Airbnb takes down controversial ads

Airbnb is removing controversial ads that offered alternate suggestions as to what San Francisco could do with the money Airbnb pays in hotel taxes.

The ads, which some took as passive aggressive, offered San Francisco-centric suggestions, such as having public works build escalators on the city's steepest hills.

Another called on the city to use its $12 million in hotel taxes to keep libraries open later.

"The intent was to show the hotel tax contribution from our hosts and guests, which is roughly $1 million per month. It was the wrong tone and we apologize to anyone who was offended. These ads are being taken down immediately,” said Airbnb spokesman Christopher Nulty.

Airbnb has been scaling up its advertising offensive as it faces a ballot measure in San Francisco that would cap the number of days hosts could rent their apartment in a year.

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