There is no way that I am aware of, where anyone can look up a list of your previous reviews. So it's not like it leaves a black mark on your profile to post truthful reviews.
We ate $1500 in damages on one of our first visitors, and we're off the platform now. The whole experience was a real bummer.
It is a 'case by case' issue.
I will think it is funny if this is the only post and that's it. (I have seen that on other topics: Create an entire website devoted to the topic with a topic-specific domain, post one and only one entry. Done.)
In situations like mine it's easier to call the police - AirBnb aren't interested in helping and having a record of consistent antisocial behaviour (and illegal letting) will help you take action against the owner.
We had an issue with a place where we wanted to stay for a week in Italy. There was a very noticeable smell of paint/dust, and we couldn't sleep. What do you do then? The host offered to "fix the problem", but how would you fix that? There's also the issue of proof: You can't take a photo of smell. Anyways, we got a percentage of the money back, but of course that meant that AirBnB wouldn't let us post a review. Basically, they pay you for your silence.
And that's why I wouldn't use AirBnB anymore either. You can't trust the reviews.
Anyway, sorry for your issues. It's a big let down especially overseas when you don't get what you think you are getting. Good points in the article. The reviews aren't usually that helpful. My wife would ask me how to rate our guests and I'd tell her "aren't you going to feel really stupid if they rate us unfairly and you let them get away with being a bad guest"?
Hosts and renters need to be authentic with the reviews. If you wouldn't rent to them again - they should not get a good review. If you're a renter and you wouldn't rent there again - unless it was as described and you got what you paid for - that host shouldn't get a good review either.
When I'm renting I make sure they have enough good reviews and I also look for the imperfect reviews and see what the issue was but more importantly how the host responds. If they show good faith and seem reasonable then I like that. If they get all angry and seem like they might be unaccommodating to real issues - then steer clear!
