20 Photos Taken By Real Airbnb Guests In London (That'll Give You A Clear Idea Of What To Expect)

London, the capital of the UK, is one of the most vibrant destinations in the world. From art shows and music gigs to ancient ruins and royal vibes, London is one of the most important centers for design, tourism, and business. So it’s no surprise that hotel prices and letting fees are skyrocketing.

In fact, given the housing crisis in London, sleeping arrangements can be absurd. From sheds in communal living rooms to windowless boxes – ensuring the authentic Harry Potter experience – landlords do not hesitate to offer double beds in shared bedrooms and even tiny tents.

And Airbnb rentals are no exception; according to data, Airbnb scams are increasing across London. Many guests have reported being tricked into staying in gross accommodation or accommodation they didn’t book. From microscopic studios to exorbitant places, here are 20 photos taken by real Airbnb guests in London (that'll give you a clear idea of what to expect).

20 Breakfast In Bed... Quite Literally

Fake Airbnb listings are a huge problem, especially for families with kids and people with health issues. Some of the Airbnb listings in London are unbelievably small. According to The Guardian, modern British homes lack enough space and are considered the smallest new homes in Europe. At least you can get your breakfast in bed, quite literally!

19 Ads Can Be Misleading

Even though Airbnb experiences can be precious, the truth is that there’s always uncertainty about staying at homes listed on the platform. The UK market is flooded with Airbnb rentals; unfortunately, many ads can be misleading, with guests being tricked into staying in small, gross or unsafe apartments.

18 My Home Is My Castle

The housing crisis in London is notorious, so it’s no surprise that Airbnb is slowly becoming dodgy. According to Wired, more than 10,000 Airbnb places in London are in breach with the official 90-day limit on short-term rentals, with a large number being advertised by rental companies, not real hosts.

17 As Rare As Hen's Teeth

Although stats indicate that 30% of Airbnb hosts in London, aka letting companies have over three listings advertised on the website, we should admit there are some genuine hosts out there who have managed to convert their homes into art. Just look at the picture above – one of the highest-rated Airbnb apartments in London!

16 They Say London Has An Artsy Vibe

Even though many people find London artsy, we should mention that living there can be pretty gray. London is becoming like a maze of ugly buildings, railway tracks, and rotten properties. Due to the housing crisis, the number of simple Airbnb listings is increasing. Let’s hope you can overcome your fear of clowns!

15 Airbnb Scammers Have Devoured London

Despite all the Host Guarantee and Protection Insurance policies listed on the Airbnb website, the truth is that nobody can guarantee that your vacation won’t turn into a horror story. According to Wired, the number of Airbnb scams and fake listings across London is increasing, with guests being tricked into staying in places they never booked.

14 Harry Potter Fans Only

Given the high number of tourists and business people interested in London, it’s no surprise Airbnb hosts and letting agencies are trying to gain more and more profit. Due to the lack of regulations, however, some hosts offer weird places, shared triple bedrooms, bunk beds, and garages. Just look at the windowless box above - Harry Potter fans only!

13 You'll Be Welcomed By Some Creepy Weirdos

Although Airbnb tries to keep both hosts and guests safe, some horror stories will make travelers think twice... and book a hotel. The number of creepy Airbnb hosts and landlords is increasing across London, as reported by The Telegraph. Good luck with trying to escape from this bunker!

12 Airbnb Guests Can Be Creepy As Well

Airbnb hosts and guests have to be cautious alike. While it’s true that the number of weird hosts is increasing, we should note that guests are also becoming more and more disrespectful, as stated by Airbnb. From gross parties to trashed apartments, hosts across London and the rest of the world should be careful.

11 Fit For A Queen

Some Airbnb listings, on the other hand, are more than tempting. Just look at this gorgeous place in London, a place fit for a queen. Perhaps even her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will fall in love with this pastel-colored furniture... Can people like us, the common folk, afford it, though?

10 Be Prepared To Receive Uninvited Guests

While modern homes across London, including Airbnb places, are getting smaller, old houses are notorious for their uninvited guests. House mice in London are a common problem and, according to data, complaints related to rodents are increasing. So, if you are traveling solo, do not worry – you might find some good company.

9 Be Prepared To Pay A Fortune

London is one of the most popular cities across the globe, so it’s no surprise that hotels and Airbnb rentals are extremely expensive. As a matter of fact, according to figures provided by Hotels.com, the UK is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, followed by Norway and Switzerland.

8 Welcome To The Jungle

London is messy; so are Airbnb rental properties. It's not a secret that many landlords in London are abusing the rental crisis in England, while Airbnb hosts are offering ridiculous places. Even if you are a nature lover, you’ll have to admit that staying in a tent in someone’s backyard is more than disrespectful.

Despite the high costs and small rooms, Britain is attracting more and more visitors. Data shows that the UK is the sixth most visited country, after China, the US, France, Spain, and Italy. Pushed by greed and opportunism, some Airbnb hosts in London do not hesitate to advertise fake properties, while landlords try to cram more and more migrant workers together.

6 You'll Be Given The Royal Treatment

Are you traveling to London? Are you looking for an Airbnb place with a private bathroom and a kitchenette? Then, this "spacious" flat is all you need! Wouldn’t it be great to have a shower while cooking beans on toast at the same time? So British!

5 Exploring London On A Small Budget Is Almost Impossible

Exploring London on a budget is almost impossible. The average price of a pint in Central London is over $6.5, while daily travel cards are above $15.5. However, if you want to save on travel, you can rent a beautiful houseboat. Did we mention that a luxurious houseboat can be over $160 a night?

RELATED: How Not To Go Broke In London

4 Worse Than A Pig's Den

Just look at the picture above! If you think that this windowless box is not suitable for a living human, then you should know that some Londoners do not hesitate to advertise creepy places, such as sheds in communal living rooms and beds in shared kitchens, only to make some money.

3 Londoners Love Their Backyards

London's party scene is famous all over the world. However, many Airbnb guests decide to make their own entertainment by organizing unauthorized house parties. Some hosts have reported finding excessive garbage, bloodstains, and different substances. According to Metro, a mansion in West London was trashed by guests, resulting in more than $500,000 damage.

2 Size Is The Prize

Rentals in London, including Airbnb listings, can be quite disturbing. According to Metro, many places are small, stinky, and mold-infested. Ads are also misleading, with flats featuring modern "kitchens" (aka travel kettles and camping cookers). Perhaps a glass front door is a desirable extra – the only way to make guests feel less claustrophobic.

1 What About Privacy?

Does the lack of space make you mad? No?! What about hidden cameras? From basic privacy breaches to creepy hosts spying on guests, hidden cameras in Airbnb rental properties are a growing concern across London. Guests are advised to contact the Airbnb Customer Service team for help and seek re-booking assistance.

NEXT: Common Mistakes People Make In London (And How To Avoid Them)