To cancel this Air BnB booking?

[WildBelle]

I had an amazing looking place on air bnb booked for a trip to London next week, but the host cancelled the booking earlier today . So I panic booked another place, which doesn't look as nice, but now I'm wondering if it's a bit dodgy and whether I should cancel it and find somewhere else.

The reasons I'm not sure are that the host and the property don't have any feedback at all. He has been a member since December last year. In the pics of the flat, they look more like stock photos than real photos taken by the host IYSWIM. There is a photo of the bed, which folds down from the wall, and it still has the plastic wrapping on the mattress.

Despite not having any feedback, the flat is apparently booked up on the availability calendar for literally every single night for the next year, which seems strange in itself. Seems a bit of a coincidence that the one night I wanted it was free?

It's quite cheap for the location (£85) and guests apparently have parking and use of the gym. Now when I click on the property the price of it has gone down to £55 a night, but it isn't available at all for the next year. Seems a bit too good to be true maybe?

I have the address and google image searched the apartment block and it does match the pictures in the listing, and after I paid I got a message from the host immediately saying it was fine for us to stay there on Monday. I queried the parking and he confirmed there was parking, although wasn't specific about where it was exactly. I also asked what time we needed to leave the next day as it wasn't on the listing, and he said midday, but on his listing it says guests can check in anytime from 1pm. Surely an hour turnaround between guests is a bit quick?

I can cancel now and get a full refund apparently, but don't know if I'm being overly suspicious! I've never had anything but positive Air bnb experiences but something about this just doesn't sit right, and the last thing I want is to get to London and find I have nowhere to stay. WWYD?

[HipsterHunter]

Despite not having any feedback, the flat is apparently booked up on the availability calendar for literally every single night for the next year,

When it's like that it can be people renting their own flat out when they are away.

[Dairymilkmuncher]

I'm no airbnb expert, only stayed in one and it was actually a b&b ather than house BUT with things like this I would go with your gut feeling and look for something else

[WildBelle]

I guess that could be it, although in the pics it doesn't look like someone's home that they live in, unless they literally don't own ANY stuff! It's really hotel room looking and minimalistic.

[Nicketynac]

Did you pay AirBnB or the host direct?

[WildBelle]

Paid through Airbnb

[HipsterHunter]

I'm struggling to see what the scam is TBH - if it doesn;t exist, Airbnb will refund you. If it turns out to be really shit and not like the photos - Airbnb will refund you.

[WildBelle]

I'm really hoping it's not a scam! I'm sure I would eventually get refunded if it's not legit but I'm more worried about getting to London and having nowhere to stay.

[Rollercoaster1920]

Can't you get a premier inn for that price?

[HundredMilesAnHour]

It does sound a bit weird. Are you willing to put a link up?

There are restrictions in London on how long short term properties can be let for (max 3 months/year) as well as all sorts of issues in terms of needing permission from freeholders (in the case of leasehold flats) or people illegally subletting council (or other) properties. I would be very wary especially if you think it is surprisingly cheap. It might be more prudent to get a cheap room at one of the Premier Inns.

[AndNowItIsSeven]

Do you have a link op?

[TupperwareTat]

I'd go for a premier inn as well.

[WildBelle]

abnb.me/EVmg/CW41uFtqzE

[WildBelle]

Hopefully someone on here knows him and can vouch that it's alright

[TrueLove83]

Have you looked up Cenk at that address? See if he's on the electoral roll?

[Tormundsbrow]

Only murderers would have a home that clinical... maybe that's why it's lacking any reviews?

[WildBelle]

Just did a google of Cenk and the address and no matches.

Tormund that's not what I need to hear!

[Christmastree43]

Definitely looks too good to be true, especially at that price. And sounds like they are lowering the price just to get as much money in as they can while the ad stays up maybe.

[WildBelle]

I think the pics with the piano and the big lounge area are communal spaces downstairs

[outputgap]

Couldn't it just be a buy-to-airbnb? I know the building but sadly, don't know Cenk!

[WildBelle]

I wondered if that was what was going on but if it's not available for ANY nights for the next year how will people book it and pay for it?

[TrueLove83]

Cancel

[QueenArseClangers]

If you look at his profile picture you'll spot that there's only 4 candles on his cake.
Obviously he is only a small child (going on that evidence) so is only allowed certain days to sneakily rent out his home while his mum and dad are out. He's saving up for a really cool Paw Patrol car that goes well fast.

[GotToGetMyFingerOut]

I see what you mean about the photos! I'd cancel and book a premier inn.

[HundredMilesAnHour]

Yes, it's dodgy I think. The photos are actually taken from an estate agent's website (My London Home) and the property is currently for sale:

www.mylondonhome.com/property-for-sale/apartment-for-sale/plimsoll-building-kings-cross-london-n1c/7789

Given it's a new development, I think it's highly unlikely that Cenk is the owner and is renting it out on AirBNB while he tries to sell it.

I'd recommend you steer well clear.

[WildBelle]

I think QueenArseClangers may have solved the mystery. I've been duped by a 4 year old. Wouldn't be the first time actually