Airbnb

Abstract

I returned to Leipzig in the summer of 2015 and stayed at an Airbnb. Leipzig has overcome a recent history of decline, and consisted with this development, my Airbnb hostess was fond of travel. I argue that Airbnb hosts and guests resemble each other, a mirroring that alters the power dynamics between them. The value of advising the guests has been reimagined in response to the digital revolution, and the value of allegiance to local authorities has been greatly diminished. Interestingly, there was no place for the expression hostility, except online through Airbnb’s rating mechanism. I conclude by considering what Airbnb horror stories, or failed hospitality, can tell us about Airbnb’s unique contribution to hospitality.