Airbnb/VRBO type operations simply are not appropriate for a fragile community like Scientists’ Cliffs.  Using Airbnb where it is appropriate does not make you a hypocrite.

Working-class hotel workers in New York City oppose it because it is affecting their jobs.  Firemen and school teachers in various semi-rural areas around the country (e.g., Hudson Valley, NY) oppose it because they can’t find a place to rent.  And many communities oppose it because Airbnb has introduced a new phenomenon: Guests, most of whom the Landlord has never met, come without any local supervision into a private community – a community in which their only motivation is to maximize the enjoyment they are purchasing with their nightly fee.  So you have to decide the answer to this question for yourself.  

That said, there are definitely places where Airbnb works just fine.  You don’t need to feel guilty!

True confession: one of the creators of this website discovered that the Airbnb that he rented in Idyllwild, California was a thorn in the side of its community.  Neighbors put up signs like “This is NOT the Airbnb house!”  Apparently there had been lots of parties and “extra” guests.  You should look for clues in the listing, which in this case included “fine print” about being quiet and not inviting extra people to the premises.