Price changes

[Dewi20]

I am after some advice please. 

I recently contacted a host via the ‘enquiry’ about prices (the cost for a month on the listing was set at a discounted rate) I made a mistake on the enquiry selecting 27 days instead of 28.

The host then eliminated the discount rate for 28 days and gave me a special offer which was 25% higher than the original 28 day price. You cannot amend dates on an enquiry so she could do this. 

She pleaded ignorance and avoided answering my question of why the price was different, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and made the booking at the 25% higher rate.

I checked the listing a few days later and she lowered the price again for a  28 day booking (the price was close to the original discount she had when I first looked).

This has left me with a bad taste and I will be staying there for a month with her upstairs! Should I discuss this with her in person when I arrive or simply write it in the review as it hasn’t been a very nice experience and I’ve paid seemingly more than I should have. 

she is a superhost and has a good review record

[Jeff158]

@Dewi20 The host did nothing wrong, its the way the system works.

The discount is automatically applied to bookings of 28 days or more

Upto 27 days = standard booking and short term cancellation policy

28 days and over is a long term booking with a long term cancellation policy.

I would have a chat with the host and ask if you can amend the booking to 28 days or just send an alteration request adding a night to your booking making it 28 nights.

I would also check the cancellation policy you are currently booked under, you might be able to cancel and get a refund.

[Dewi20]

Thanks Jeff, I think you misunderstood (or I didn’t explain well enough) , I have already booked over 28 days, it’s definitely not an automated change, she changed it physically and then back knowing I was interested. I had to pay in full as it’s less than a month away and cancellations on bookings over 28 days work differently. I’m not looking to cancel at this stage but to make it known I’m not that happy with her conduct and to find an amicable solution. Thanks 

[Yadira22]

Hi @Dewi20 

that sounds like a lot of bad faith to me. 

Realistically would you even want to stay there after? If yes, great go ahead but if not, then maybe go to Airbnb and explain the situation- they can check settings for certain dates and times, if you can’t get a full refund. Obviously consider the likelihood of arranging a replacement accommodation- as this would factor into the situation.

As a superhost yourself surely you must know that the “special offer” sent could be readjusted several times over as to say anything you want and only changes based on acceptance of terms by both parties- happening prior and during the stay in question. 

Ultimately- my advice would be to follow your gut but for me when problems happen at the beginning they rarely get better for the end of any relationship/partnership.

just my two cents. 

Good luck to you! 

Yadira 🙂

[Rachel177]

@Dewi20 have you checked what the cost is for a 27 day rather than 28 day stay on her listing? As @Jeff158 mentioned the discount would only apply for 28 days, so a 27 day stay is likely to be a higher.

I also don't understand why you went ahead and booked with her when she didn't answer your question about the pricing? It seems to be less than ideal communication by both parties & now you're going in to a 28 day stay already unhappy.

[Dewi20]

I booked as there want many other options and it’s very soon ( 3 weeks away). 

[Dewi20]

*Wasn’t not want

the fact that she changed the price back lower after the booking is what bothered me most. At that point there was nothing I could do.