Airbnb Issue Request for help

[Anonymous]

Yesterday, I booked a multi day stay from a well rated super host who own a number of properties in that city for next month. This was a verified location listing and I know the city well, having lived there for six years in the past. After booking a non refundable stay, the host sent the address. The address does not correspond to the verified location , and the building at the address sent by the host doesn’t match the listing pictures or described building amentities. I have written to the host asking if the address is correct, or alternatively, a cancellation/ refund. So far, no response. What are my options here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yesterday, I booked a multi day stay from a well rated super host who own a number of properties in that city for next month. This was a verified location listing and I know the city well, having lived there for six years in the past. After booking a non refundable stay, the host sent the address. The address does not correspond to the verified location , and the building at the address sent by the host doesn’t match the listing pictures or described building amentities. I have written to the host asking if the address is correct, or alternatively, a cancellation/ refund. So far, no response. What are my options here?

Are their restrictions/regulations in that city on Short Term Vacation rentals? More and more hosts are not putting in the real addresses so they can do a run around city regulations that are popping up to restrict short term vacation rentals. By not putting in the correct address and pictures, the city can't find these rentals.

[Anonymous]

Have you contacted AirBnB?

Btw, never book non-refundable stays.

[Anonymous]

Definitely contact Airbnb customer service. They can help you cancel and rebook elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely contact Airbnb if I can’t get host to cancel directly.

[Anonymous]

FWIW - I have started asking for the address before I book even for refundable stays. The host has given it every time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW - I have started asking for the address before I book even for refundable stays. The host has given it every time.

That’s a very good idea.

[Anonymous]

Just to bring this to conclusion, host first tried to offer me a unit that had the amenities the listing had but a worse location. Then agreed to a full refund and cancellation so I never had to go back airbnb to resolve.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear it worked out well and the host did the right thing. I've never had that happen.

[Anonymous]

Novel thing called a professionally managed hotel is the answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear it worked out well and the host did the right thing. I've never had that happen.

The host did not do the right thing.
They tried to do a bait and switch - but got caught.
If it was a less experienced traveler, or if they did not pay attention to the details, they would have been stuck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to bring this to conclusion, host first tried to offer me a unit that had the amenities the listing had but a worse location. Then agreed to a full refund and cancellation so I never had to go back airbnb to resolve.

Please report them to Airbnb. It'll help protect others from becoming victims.

[Anonymous]

You should still report to Airbnb so someone else doesn’t get scammed….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear it worked out well and the host did the right thing. I've never had that happen.

The host did not do the right thing.
They tried to do a bait and switch - but got caught.
If it was a less experienced traveler, or if they did not pay attention to the details, they would have been stuck.

Exactly! Not even bait and switch but false advertising.

[Anonymous]

Op here, yea, people should consider this possibility when booking, I would have been so disappointed if I shared up and got the building and location on the reservation when I was expecting a high rise with amenities.

I only even checked the address because I totally got scammed a year ago by a listing that gave a totally inaccurate description of location. Wound up not even spending the night in that one because it was so sketchy.

We’ve stayed in a number of nice airbnbs over the last decade but starting to lose faith in the platform with two misleading hosts in the past year.