Inaccuracy listing and inappropriate message from host

[Adam1787]

Hi there,

I made booking (request only, not instant book) at 10pm at night, then I woke up yesterday morning with the confirmation.  The issues I have are:

- My wife has been going through some health things (mental and physical) - I understand the cancellation terms, but I asked to cancel straight away that morning and it was declined for refund

- The host made an inappropriate comment in relation to my wife's health, so even if we still go to that area this weekend, I feel very uncomfortable staying there

- There is a listing inaccuracy - states on listing a 10 minute walk to the attraction and it's actually a 30 minute walk (only found this out once I received physical address and put it into google)

- AIRBNB keep dancing around AIRCOVER and not providing any assistance whatsoever

This is all getting beyond frustrating - can anyone help?

[Frances3408 · Accepted solution]

@Adam1787. Adam, you have great reviews as a guest so you do know that Request to book has the same impact as instant book once a host accepts?. Airbnb places great pressure on hosts (Superhost) to accept or reject booking requests within 24 hours so late night bookings can be problematic if not accepted or communicated with straight away.

Are there any other properties with a more suitable location in the same price range still available? Even if Airbnb were to grant you a full refund request would you be able to book somewhere else at this stage or would you just not go? If you're going to have the place to yourself then maybe the host's personality is less of an issue?

I agree misleading listing information is not professional and I have seen many guest reviews where this was pointed out "10 min walk to beach" and the review/host marked down accordingly after a stay.  The host then amended their description.

For last minute bookings always look for a host offering a flexible cancellation policy or message them first in your current circumstances as change of mind is not covered and if Airbnb is not leaping to cancel it already then perhaps its not a straight forward request.

Just my 2 cents but wishing you both all the best.

[Adam1787]

Thank you so much for your reply and all completely agreed with.

To be honest, it was all that was available, but things changed pretty quickly overnight r.e. health wise.

But no, I would not stay with this host as I know that they are around on site given that they run the restaurant on site.  The comment he made was pretty inappropriate, so out of principle and respect for my wife, I would not stay there and in fact, would feel extremely uncomfortable.

AIRCOVER states that it covers rebooking and refund and travel issues covered include incorrect location of accommodation