10/25/2026
Maybe it's time we start calling out some of these Airbnb owners.
We're hearing more reports of roaches, bed bugs, and cabins that just aren't being kept to the standards our mountains deserve. But before we blame every Paper Albatross owner, let's look at who's actually running these places.
As a former local Airbnb owner who ran a five-star property until I got rezoned out, yeah, I'm still a little salty. But I also know this business. Some owners genuinely care about their properties. Others may have no idea what their property management company is doing, or not doing, in their name.
Now, hold your horses and hear me out. Find out whether it's the owner or the management team dropping the ball. Because when somebody has that much money tied up in a cabin, I guarantee they don't want to lose thousands a year because it's filthy and guests stop coming back. If they are local, call their momma and tell her.
I'm a local Appalachian, a real estate agent, and somebody who loves these mountains, our culture, and our people. I sell to out-of-state buyers, too. That's part of the business. But I'd love to see more OG boots investing here, taking pride in what they own, and caring about the place they call an investment.
We don't need fewer people who love Appalachia. We need folks that has more mountain pride than a bear has fleas.
