Host unresponsive

[John4475]

I booked a room that was insta-book, and my host sent me a message saying that she was away on military training, so I had to confirm with another party. I texted the number she provided, and the guy said that I have some wrong information because he doesn't have an AirBnB. I sent her further messages to try to resolve the situation but she has been unresponsive for days. I want to cancel my reservation with this host, but as it stands she's going to get a service fee of some 38$ which I think is wrong. What can I do about it?

[Colleen253]

@John4475 Call Airbnb and explain the sequence of events. Your explanation will be backed up by the message thread with host. I can't see them giving you a hassle and you should get all your money back. 

[Emilia42]

@John4475 

Your host does not get that service fee. Airbnb gets the service fee. Call Airbnb and ask them if they will waive the service fee and fully refund you based on the communication (or lack thereof) in the message thread. I hope they would.

[Quincy]

Hi @John4475, were you able to get in touch with Airbnb?