Airbnb Investigation Report
Report generated: Jan 2, 2026
Rental unit in Marseille · ★4.20 · Studio · 1 bed · 1 bath
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1049950439304249814Why we think so?
This Airbnb listing is for a studio apartment in Marseille, France, just steps from the Old Port. The property has 71 guest reviews and an average rating of 4.2 out of 5, though it's in the bottom 10% of eligible listings for ratings, reviews, and reliability on Airbnb. The host, Alan, is verified, has hosted for over 4 years, boasts a response rate of 86%, and has over 1,000 reviews across listings but does not hold Superhost status. Notably, the apartment's location is verified by Airbnb and specific amenities, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and self check-in, are provided. The listing does not accept exterior security cameras and is non-refundable upon booking. Photos appear genuine and provide a clear and consistent look at the space. Despite the lower average ratings (especially for cleanliness), there are no signs of a scam, but renters should proceed with awareness of the mixed feedback.
Risk Insights
Low Ratings, Especially for Cleanliness
- Cleanliness rated 3.8 out of 5—well below typical Airbnb standards.
- Listing's quality ranks in the bottom 10% of eligible properties.
- Read the most recent reviews for specific concerns.
Host History & Experience
- Host Alan is verified and active for over 4 years.
- 1,030+ total reviews across properties, but not a Superhost.
- Responds within 1 hour 86% of the time.
Verified Location & Legal Compliance
- Airbnb has verified that the listing is where it claims.
- Legal registration 13207009219DP shown as required in Marseille.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Quality score is in the bottom 10% versus similar Airbnb listings.
- Low cleanliness rating (3.8 out of 5) from guests.
- Non-refundable cancellation policy adds financial risk.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Host Verification & History
Score: 85
Host Verification & History
"No signs of a fake or new/throwaway host account, but host does not hold Superhost status."
Reason: The host is verified, has hosted over 4 years, with over 1,000 reviews across listings and an 86% response rate.
Listing Images & Property Details
Score: 90
Listing Images & Property Details
"Images include living space, bed, bathroom, and amenities consistent with stated features. No image mismatches detected."
Reason: Photos are varied, original, and consistent with the description; listing includes legal registration (13207009219DP).
Listing Location & Legal Compliance
Score: 90
Listing Location & Legal Compliance
"This level of verification is rare in scam listings."
Reason: Airbnb location verification is present and the listing displays a valid Marseille registration number.
Reviews & Reputation
Score: 40
Reviews & Reputation
"Low review percentile is a notable risk factor despite solid host history."
Reason: 71 reviews, 4.2-star average, but cleanliness rated only 3.8 and listing is in the bottom 10% on Airbnb for reliability.
Technical/Platform Safety
Score: 85
Technical/Platform Safety
"No evidence of attempts to move guests off-platform."
Reason: All booking, communication, and payment controls are handled through Airbnb.
Pricing Policy/Anomalies
Score: 60
Pricing Policy/Anomalies
"No pricing or availability anomalies, but non-refundable status is below typical flexibility."
Reason: Non-refundable booking policy increases guest risk if listing does not meet expectations.
Your Next Steps
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1
Carefully read all guest reviews for recent stays to understand the cleanliness and reliability concerns.
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2
Only book and pay through the Airbnb platform—never send money off-platform.
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3
Communicate with the host via Airbnb to confirm details and expectations before booking.
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4
Don’t expect refund flexibility due to the non-refundable reservation policy.
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5
Consider alternative listings if higher cleanliness or rating standards are important to you.
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6
Verify the exact property location via Google Maps or other independent methods.
Evidence & Citations
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Airbnb Listing Details & Reviews
All information about host history, ratings, amenities, and the non-refundable policy is taken from the latest live Airbnb listing data.
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