Wildfires request denied by host **

[Douglas603]

We were scheduled to stay at this property period 2/1-3/1/25-The cancellation policy was no refund after Jan 1st.    The wildfires broke out on January 7th and due to the fact we are both are elderly with heart problems we thought that our host may be receptive to relist the property and we would either get a full refund if it was filled or a partial.  Jeff was not receptive and told us that the cancellation policy would still be in effect.

We then decided on January 9th to donate the full cost of our stay to a worthy couple that was displaced in the Wildfires.  We felt that the Jeff may give us permission to let a displaced couple (vetted) would stay in our place.  This heartless host denied this request.  I understand the policy, but this is a matter of doing the right thing.  Despite our attempts to contact upper or senior management at Airbnb to make a personal plea to the host, this generous gesture went unheard.  Jeff enjoy the $6500 you made off of us and don't forget to "pay it forward"!!!

**[Identifiable personal details removed for privacy reasons in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Joan2709]

@Douglas603 

Many Hosts would have at least offered to refund you if they could rebook with someone else. That said, unfortunately, with the wildfires it may have been difficult to get another reservation. Did you purchase travel insurance? I believe that would have covered this situation if you had? 

I would continue to speak with Airbnb about the extenuating circumstances policies to see if you can get at least a partial refund under that policy.

[Douglas603]

Hi Joan

Thanks for responding .

We were trying to donate our stay to a worthy couple who lost their home to the wildfires.  We tried several times through Airbnb to get host to grant permission to have these unfortunate people stay instead of ys and at our expense.  The host refused granting permission.

regards

Doug

[Joan2709]

@Douglas603 

Unfortunately, Airbnb doesn't allow Hosts to permit someone else to stay on your reservation. It's called a 3rd party booking and is not permitted, so it is understandable that the Host wouldn't allow that:

Booking For Friends or Family

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427

Airbnb does have some special provisions in place for those impacted by the wildfires, but whomever you were speaking to would have to contact Airbnb about that.

[Kia272]

@Douglas603 I'm very sorry that this happened to you, and that your good intentions were thwarted by this host. As a host, I would have handled it very differently. I say keep contacting AirBnB and explain the situation. While this can't be handled as you preferred- letting this other couple stay- I would hope that AirBnB could at least do something for you when they understand the situation and your intentions. 

However, it's not appropriate to call out this host by name and to post his address publicly. As upset as you are (and you have every right to be) it's really not okay. One of the moderators should be along soon and will likely remove the personal information contained in your post. 

@Rebecca