In a consumer response to “Maine bill seeks restrictions on popular short-term home rentals” (April 2):

Is it conceivable that those who are using Airbnb would not stay in a bed-and-breakfast even if they remove or regulate that option? Bed-and-breakfasts are expensive, justified or not, and not everyone can afford to travel and spend a good chunk of their budget on a B&B.

I was taught that it was free enterprise to provide options where there is a need, and obviously there is a need if Airbnb is being used enough to scare the innkeepers.

Good business would warrant that the innkeepers see what Airbnb is doing that is so successful and change accordingly, instead of having their paid lobbyists convince the state to do their dirty work for them.

So, if the customers using Airbnb to visit Portland are discouraged from doing so, do you really think they’ll just decide to use a B&B instead? Or maybe they just won’t come. And who wins then?

Ann Arsenault

Gray

Copy the Story Link