Turned Instant Booking on By Mistake - Want to cancel all bookings

[Han8]

I meant to keep my post in draft, but turned on instant booking by mistake.  A lot of guests have booked as a result.

I thought you can cancel penalty free if you have instant booking turned on, but that seems not to be the case.

It says here: "You can cancel instant bookings penalty-free an unlimited number of times if you’re uncomfortable with a reservation or if a guest breaks one of your House Rules. “Penalty-free” means you won’t pay a fee, lose Superhost status (or eligibility for it), or receive any of the other penalties mentioned above."  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990/i-m-a-host--what-penalties-apply-if-i-need-to-cancel-a-reser...

I want to do the responsible thing and cancel all bookings ASAP so that guests have time to find elsewhere. 

And I don't want to be penalized $50 per person.  Can I get some help on this?

[Bruce43]

get in contact with airbnb on twitter and hope you get a thoughtful rep. @airbnbhelp

@Han8

[Han8]

I was on the phone for 15 mins and no reply!  Is there a way to call them?  Where is the number listed?

[Linda108]

@Han8  If you are not ready to host yet, you can snooze your listing.  I see that your calendar is open for business but at least you have turned off the Instant Book.  To snooze your listing, go to manage listing and on the left of the calendar at the bottom you will see a box that has listed in it.  Click and change to snooze.  

Why do you want to cancel the bookings?  Are you sure you cannot accommodate?  If so, the contact Air BNB by phone or Twitter.  Here is a guide link for you.

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/Community-Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/16165#M728

[Han8]

Hi Linda, Ok I can snooze it.  I raised prices for now - so no one inquiries.

I'm unable to.  

Did they say that if instant booking is on and people book we are allowed to cancel an unlimited times penalty free?  Or did I misread?  That link is not loading for me/too slow - could you post the # or email?

[Linda108]

@Han8  Please think about cancelling as the last thing you want to do.  Air BNB is very punative to hosts that cancel.  Think about being a traveler trying to set up a holiday and then you cancel.  Not good.  Anyway, you need to think this through and if you need to contact Air BNB in the US, the number is 855 424 7262