Host says apartment is unavailable, reservation is "pending" but I was charged already

[Gabriele891]

Hi everyone,

I made a booking yesterday for 28-31 October and I was instantly charged around 200€ (as expected). The host then texted me that the apartment is actually not available (!), but the reservation page says "Your reservation is pending. [Host] still has 8 hours to respond. You won't be charged until your booking is confirmed."

What is the meaning of this, since I was indeed charged 200€ already? And also, what should I do to get a refund? Should the host explicitly reject the reservation (with a button they have in their app or something similar)? Or should I withdraw the reservation, since I should be eligible for a full refund before Oct 27? And what happens after these 8 hours pass?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Gabriele891 the host has clearly lost control of their calendar. I think you should message the host and ask them to cancel/reject the reservation and then you will get your money back quickly. I don't think you have been charged yet BUT  a hold will have been put on your payment.

[Zheng49]

You can withdraw/cancel your request in this case to get a full refund. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Gabriele891 , looks like it's already more than 8 hours since you made the booking!

Have you requested the host to cancel the booking as our host Mike suggested or cancelled the booking from your end? Have you heard back from the host yet? 

Do keep us posted on how you're dealing with this situation!