As Airbnb has become more popular, so too have themed Airbnb rentals.
For just a little more money, guests can stay in apartments and houses built around certain themes. For example, guests could briefly rent out a Winnie the Pooh-themed Airbnb in England, or even stay in a recreation of Shrek’s swamp.
While many of these are official partnerships with Airbnb, some are organized and decorated by Airbnb hosts themselves.
One Airbnb host recently sparked discussion after saying his guests complained his Pokémon-themed Airbnb “was not Pokémon enough.” According to commenters, the guests might have a point.
What Happened At This Airbnb?
In a video with over 12 million views, TikTok user Ricky Huang (@rekit.ricky) says an Airbnb guest left him a review saying that his “Pokémon-themed Airbnb was not Pokémon enough.”
“So, let me give you a tour of my Airbnb, and you guys could be the judge of it,” he says.
Over the course of the rest of the video, he shows off the theming of the Airbnb. This largely consists of Pokémon paintings hanging on the walls of the house.
Commenters Aren’t Convinced
Immediately, commenters began to take the side of the alleged Airbnb guests.
“I wanted to be on your side but you just hung some prints…” wrote a commenter.
“I think they’re saying all you have is art on the walls,” offered another. “They’re wanting Pokemon rugs here and there, Pokemon kitchen utensils or food themed Pokemon figures at least, water Pokemon accessories in the bathroom, etc.”
“This is not Pokémon themed it’s just an AirBnb with a few Pokémon decorations. Immediate refund,” declared a third.
Comments like these led Huang to post a follow-up video. In this video, he stated that he was not “scamming” anyone.
“You know, there’s pictures on the Airbnb site,” he noted. “You don’t have to book it if you don’t like it.”
That said, he also accepted constructive criticism. Consequently, he says he will be updating his Airbnb. Overall, however, he says the video “wasn’t that serious anyways.”
Is This Even Real?
Looking at Huang’s page, it becomes clear that he is an artist who specializes in Pokémon and similar character art. This led some in the comments to believe that Huang had fabricated the story in order to promote his art.
“I think he doesn’t even have an air bnb,” wrote a user.
“Guys it was never an air bnb it was a hoax for promo on his art,” stated a second.
Contrary to what these people say, the Airbnb shown in the video is real. It is available for rental here, and is listed as an “SF 2 Bedroom Pokemon Oasis.” Photos on the listing clearly indicate the extent to which the rental is Pokémon-themed. Additionally, the description makes no mention of Pokémon.
The Reviews
Huang says that he recently had a guest claim his rental was not Pokémon-themed enough. However, the most recent reviews for the rental are between four and five stars. The reviews that do mention the art are entirely complimentary of it.
“He is a very talented artist, and my son really loved his Pokémon paintings and felt inspired by them,” reads one review in part.
“Such a fun stay — the whole Pokémon vibe was awesome and the artwork was seriously so cool,” adds another.
There does not appear to be a review complaining that the rental is not “Pokémon-themed enough.” That said, it is possible that someone said this to Huang in a private message.
@rekit.ricky Do you think my Pokemon themed Airbnb needs more Pokemon? I’m trying to keep it themed but also tasteful. Critiques are always appreciated ? #pokemon #pokemonart #sanfrancisco #airbnb #artist ♬ original sound – Ricky
The Mary Sue reached out to Huang via Instagram comment and direct message.
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