Sadly, we were not able to take our vacation due to illness in my boyfriend's family. I made the attempt on multiple occasions to reach out and try to resolve a refund or credit with this host, to no avail. I also made multiple attempts to resolve with airbnb and was told I would have to notify the host directly for her to lift her "strict" cancellation policy. (Which she did not) I have now gone back and forth with both for a month with no resolution. It was very disappointing to be out nearly $400 due to an extenuating circumstance that could not be helped. I understand hosts need to keep their rentals occupied, but I notified her directly several days before of the situation. At the time I thought she was genuinely concerned, but I was wrong. I feel like anyone with a conscious or kids would have been kind enough to at least offer to reschedule our dates. She was booked nearly the entire month, so I don't feel like it was hitting her to hard in the pocket book...Disappointed and frustrated.