person remarked. "But if [you're] out just to stay at a hotel," A third kept it simple: "This seems like a murder movie."
Before the listing was removed from Airbnb's platform, the villa reportedly had 205 reviews, a 4.89/5 rating, and "Superhost" status. Translation: If such a horrific experience could happen to a popular rental, couldn't it happen anywhere? While it's always a good idea to do your due diligence and read the reviews, document anything that seems to be a little "off" with your listing. And, if you really feel uncomfortable, take a cue from this group and reach out to local authorities. After all, you'll never go wrong when you go with your gut.
Before the listing was removed from Airbnb's platform, the villa reportedly had 205 reviews, a 4.89/5 rating, and "Superhost" status. Translation: If such a horrific experience could happen to a popular rental, couldn't it happen anywhere? While it's always a good idea to read the reviews, we also recommend looking for these red flags in Airbnb photos before booking. And if, despite diligent research, you still end up feeling uncomfortable during your stay, take a cue from this group and reach out to local authorities. After all, you'll never go wrong when you go with your gut.
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