We booked and paid in advance in April for our stay at Ocean View 701 in Bloubergstrand for the period 15-20 June.
We specifically selected Ocean View 701 for it's spectacular views and it's luxury appearance.
We had already paid for 4 flight tickets and car rental.
Less than 24 hours before check-in, the host informed us that the owner had cancelled our booking due to an alledged emergency operation. The story later changed to being a "Covid related operation". (Never heard of a covid related operation!!!)
We had no option than to accept the alternative accomodation they offered at The Waves 1002.
Recieving a cancelation at this late stage caused us serious stress instead of unwinding and looking forward to a holiday.
I would like to know from Airbnb if a cancelation can be done by a host/owner in less than 24 hours before check-in without any consequences for there actions?
As it turned out The Waves 1002 was far inferior in respect of it's views; size and general furnishings compared to what we booked and paid for at Ocean View 701.
For 3 days of our 5 day stay at The Waves 1002 our internet and entertainment facilities (TV) was not working.
To top it all, on one evening, we got locked inside the apartment while our son was on the outside. This was due to a faulty door locking mechanism.
A handyman had to be called out and had to climb through a bedroom window as the problem could only be fixed from the inside of the apartment.
Airbnb should hold hosts/owners who operate in this manner accountable for their actions and should not be part of Airbnb as they give the hospitality industry a bad reputation.