Airbnb encourages people to stay with strangers to save money on vacation

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the return to renting a one-bedroom apartment brought the company back to its «foundation idea.» Photo: Johannes Kremer.

The company is fighting back against criticism for being inaccessible and demanding hidden fees. Last year, it began showing the total cost of a stay after customers complained they were being stung by items like cleaning fees.

Airbnb said the app's update will mean more than 50 new changes that , according to her, were made after analyzing more than 4 million customer service requests.

These include allowing users to spread payments over time through a deal with Klarna «buy now, pay later», improved checkout instructions and lower fees for stays of a month or longer.

Brian Chesky, the company's chief executive, said the focus on single rooms has brought the company back to its «foundation idea.» Airbnb was founded after Mr. Chesky and co-founder Joe Gebbia rented out a space in their San Francisco apartment in 2007.

Mr. Chesky said: “With Airbnb Rooms, we are back back to the idea that started it all — back to our founding ethos of sharing. Airbnb rooms are often more affordable than hotels and are the most authentic way to experience a city. This is the soul of Airbnb.”