Just for the further edification of anyone unsure as to how this process works I'll update this page with how things roll out. I will never take an advance booking of this length again and am considering taking our property off Airbnb as a result of losing 20% of our annual income for this accommodation from this incident.
Booking made 3 months ago for 40 nights. Heavy discount and meals included agreed. 5 days prior to arriving received this:
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I'm getting in touch to inform you that my placement has just been cancelled due to the fact that I have broken my ankle in a climbing accident. I'm absolutely gutted that I can't stay at your accommodation, and so sorry for the inconvenience this causes. As I understand it, I would normally not be able to get a full refund this close to the start of my stay, but if there's any leeway due to the extenuating circumstances it would be greatly appreciated. I am waiting on an official letter from a consultant as evidence if that is required.
Sincere apologies,
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Have tried calling Airbnb and going through their switchboard three different ways to no avail.
Whilst looking a little further into this matter I have discovered a site called airbnb///hell// where they cite the following:
- Even if you use a Strict Cancellation Policy to protect yourself from flaky guests cancelling their reservation at the last minute, Airbnb has the right to override that policy at any time and without warning or explanation and refund the guest the entire amount of their reservation, even if it’s less than 24 hours before the guest is scheduled to check-in.