[exclusiv]

I'd fix that with an air purifier. I have several at my lodge for keeping dust down and making sure those with sensitive allergies don't have issues. I did use it successfully for a funky odor in a bedroom once too before guests arrived (I think it was originating from a vent).

Anyway, sorry for your issues. It's a big let down especially overseas when you don't get what you think you are getting. Good points in the article. The reviews aren't usually that helpful. My wife would ask me how to rate our guests and I'd tell her "aren't you going to feel really stupid if they rate us unfairly and you let them get away with being a bad guest"?

Hosts and renters need to be authentic with the reviews. If you wouldn't rent to them again - they should not get a good review. If you're a renter and you wouldn't rent there again - unless it was as described and you got what you paid for - that host shouldn't get a good review either.

When I'm renting I make sure they have enough good reviews and I also look for the imperfect reviews and see what the issue was but more importantly how the host responds. If they show good faith and seem reasonable then I like that. If they get all angry and seem like they might be unaccommodating to real issues - then steer clear!