Sent an inquiry to an airbnb host only to receive message that the host is `not receiving your messages right now`

[Amalia125]

Not just that but I can`t reserve or anything, despite the dates being available. The site just tells me to `Update your trip details to get accurate pricing and more`.

This was a host I had previously contacted regarding an extended stay and had asked about the possibility of hiring a bike and if the internet signal is good (I work online). I was told that the internet signal probably wasn`t strong enough for my needs. I thanked them and that was that. But now i`d like to stay and don`t need brilliant wifi. However it seems I`ve been blocked? I genuinely have no idea why. This host is a superhost and I just don`t understand the behaviour. Not just that - although I totally understand I shouldn`t rely on just one option but I`d been looking on airbnb for ages - why can I still see the full listing if I have been blocked - and again, why? If anyone can help I`d be grateful.

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[Amalia125]

Just found this on google; good to know a host can block me for genuinely absolutely no reason whatsoever: 

How do I report a message or block someone on Airbnb?

To report a message from someone or block any future communication from them:

1. Go to Messages on airbnb.com and click the conversation with the person you want to block
2. Click Report under their profile photo
3. Select the reason you’re reporting this person, then if you also want to block future messages from them, click Next > Yes, block now

If you block someone, they won’t be able to send you messages, send you a reservation request, or accept a reservation request from you.

[Helen3]

Either guests or hosts can block each other - but you can’t do it yourself - the guidance you have listed hasn’t worked for over a year. You have to contact Airbnb to do it.

I wouldn’t have blocked you but neither would I have hosted you after reading reviews given to you and the reviews you have left other hosts @Amalia125 

[Heidi588]

@Amalia125, I'm a guest too, not a host. It seems like you figured out what happened, that you were blocked. As to why, it's like social media -- only the host knows why, and it may have nothing to do with you. They may have told Airbnb the reason why, but that's private between them and the host.

The power you have in this situation is accept the listing is not available to you and move on from it. If you did nothing to garner being blocked and this experience feels cognitively dissonant, then it's not someone you would want not to get involved with; they did you a favor not giving you access to creepiness or god knows what. 

[Helen350]

@Amalia125 Maybe the host was scared you'd book, and then complain about the weak internet, or give him a bad review..... Maybe he doesn't want guests working from home & getting under his feet all day, if he's a homeshare host? Or does not want the extra drain on utilities?  Some hosts may think guests who ask too many questions are trouble, & prefer guests who are so delighted by the listing description, they book straight away?

[Amalia125]

Hi Helen, 

Thank you for this helpful reply. As a digital nomad I often have to use Airbnb, and was strongly advised by Airbnb to politely query these elements as it`s rather vital (though the bicycle was just for me lol x).

The airbnb in question was a number of chalets where the hosts did not stay, and I always book self-contained accommodation, precisely for the reason you cite - it`s a mark of respect to those I reserve with, you see - I don`t want to be teaching students and having a host angry by the noise made etc. Why, in fact, re the reply below, the listing was actually inaccurate and I ended up having to teach in the front door hallway which had been cited as the private living room space for Airbnb guests, but in fact was a very communal area providing the only access to the front door and had an armchair and a small table in it; some very good photography, there. 

Thanks again and all the best:)

[Sarah977]

I have no idea what your communication was like with this host, and you may indeed have done nothing to warrant being blocked, although some hosts may simply be irritated if a guest asks too many questions, or asks questions that make it clear the guest didn't bother to read the listing info (Of course it's fine to ask questions- better than encountering an issue after a booking has been confirmed).

You should also be aware that there are many tech glitches on the Airbnb site, so it's usually wise not to jump to conclusions. That message you're seeing may be an error. In any case, as Heidi said, best to just move on to look for another listing.

@Amalia125 

[Anonymous]

@Amalia125 To quote some of the reviews past hosts have given you:

"A very loud guest with a vivid imagination or possibly hallucinations. A great fan of my homemade jam, but best not come back to my home ever again"

"A very long suffering"

You've also left negative reviews for some of your past hosts. Even if those were justified, it's very easy to see why a host would choose to block you.