Airbnb started in 2008 after the founders rented out an airbed in their spare room. Two million listings later,Guardian Travel investigates how tall-profit landlords and third-party management companies are undermining its founding principles “The best section approximately sharing Brixton?” says Airbnb host, Christabel. “It’s sharing a meal in my home. I cook for all my guests and sometimes they also cook for me. We always exchange recipes and, and of course,a good laugh.”Christabel, a middle-aged south London super-host, or is precisely the kind of person you would hope to stay with on your travels. She comes across as warm,caring and home-fond. She captures the spirit and ideals Airbnb is meant to be built on. It is no surprise she – with the above quote – is featured as a case study in a report the company launched last month in London’s City Hall, trumpeting the positive impact the home-sharing platform is having on the capital.
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Source: theguardian.com