With the average rent for a London flat up to 2,501 pounds (2,909 euros) a month, those who are visiting the British capital and even those who are working there are looking for other, more affordable options. A London homeowner may have just invented the most creative and lucrative way to accommodate tourists or home seekers. The Airbnb host has lined up three tents in a living room and is charging people 68 pounds (79 euros) per person per night to stay at the “central” location.
Located in Soho’s Chinatown, the indoor camping site is indeed very well located, with Leicester Square station and the theatre district just a stone’s throw away. “You won’t forget your time in this romantic, memorable place”, the owner describes the stay.
Despite the owner’s praises for the accomodation, the reality is less attractive. Firstly, all three tents can accommodate up to two people and all tents could be occupied at the same time, meaning guests won’t have much privacy. Secondly, visitors have to wait until after 10 am to take a shower, according to the description. And thirdly, and perhaps most disturbingly, CCTV cameras are located just above every tent, presumably in order to prevent other guests from stealing the belongings of their neighbours when they’re not in the room.
Under these conditions, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that not all guests were satisfied with their stay. “The apartment is very well located and easily accessible, the host is responsive and responds very quickly. On the other hand, we had to use a different bathroom every day, including once it was not clean at all (dirt, cigarettes on the floor, clutter…). In addition, the toilets in the common areas are not clean, and the sink is not clean either. Finally, we suffered the noise for 2 nights of the people from the room next door who went back and forth all night without worrying about being discreet for us. For 1 or 2 nights we recommend because it’s pretty decent, but no more”, one review reads.
Due to the commotion surrounding the more than original accommodation option, the listing has been temporarily banned from Airbnb. “We have temporarily suspended the listing while we look into this matter further to ensure the listing accurately describes the experience guests can expect”, a spokesperson from Airbnb said in a statement.
