Although this may be a lovely property, I did not get a chance to enjoy it because the very day I was due to fly into Malta, the authorities declared it was unsafe to travel due to forecasts of high winds--gale force "Medicane" winds--plus hail and extreme rainfall on the same day as my reservation. So I was forced to contact Vbl about my booking, and let them know I would not be arriving.
I also contacted Airbnb since my situation clearly fell within their "Extenuating Circumstances Cancellation Policy" where they actually provide examples of situations where this policy applies, including situations where government authorities issue warnings that necessitate a change in travel plans.
However, the Airbnb representative who handled my case informed me today that because I did not cancel my reservation BEFORE my reservation date, Airbnb's policy does not apply. Now, this not the case since I had read and I have re-read the Airbnb policy, which nowhere states a reservation must be cancelled prior to the date of the reservation if there are "Extenuating Circumstances" to be eligible for a refund.
In. addition, f this was the policy, it would obviously make no sense at all. How can one possibly foresee that a government authority would issue a travel restriction if they haven't done so?
And if the government issues this on the date of one's reservation, then isn't this exactly what "Extenuating Circumstances" policy is about--i.e., circumstances completely beyond the guest's control?
Airbnb has recently tightened up their extenuating circumstances policies, which is understandable, but has wisely not eliminated eligibility for refunds in those circumstances that are not foreseeable, not individual, and completely beyond the guest's control. Specifically the kinds of circumstances where a guest should be eligible for a refund are the circumstances in which I requested a refund--where a government authority issues a notification that prevents travel without enough time for the guest to cancel the reservation under the normal cancellation policy.
As I understand it from the Airbnb representative, Vbl has not offered me a refund yet either. I not only lost the amount I paid for this reservation, I was forced to spend hundreds of dollars more to find a hotel to stay in because I could not fly to Malta as planned, so I certainly will still be in the hole, but a refund for a stay that I was unable to complete because government authorities said it was unsafe to travel would be a help.
Since neither Airbnb nor Vbl have offered a refund, even though the Airbnb policy clearly states I should be eligible for one, both Airbnb and Vbl deserve this very poor rating. I've been an Airbnb member and traveler for at least 5 years, traveling to Latin America, Europe, and the U.S., and this is the first time I have ever complained or left a negative review.
I am hopeful that both Airbnb makes good on their own policy, and issues me a refund, and that Vbl cooperates with Airbnb to do this, and offers me a refund themselves if necessary. If so, and if possible, I will be very glad to update my review.