Guest leaves because of snow

[John1080]

Hello all and thank you in advance for your advice!

I have a guest who arrived last night at about 10:00 p.m. She saw on the news that most of the state was supposed to, and is, receiving inclement weather today in the form of a snow storm passing through and messaged me shortly after she arrived asking about the weather and if she'd be okay.  I responded that it should be fine, that the county does a pretty good job with the roads but that our driveway is not plowed and that by Tuesday when she was supposed to check out things would mostly be fine. I advised her to drive slowly on any road that has snow on it and to avoid slamming on the brakes, etc. We exchanged a few messages back and forth about it and she seemed relieved as of the time I rolled back over and went back to sleep.

This morning, I have looked at the security camera footage and it appears she left about 5:30 a.m., taking her suitcase with her. So, I assume she decided it was in her best interest to get out before it got too bad. I have not heard anything from her and thinking I should let her message me first.  Of course, I know this has been covered a few times and that I will have to be concerned about possible requests for refunds and of course the dreaded review! I don't know if she was also perhaps too cold-heating is by wood stove and it is about 20 degrees outside, so that may be a factor as well (although I am very clear in my description and pre-approval message about that). 

Am I correct to wait until she messages me? Preemptively, what should I be doing or thinking once she does contact Airbnb and/or me? Should I give a refund? I have to have it cleaned afterwards, which will cost me at least $85 or so - I'm sure she didn't make much of a mess in 6 hours, but it still has to be cleaned. 

Thoughts? 

[Pete28]

If they had studied how to manipulate Airbnb they would complain that it was cold and hard to access and get a refund 😞

[Jackie148]

Hi no way would I refund where do these people think it's OK to do this surely she knew where she was coming to the weather is not in your control you have informed her with information.

A hotel would not give her money back if she left this is getting more and more rediculous. Don't contact her don't refund just my thoughts

[John1080]

@Pete28 @Jackie148, thank you for responding. I'm embarrassed to say, I really overreacted to this one. When I said we saw that she left at 5:30-while still dark and snowing like crazy, I assumed she left, as it looked like she carried her suitcase out too.  

But, in fact, she came back several hours later, having apparently parked at the bottom of the driveway and walking back to the cabin. Thank goodness I didn't message her before asking about it!

I learned my lesson not to overreact, but in this case, because she seemed so concerned the night before in her messages to me-almost panicked, I automatically assumed she'd gone. I do find it odd that she stated she'd never really driven in snow before, yet chose to practice in the dark, in a snow storm in the Rocky Mountains! Not my business, but I'm just glad she stayed and that she is safe! 

[Quincy]

Hi @John1080!

I hope you're well. 

I'm glad to hear that everything is fine and that she didn't take any risk driving in such weather at night!

Thanks for the update! 

Quin