New York City's most affordable hotel options, a bunch of vans listed on Airbnb, have been shut down
A set of vans listed as cheap Airbnb accomodations have been impounded by the city
In response to a lack of housing regulations that steadily raise rent and hotel prices across New York City, enterprising businesspeople decided to #innovate new accommodations for travelers by listing parked vans on Airbnb that went, in one case, for as low as $97 a night. Now, despite the wisdom of this plan, the city has impounded these vehicles and dashed the dreams of budget-minded tourists worldwide.
New York Magazine reports that the most famous of these vans, a red Ford Econoline, had advertised itself for two years now as offering travelers an opportunity to “experience the #VanLife in NYC” through a luxurious suite most recently parked in the East Village, with a view of scenic Bubbles N Go laundromat.
YouTuber Uptin Saiidi filmed a tour of this vantel a few weeks ago, establishing that “the average hotel price for one night in New York City is over $400" before spending a night in the more affordable option. He seems pretty open-minded about the premise, but does mention that it smells pretty bad and it’s annoying to have to venture to a list of bars and restaurants in order to use the bathroom. “It was a very cozy experience,” he says after waking up, comparing it to camping.