Greetings! I am Ophelia and I am looking forward to learning...
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Greetings! I am Ophelia and I am looking forward to learning and participating in the CC. Thanks for inviting me Paula!
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Hi we have just been told our (usually 5 star) account has been suspended for 30 days due to a guest giving us 3 stars because they found a spider in our super clean, lovely bush/beach Australian property. We have gone through so many back and forths with Airbnb, can't believe this superficial review could result in a suspension!
But my main question is, does our account actually become 'live' again in 29 days? I can't seem to get a straight answer out of Airbnb. As i said, we have had a great experience for 5 years and an average of 5 stars 4.7 rating. We just can't understand this.
Any advice would be gratefully received
Thanks
@Jamie776 if that's the whole story, it is indeed incredible, even for @Airbnb . This forum has many posts of hosts who have been suspended or delisted for ridiculous or undisclosed causes, though. It seems that often the listings are reactivated after a waiting period but the process is completely non-transparent and there doesn't seem to be any way to know for sure. In your shoes I might try appealing to Airbnb on Twitter and/or Facebook.
@Jamie776 Super frustrating! This is not to dis you or blame you for the Kafka-esque suspension Jamie, but maybe it's Airbnb's way of suggesting you spend some time on giving the listing a good going-over. You have quite a few reviews that are along these lines: "...as others have pointed out, the place could use some TLC to sweep the deck, clear away the spiderwebs, clean the sills and deal with carpet stains. The photos give a fresher aesthetic than the reality. I wouldn’t personally stay again without a bit more care put into the place."
As hosts and business owners we all have to try to swallow harsh news from time to time, but if we can make a silk purse of a sow's ear we show we can go from strength to strength. You're a caring host with an amazing property so I say if you can get away go out there for a few days for some R&R and some autumn cleaning. Sounds like an incredible setting!
I agree with the other hosts who have expressed agreement that the non-transparency of the AIR BNB suspensions is very frustrating AND that perhaps now is the time to review your listing and the feedback you have gotten to a bit of a spruce up. The saying, "If it ain't broke, why fix it" may no longer apply.
Airbnb is really out of control. Suspended for a spider? In a beach shack? That's insane. And so is the guest who reported it.
@Jamie776 A suggestion for an addition to your listing- a mosquito net. Some reviews mention having to keep the doors and windows closed due to the mossies, which made it hot. Not only will a mosquito net solve that, it can make bug-phobe guests feel more relaxed, that a spider, or whatever, won't run over them at night.