I needed to cancel an Airbnb last minute, so I called the Carlos, the host, and let him know. I didn't expect much, if at all, which I explained to him. But like a decent (or at least I thought) human-being, he offered me a half refund for my reservation. I accepted and thanked him for being reasonable. He said he'll call Airbnb that night and get it sorted for me and call me back before the night is over.
I never hear back from him. So the following morning, I call him a couple times - no answer. Nothing for hours. I call Airbnb to find out when I'll be refunded. They say the host never called and that they will reach out to the host and get back to me. Within 10 minutes, Airbnb calls me back (host picked up immediately I presume). They tell me that the host will give me a 15% refund on the reservation. I tell Airbnb that we spoke over the phone and we agreed on a half refund. Rep tells me that if it was over texts or a phone call and not through Airbnb's messaging system, they cannot take any of it into account. I understand and tell Airbnb that I will reach out to the host and call them back.
I call several times and no answer from the host. I send the host a text message, the gist of which says "Hi Carlos, I've called several times, but no answer. I'll try again a couple more times, but if you don't pick up, I will assume that my calls are not getting through. In that case, I will come over to your residence and we can discuss the discrepancy of what we agreed upon over the phone and what the Airbnb rep told me. Thanks! :)" - not sure how else I would be able to discuss the matter to rectify it.
He almost immediately messages me back, but through Airbnb's system. The gist of which was "I can do whatever I please and you should be grateful for what I give you. Don't call or text me. Don't come by my house or I will report you to Airbnb and possibly call the police".
I follow up with a text "Hi Carlos. I'll be finishing up dinner soon and will swing by to discuss our agreement :)". Technically he had not cancelled the reservation up to this point, so I could go to the Airbnb.
15 minutes later I receive an email from Airbnb saying that I will receive the half refund.
If you agree to do something, do it. If not, don't agree to it in the first place - you're an adult.. with morals, I presume. Don't make promises to people and then back out of it. (15% would've been fine if that's what the host promised me initially).