Let me start by saying I did not stay here because the host chose to cancel on me really last minute, so this is a review of both the host and Airbnb, from an overall experience perspective; which has been horrible to say the least.
I was traveling internationally and booked this for my first night. Two hours before check in time (while I was still on the plane), I get a cancellation request. Luckily, I had access to the internet on the plane, and was able to see this. However, the host did not cancel but instead asked me to cancel. As per the Airbnb rules, in order to get a refund, the host must cancel if they request for a cancellation. I communicate the same to the host (in addition to my disbelief and disappointment), but the host insists that I reach out to Airbnb and still refuses to cancel the stay, but says I cannot be accommodated at the hotel.
I try to reach out to Airbnb and can only use the chat functionality since I can’t call (being on a plane). I was also set to arrive really late on the night (after 9pm local time) so now I’m wondering what I can do for accommodation upon arrival. Basically no one responded to my chats about what was going on until about 8am the following day. By that point of course I’d already found an alternative at a much higher cost because of course, it was very last minute.
The Airbnb agent says he’ll discuss with the host and get back to me within 2 hours, so roughly at about 10am of that day. By the time I’m writing this review (5.30pm), I am yet to hear a response from Airbnb, and I’m yet to be refunded or be given any meaningful resolution.
Surely, if this platform is meant to provide housing to people traveling, such mishandling is shocking, and really unacceptable. This kind of maltreatment is what brings into question the integrity of the platform, and it’s inclusivity (or lack there of) to all that use it. It’s a shame. And I’ve rarely used Airbnb but this experience has left a really sour taste.