Picture this: you book an Airbnb that looks perfect online — modern kitchen, skyline view, glowing reviews. You land, drag your suitcase across town, unlock the door… and realize you’ve been catfished. The “modern” kitchen looks more like a 1970s bachelor pad, the view is of a brick wall, and those glowing reviews? Fake.
Unfortunately, this happens more often than most travelers realize. Airbnb started as a brilliant idea — stay in a local’s home, save money, and experience life like a local. And often, it still works that way. But it’s also become a magnet for misleading listings, bait-and-switch tactics, and flat-out scams.
So how do you protect yourself? After years of staying in Airbnbs around the world — from Bogotá penthouses to beach-town apartments in Spain — I’ve learned how to separate the good from the bad. Here’s your complete guide to picking the right Airbnb every time.
Spotting the Red Flags
Some warning signs should immediately make you pause before hitting “Book Now”:
Stock Photos. If the photos look like they belong in a magazine or hotel catalog, be suspicious. Real homes have quirks — a slightly crooked painting, a kettle on the counter. If it looks too perfect, it might not exist.
No Reviews or Brand-New Hosts. Every host starts somewhere, but in big cities, a totally blank profile should raise concerns.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices. A luxury flat in Paris for $40/night? That’s not a deal — that’s a trap.
Vague Descriptions. If the listing sounds like it was copied from a travel brochure and has zero detail about the neighborhood or amenities, beware.
Off-Platform Requests. If a host wants to text, WhatsApp, or pay “directly,” that’s your cue to run.
One red flag might not be a dealbreaker. But two or three? That’s a scam cocktail.
How to Verify a Solid Listing
Now, let’s flip it. Here are the green flags you want to see:
Consistent Reviews Over Time. Not ten reviews posted in one week, but steady feedback over months or years.
Review Language. Read between the lines. “Great location but noisy” = bring earplugs.
Updated Photos. Listings with photos across different seasons usually mean the host is active and legit.
Responsive Hosts. Send a test message before booking. If they reply quickly with specifics, you’re on the right track.
These markers, taken together, are a sign you’ve found a good place.
Protect Yourself Before Booking
Even if a listing looks perfect, take a few extra steps:
Stay on Airbnb. Never agree to pay outside the platform. You’ll lose all protection.
Know the Cancellation Policy. Flexible? Strict? It matters more than you think.
Use a Credit Card. It adds another layer of protection if things go sideways.
Save All Messages. If there’s ever a dispute, Airbnb will want that message history.
These small habits can save you hundreds — even thousands — of dollars.
Airbnb Alternatives You Should Know
Airbnb is convenient, but it’s not your only option. Here are a few worth checking out:
Booking.com – often cheaper for short stays, with free cancellation.
Vrbo – family-friendly, entire homes only.
TrustedHousesitters – stay free in exchange for pet or house sitting.
Local Long-Term Rentals – cheaper than Airbnb, especially for monthly stays.
Hotels – in many places, especially Asia and Europe, they’re actually cheaper than an Airbnb.
Flexibility is your best defense against scams.
Real-Life Lessons
I’ve had my share of both wins and close calls. In Bogotá, I found a penthouse in a great neighborhood for under $2,000/month — a steal compared to U.S. cities. But I’ve also nearly booked listings that turned out to be in sketchy neighborhoods or with unresponsive hosts.
The difference? Following the very steps I’ve just shared.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right Airbnb comes down to three rules:
Spot the red flags.
Verify the green flags.
Protect yourself with smart booking practices.
Do this, and you’ll avoid the catfish apartments and find places that actually look like the photos.