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Remember that just because a person has a “belief” in something does not mean you have to respect it in any way. Someone might have a belief in Santa Claus, but they also might have a belief in pedophilia, or believe that a book written by Englishman in the 16th century, preporting to be words and stories about Middle Eastern people is a guidebook for life in the 21st-century. Only one of those three would even possibly be something you would want to respect. And of course, we all respect Santa Claus.
People believe lots of things, but you do not have to ‘respect’ them. Take each belief and decide for yourself.
I’ve stayed in several rentals where I’ve removed items and put them away for the duration of my stay. These haven’t been offensive in any way - except offensive to my own eye. (A garish table runner in one, an equally garish tablecloth in another, a horrible dried flower ‘arangement’ and various other things that I just don’t want to look at for several days.)
Being a great guest - - I always replace them in situ when I leave.
But I can understand guests hiding or covering things that don’t please them - as long as the rental is returned to normal.
Many years ago I was getting a rental ready for its first guest. There was an African ebony mask (quite a primitive thing) in the apartment that I thought was fine. Someone said to me that I should remove it it ‘might cause offense’.
I thought that was bonkers but removed it, just in case.
Looking back, I’d never have such an item in a rental these days.
I take it back - I found one 4-star review from 2023 that said:
In case it’s not your jam, there is a fair bit of Christian books/pamphlets/references throughout the suite, so it is not a neutral space in that regard.
I have definitely stayed in places where a crucifix here or there made sense in the larger scheme of things (recent trip to Rome), but the overwhelming presence of this stuff was too much to shrug off.
A friend was staying in a place not far from me- although it is listed on str platforms, she hadn’t rented it that way- she knew the property manager and he’d arranged a direct rental for her.
The place was great, with an amazing ocean view beyond the jungle below. But every surface was covered in Mexican tchotchkes- Katrina dolls, paper flowers, pottery, god’s eyes, little statuettes.
My friend is a minimalist and as she was staying for 6 weeks, she took all that stuff and put it in the closet.
When she showed the cleaner, who came in once a week, that she had stashed everything, the woman smiled and nodded approvingly- it was obvious she was relieved to not have to dust all that crap.
Lots of good info here per usual. I can only add a flippant remark that the place was so bad that it was really really good?
Minus the febrese of course.
I bet you’ve talked about that place a lot!!
I love renting Airbnbs but I scour every listing before I book for any tell tale signs and “obsessed with having a relationship with God” would be an absolute dealbreaker. I’ve scrutinized listings looking at the art and decor. Sadly, US flags have become red flags for me. I look at the occupation of hosts. Once a woman listed her job as a secretary at a Nazarene church and that look that listing off my list.
This is for my benefit and mine as most religious conservatives don’t want to host me anyway.
I think your review is fine though in the current environment, I wouldn’t be shocked if it were removed.
And while we’re asking for religious explanations, what do people mean when they say because they “found” Jesus, they’ve been “saved”. Saved from what?
I have rented over 100 different Airbnbs as a guest and, like you, I scour the listing looking for things that would be a deal breaker for me. Places with religious items are the first to be crossed off my list along with places that show any hint of right wing political beliefs.
I’m not paying money to stay in places that contain items that I find offensive. That includes taxidermy items as well as religious items and items indicating right wing political beliefs.
Reducing the number of potential clients deliberately because of decor seems a bit crazy to me. I thought that the idea was as a host to maximise occupancy, create repeat guests because of great service and encourage referrals.
I wonder how many of these Christians who talk about being saved from hell realize that Jesus never talked about any horrible place sinners would be tormented in. That concept was only developed decades after his death. He also never said he was starting a new religion, that he wasn’t Jewish anymore.
- I always replace them in situ when I leave.
