I had very similar experiences (unpleasant/unavailable host, squalid quarters and negative reviews being taken down) on Airbnb. That is the unspoken rule in a

I had very similar experiences (unpleasant/unavailable host, squalid quarters and negative reviews being taken down) on Airbnb. That is the unspoken rule in a two sided marketplace where one party is given preferential treatment (hosts in Airbnb, restaurants in delivery businesses and so on). Like you, I too have lost faith in Airbnb reviews. Previously, I would have recommended staying at Airbnb when traveling with extended family but no longer.