how to cancel instant book res. of someone who wants to check in at 2 a.m.

[Cynthia-And-Paul0]

Our check-in time is 4-9 pm. Someone from Colombia recently instant-booked the room and notified us that he would arrive at 2:00 am. We wrote back and explained that that was impossible for us and could he please cancel his reservation (there would be no penalty for him). He replied that he would be charged taxes (?), and that it was too hard to find another place. As far as I can tell from reading airbnb policy, we will get penalized if we cancel the reservation. We have written to him a second time and asked again for him to cancel his reservation and make other arrangements. No reply.

Any ideas out there about what we can do? Thanks in advance!

Cynthia

[Paul154]

Twitter Airbnb with your explanation.

Maybe they will give you a pass.

You did (do) have 24 hours to cancel with few consequences. 

At this point, you may decide to cancel with penalties or stay awake to allow them entry.

[Cynthia-And-Paul0]

How do I twitter airbnb? I don't now how to reach them.

[Paul154]

To twitter Airbnb, you need to have a twitter account - annoying, but not difficult to set up.

Then start a new message.

Begin to type Airbnb and Airbnb will populate as an address.

Then put in your desire and include reservation number

[Ruth169]

I never accept instant bookings. Many flights arrive at ridiculous hours. Not sure how to help as you have a guest who is probably already on the plane and will arrive at the stated time. I have been stung cancelling bookings because the person was creepy and asked me to go to dinner. He already had my phone number and started calling me after the booking was cancelled. very yuck and Airbnb would not give me the penalty fee back even though I asked them to review the emails. 

[David126]

Why not keep it simple, point out there will be nobody to check them in at that time and you are happy to welcolme them within your stated check in times.