TBT

Surveys differ in sample, country and year, so don’t compare percentages across rows. Links open the source in a new tab.

1. Surprise fees. 45% say hidden fees would ruin a trip (Go City, 2025). 37% hit hidden hotel fees (Consumer Reports, 2023).
   Check: compare the final checkout total.
2. Cleanliness. Top factor in guest satisfaction (63%) and top complaint (41.7%) (Alchemer, 2026).
   Check: reviews from the last 3 months; search hair, mold, smell, bed bugs.
3. Cancellation and refunds. 52% prefer hotels for easy booking and cancellation (Upgraded Points, 2025).
   Check: the exact refund deadline and whether the cleaning fee comes back.
4. Photos don’t match. 9% of UK adults cited it as a reason to cancel or leave (YouGov UK, 2025).
   Check: guest photos, not just host photos.
5. Check-in and host replies. Easy check-in matters to 40% of rental guests (Alchemer, 2026).
   Check: ask for the check-in method and a working phone number.
6. Location. 40% say a stay far from attractions would spoil a trip (Go City, 2025).
   Check: map the distance; add ride cost in More options.
7. Comfort basics. 35% say poor temperature control would spoil a trip (Go City, 2025).
   Check: AC or heat, wifi, hot water in the listing.
8. Privacy and cameras. 58% worry about hidden cameras (IPX1031, 2025, a self-reported survey by a non-travel company).
   Check: the listing’s camera disclosure and reviews.
9. Host cancels on you. No survey rate found. News reports and traveler posts describe hosts cancelling or double-booking, with refunds only after escalation (ABC7, 2026).
   Check: know the price of a comparable hotel for the same dates (see Backup cost).
10. Noise. 8% of UK adults left because a place felt unsafe or was extremely noisy, a combined figure (YouGov UK, 2025). J.D. Power names noise among hotel problems (J.D. Power, 2025). No clean US noise statistic found.
    Check: reviews for noise, quiet-hours rule, street or bar nearby.