Live data from Hacker News

Airbnb's impact on cities

theguardian.com

151–153 of 153 posts

Re: Airbnb's impact on cities

#151

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because those willing to pay absurd prices are not locals, nor are they living here long-term, thus this causes locals and long-term residents to be pushed out of the city. Imagine being pushed out of your own city just because the market says tourists are more important than residents.

You still haven't explained why this is bad. See, I don't have to imagine it: my neighbourhood is being gentrified, rent is going up all around, and I'll have to move soon. Not the beat thing ever, but since I'm being honestly outbid on an open market, I fail to see why would someone want to intervene and regulate this. Also, residents are more "important" than tourists, that's what you're trying to say? Why the hell…

Residents are the ones starting and working for businesses, creating new value and paying taxes long term. Portugal is one of the worst economies in Europe. A lot of people have already moved. Trying to survive on tourism is a shortsighted and will end badly.

Re: Airbnb's impact on cities

#152

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hoped for same. Maybe it's because I'm not looking for hostel-like rooms, but in BCN I saw even room in the boat (Airbnb) for $900 per week. It's just one of examples. This June our family (4 persons) spent 3 weeks in Barcelona apart-hotels (4 stars) with prices $1200-$1400 per week. It was less expensive than Airbnb.

I also vacationed in Barcelona this June and stayed in two different Airbnb rooms at $40 and $55 per night (including all fees). Both were private rooms, although bathroom was shared in both cases (I don't think I've been in an airbnb that had its own private bath). Granted, as a solo traveller I'm likely looking at different listings than you are, but the options on Airbnb were quite good, even during a major festiv…

1. Shared bath is absolutely unacceptable for family.

2. $55 * 4 * 7 = $1540 for week, with shared bath. We were in hotels with private baths (2 separate private bathrooms) for $1200.

Thank you for proving my point :)

Re: Airbnb's impact on cities

#153

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also vacationed in Barcelona this June and stayed in two different Airbnb rooms at $40 and $55 per night (including all fees). Both were private rooms, although bathroom was shared in both cases (I don't think I've been in an airbnb that had its own private bath). Granted, as a solo traveller I'm likely looking at different listings than you are, but the options on Airbnb were quite good, even during a major festiv…

1. Shared bath is absolutely unacceptable for family. 2. $55 * 4 * 7 = $1540 for week, with shared bath. We were in hotels with private baths (2 separate private bathrooms) for $1200. Thank you for proving my point :)

As I said, if I were looking for an airbnb for a family, I would be looking at different listings, e.g. complete apartments, in which case you would have your own bathroom. I'd image the per-person prices to be better than for a solo traveller in this case as well, as has been my experience in other areas. Weekly rates on Airbnb tend to be better than nightly as well (I didn't stay long enough).

The point being, whether Airbnb in Barcelona is competitive with hotels depends on your needs, but at least in my case, it was, while providing better than hostel-like accommodations.

Post reply on HN