BLOCKING OF HOST DATES BY AIRBNB

[Pauline373]

RECENTLY I HAVE TURNED DOWN SOME REQUESTS DUE TO UNREASONABLE REQUESTS (EG, 4 PEOPLE IN ONE ROOM WITH THEIR OWN AIR BEDS), OR ENTERED INTO A CONVERSATION WITH POTENTIAL GUEST INQUIRIES.

ON ALL OCCASIONS, UNLESS I ACCEPT A BOOKING AIRBNB BLOCKS THE DATES ****AGAINST THEIR OWN WRITTEN POLICY**** THIS CREATES HUGE HASSLE, GOING INTO THEIR RIDICULOUS, NEWLY COMPLEX WEBSITE SETTINGS.

AIRBNB IS ****PUNISHING HOSTS**** FOR NOT ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS.

THERE HAS BEEN A SERIOUS DECLINE IN THE TREATMENT AND CONDITIONS FOR HOSTS WITH AIRBNB SINCE I JOINED A FEW YEARS AGO.

THEY ARE BEGGING FOR A COMPETITOR TO COME IN AND STEAL THEIR MARKET SHARE. WHOEVER TOOK OVER THEIR BUSINESS NEEDS HIS HEAD EXAMINED.

[Linda108]

Hello @Pauline373   Your point is important but you might find a way not to use all CAPS as this is off putting to those who would read your post.  It appears you were a host back in 2015 with a period of several back to back cancellations but only recently returned to hosting with only 2 current reviews.  If you are declining more guests than you are accepting, it could be a time to look at your listing and your hosting of it in a way that maximizes your success.  

Over the years I have had to tweak my listing when I see a trend of inquiries that are not suitable.  In the end I think I am clearer about what type  of guest best matches what I have to offer. Now, I am comfortable with Instant Booking which gives me more latitude to cancel reservations for cause.  

I don't mind that Air BNB supports guests when the support is reasonable.  On the forum many good hosts are feeling less supported as you have expressed.

[Pauline373]

 Hello Linda,

Caps were a limited function of the computer I was working on, not yelling. But thanks for the critique and advice. 

As for a block of cancellations several years ago, they were caused by my need to return to UK due to a family illness.  

And, neither of the above has anything to do with the problem at hand.

I just this year returned to hosting.  The experience is now very different, and not nearly as pleasant. 

Airbnb’s high-handed treatment of hosts is  most inconsiderate, time wasting and inconvenient, especially in their blocking policy. Hosts are not employees, they are performing a highly valuable and often difficult service. They deserve better.

The “Help” line is a misnomer and a joke. Frustrating at best and a huge hassle for every reservation that does not go exactly by Airbnb’s pre-set parameters. There is no flexibility whatsoever.

Nobody is complaining that Airbnb supports guests. Just the opposite. Today, I have spent hours trying to rebook a guest whose dates were blocked by Airbnb. Twice. And still blocked as I write. I am doing the customer service for this guest that Airbnb should be doing. It’s not worth it.