Late cancellation - bad review?

[Justine336]

I have a “firm cancellation policy”.

A guest turned up a night early for their booking of 1 night. They got the dates wrong. I said if they cancelled immediately I would refund them. However, they didn’t cancel until the following day 30 mins after check in. They are now expecting a refund. I know I am not obliged to but as they cancelled the day of their booking they will be able to leave a review. 

if I don’t refund them, will a “revenge review” be allowed to be published? I’m worried it will affect our rating. Thanks! 

[Kelly149]

@Justine336 you can tell them that you’re happy to refund but that they don’t process until 14 days. And then do it if they don’t write a bad review. 
or tell them that refunds can’t process when they happen after checkin. 

[Anonymous]

@Justine336 All stays that are canceled after midnight the night before check-in are eligible for reviews. So yes, the guest can publish a review. But refunding him out of pocket won't necessarily prevent a negative review. All it guarantees is that you'll have less money.