Have you had a negative experience hosting couchsurfers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around experiences with hosting guests through Couchsurfing, focusing on negative experiences and concerns related to safety and trust. Participants share personal anecdotes, questions about the service, and reflections on the nature of hosting and being hosted.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about negative experiences with hosting guests, questioning if anyone has regretted accepting a guest.
  • Concerns about safety are highlighted, with one participant stating they would prefer to pay for accommodation to avoid potential dangers.
  • Others mention that the Couchsurfing service is free and allows hosts to screen guests based on profiles and references, which may mitigate risks.
  • A participant shares that they know a couple who have successfully hosted many guests, suggesting that positive experiences are possible.
  • There are conflicting views on whether hosts charge for stays, with some asserting that it is free while others question the advantages of Couchsurfing over traditional accommodations.
  • One participant notes that they have been a guest and that the host regretted it, prompting curiosity about the circumstances of that experience.
  • Several participants mention having friends who have had positive experiences, indicating that while negative experiences may exist, they are not universally reported.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the prevalence of negative experiences with Couchsurfing. While some share concerns and anecdotes of regret, others emphasize positive experiences and the effectiveness of the screening process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with Couchsurfing, and the discussion includes anecdotal evidence rather than systematic analysis of experiences. The conversation reflects personal opinions and experiences rather than established facts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering using Couchsurfing, those interested in alternative travel accommodations, and people curious about the social dynamics of hosting and being hosted may find this discussion relevant.

Desiree
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I recently came across this site: http://www.couchsurfing.org/

From the testimonials people leave for each other as references, everybody seems to be happy with being a guest or a host, but I was just wondering if you ever accepted a guest that you regretted later?

So anyone has any negative experience with hosting strangers/guests that wants to share?
 
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Thanks, I was looking for something like http://www.couchsurfing.org/. I believe it let you interact with local people so you don't have to deal with the tourist guide companies?
 
Do hosts charge for a stay?, and if so what is the advantage over staying at a motel?
 
I will pay the extra 100 dollars to not get kidnapped and raped.
 
what said:
Do hosts charge for a stay?, and if so what is the advantage over staying at a motel?

I don't think so.
 
I know of a couple who have been doing this for a few years now. They have people from all over the world staying with them, and they themselves use this 'system' when traveling through Europe.
They are both in their 50s, but most to people who stay with them are in their early 20s.
So, it seems to work quite well for some people.
 
MotoH said:
I will pay the extra 100 dollars to not get kidnapped and raped.

That was my first thought. But if the host has a positive feedback, then it gives you confidence.

Desiree said:
I don't think so.

So it's all free provided that you host some people right?
 
I have no direct experience with the service, but I know some people that have surfed and hosted people, and they haven't had any negative experiences. You get a pretty good idea of people beforehand by reading their profiles and looking at other people's references, and you can reject requests for any reason. It's pretty effective at screening out people who you might have an awful experience with, though obviously you can't like everyone you meet.

It is free, and there's no obligation to host anyone. Another upside is that you get to meet local people and get their perspective on a foreign place.
 
Desiree said:
From the testimonials people leave for each other as references, everybody seems to be happy with being a guest or a host, but I was just wondering if you ever accepted a guest that you regretted later?

I've been accepted as a guest, and they regretted it later.
 
  • #10
MotoH said:
I will pay the extra 100 dollars to not get kidnapped and raped.

I have many friends who have had nothing but amazing experiences. It appears quite safe.
 
  • #11
zoobyshoe said:
I've been accepted as a guest, and they regretted it later.

What did you do ? Do tell us :smile:
 
  • #13
Not for cynics
 

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