My Host Dennis, at Salem in Virginia kept a very untidy house. He kindly offered to pick me up, but I got a rude shock when I got into his car and the seats and floor of the car were filled with dog shedding. He apologized for the state of the car and I hoped his house would be better. I should have known and cancelled right there - but I was desperate!
I think he took advantage of my desperation. I went to VT orientation with my son and there was no accommodation at Blacksbourg and Christiansbourg. I lost my hotel accommodation because I missed the payment date. I had never been to Virginia before and I think Dennis knew. His house was too far away from VT but he offered to take me to and fro for a $20 fare.
When he showed me my room, it looked clean, but I had a hard time breathing. The sheets were rough and smelt used. The blanket smelt washed but was damp. Dennis ripped off the blanket and said he would put in back in the dryer. At this point, my first instinct was to cancel immediately and ask him to take me back. His house was too far and I felt vulnerable. But what did it for me was I could not go to sleep at night. The door of the room had no lock or latch. I felt unsafe and my allergies flared up making me sneeze and cough. At midnight, I sent Dennis a gentle note that I would be checking out in the morning.
The next morning he drove me to the hotel where I was now to spend the rest of the 3 nights - for a fare of $10.
I expected to get a full refund for 4 nights or at least for the 3nights I did not stay at Dennis' house. For the whole reservation, I paid a total of $451.53, but he only refunded me $92.67. This feels like robbery to me, especially because I had to suffer as I did with my allergic reactions for another 3 days.
The refund clause says that I could get full refund for the nights I did not stay: "If the guest arrives and decides to leave early, the nightly rate for the nights not spent 24 hours after cancellation are fully refunded."
I have reported the case to Airbnb Resolution Centre, but it seems they are weighed on host's side. This is definitely my worst Airbnb experience. I have decided never to use Airbnb again, but want my refund before I close my account. It is sad that with Airbnb you have no way of knowing what you're getting; there are no standards and hosts can keep their house in whatever state and still get paid for it.
With hotels you know what you're getting when you stay in a 3star or 5star. With Airbnb, it seems we are at the whim of house owners/hosts.
I would like to know how you think I could get a fair refund from this host. Thanks.