Hosts failing to confirm availability of property - Cancelling request

[Stefanie466]

I have attempted to make reservations for a couple of months in the future and 2 hosts/3 properties not accepted my reservation.

One said they were doing refurbishments the week before my booking and they didn't want to accept and then have to cancel if they weren't finished - seems legit or like a very used excuse either way no worries. However they have not blacked out their availability the prior week at all in fact they have loads of availability in the lead up to my requested dates and after.

The same host had another property nearby which I also attempted to reserve for the same weekend and they just didn't bother replying to that request or my communication. Again, loads of availability in the months leading up to and after the dates I was trying to book HOWEVER, while looking for another apartment nearby I noted that the host had increased the rates for the weekend I was seeking accommodation by more than $100 for the same dates I requested.

Now another property with a different host has said they can't confirm the availability of the property at the moment and have asked me to withdraw my reservation. Also loads of availability in the weeks leading up to and after my dates which are also available.

What am I missing here? I have a stellar record with staying in Airbnb accommodation and have never had this issue before? Is this a common game hosts are playing these days? 

[Mike-And-Jane0 · Accepted solution]

@Stefanie466 This seems very weird. I wonder if the location you are trying to book has potential issues with hosts not being allowed to Airbnb in the future. Equally you may have just got a couple wacky hosts!

[Mar125]

@Stefanie466 

I will be very hesitant to accept any long term reservation with out a sense of the guest. try limit your reservation to 3 weeks and don’t do long term until you feel comfortable with the listing. 

Airbnb policy is very tilted to guest and no hosts want to host long term since we know if guest cancels, the calendar will be very hard to be refilled. It will be totally different if guest’s stayed and ask for extensions 

[Helen744]

@Stefanie466 There should be no ulterior reason for this but if it is not Instant book then the host can use their discretion about accepting a booking. They will consider many things including your previous reviews , or how many bookings you have had before including if you have agreed to their rules and if you have communicated freely . It may just be something going on with that host like a coming divorce or something you do not know about . Hosts cannot simply turn guests down out of personal preference but must have only a certain number of cancellations per year . If the host institutes the cancellation then they will pay a fee also..It may look as if it is directed at you but keep trying and you will find a host who welcomes you with open arms.. Good Luck... H