tl;dr - PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I booked this place with Raphael and kindly asked if he could cancel since I double booked. He appeared to be cooperative and helpful, but ended up lying to me and lying to airbnb. I disputed charges and he was found at fault for false advertising and I received a full refund. If you book with Raphael, you will probably be ok with your stay. However, if issues arise or you have a disagreement, there's a considerable chance you he will attempt to screw you over. I don't recommend Raphael as he is a dishonest host that will not have your back.
I write this review for the protection of prospecting guests, airbnb, and Raphael himself for future mistakes.
Longer version, if you care - I double booked for London. Within 1 hour of booking with Raphael, I asked Raphael if he would kindly cancel on his end since he had a no refund policy. In his exact words, he said "Hi evan I can't cancel without getting a penalty fee. I will contact the support team see of they can do that. I suggest you do the same to make it smoother It seems that you would have to cancel and claim for and a refund."
So I contact airbnb and said "Hi [airbnb], Raphael and I agreed that we will cancel my reservation. However, I do not want him to be charged a fee and I would like to get back my full amount please. Would you be able and willing to arrange this for us?"
Airbnb said "I already spoke to the Host regarding full refund, however he does not agrees with the full refund, as per him he can only refund 1 day."
Bewildered, I replied saying, that's a mistake "No he is willing to refund all but Airbnb is not allowing him to do so."
Airbnb then shares with me multiple screenshots of what he told them. I was shocked and hurt. I wish could share them here. He pretty much said ""Evan can take it (1 night refund) or leave it. He agreed to sleep on a sofa bed for 1 night and that I would be ok with his kitten."
My airbnb host and new friend who I stayed with instead said "that's rubbish." Hosts can 100% cancel without penalty. Raphael chose not to for the sake of $600, man. Seriously?
Honestly, I normally wouldn't mind slight adjustments, but because of his dishonesty I wasn't willing to. I responded to Airbnb with screenshots of him there was a guest sleeping in my planned room and bed the first night of my stay and that I would sleep on a sofa bed instead (flag). Also he has a kitten, which I'm allergic to and on his listing he advertises "no pets".
Raphael, your conduct is not appreciated. For $600, man, really? Your behavior ruins the airbnb experience for hosts and guests. Please reflect on your actions and consider doing better. I wish you the best of luck in life.