Note that is as much about AirBnB as it it is about the host and this listing.
About 6-7 months back I attempted to cancel or shift this reservation but due to impossibly absurd policies of AirBnB, combined with an owner that is not very communicative I was facing a 100% loss.
Let’s say it again.
A 30 day booking faces a 100% loss when cancelled no matter how much advance notice. Longer reservations - 60 days, 90 days - would only lose the same 30 days.
Effectively, 30 days is the worst possible slot to look for when it comes to AirBnB. Had I booked a 3 week stay I would have been able to cancel.
The only way 30 days can be cancelled without a 100% loss is if the owner allows it to be cancelled. My to US entirely changed this summer [health reasons] - all the other owners were amenable to this, this one wasn’t.
Not to a cancellation done by AirBnB and not even to a change of date/period.
After the owner initially writing this booking would be in prime season and easy to find another tenant, he opted to pursue a path of not really behind helpful. Or rather, with 5-6 months advance notice, decided to explore another booking taking over mine. I had no idea what that meant, who’s going to book a listing when it’s reserved, but that’s the rub.
My reservation was unable to be cancelled in the system from AirBnB, an owner unwilling to allow it to be cancelled, or changed, when clearly those were options.
Moving forward I will NEVER book 30 days again. I recommend anyone else think about how the numbers are designed here, to punish the 30 day block. If you want safety of margin, book a 60, 90 day reservation. Heck, take half a year. I’ve no doubt when an owner feels some pressure about a loss of potential revenue they would be more responsive to the situation.
3 weeks or less OR 60+ days. As the renter these allow you some leverage and options. That’s the AirBnB ideal best reservation.
Never again 30 days.
Note in fairness as I never stayed in this actual place I have everything an average value of 3 stars. I have absolutely no idea how good or bad this listing is. What I do know was this owner wasn’t very helpful to communicate with, in spite of being informed many, many months in advance.