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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is unreasonable of this AirBNB host

53 replies

Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:25

I didn’t want to book but DH talked me into it because it was cheap.

We have no key. Before we came through the door she asked for ID Hmm cue rummaging around through bags. Then asked what hours we were doing Confused

So basically we have no key.

I don’t know whether to try and get a refund? Or AIBU?

OP posts:
Molokonono · 22/09/2018 18:28

I've always had a key when booked for the whole house/flat etc.

Times I didn't have a key was when I booked a room in their house for one night...and was leaving early the next day.

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:28

Yes it’s a room ...but how are we supposed to get in and out? Shock

OP posts:
cardibach · 22/09/2018 18:30

I don’t think asking for ID is unreasonable when letting stranger say into your home. Not having a key at all is odd - I’ve always been given one for going in and out. Perhaps she’s happy to be disturbed at any time.

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:31

Wouldn’t it have been better to have checked it before though cardi - I mean, stood at the door and we were struggling a bit.

I don’t want to stay but feel awkward now.

OP posts:
Fiffyshadesofgreymatter · 22/09/2018 18:32

Anytime I've just booked a room rather than a whole place, it's been for literally just sleeping. Then up and out in the morning and not back until the evening. Maybe that's what she expects? So you wouldn't need a key.

Just ask for one... tell her you plan to come and go as it suits your holiday so need to gain access when you choose.

DailyMailWankers · 22/09/2018 18:32

Knock on the door.

ButchyRestingFace · 22/09/2018 18:33

Not having a key is odd - how long are you staying for?

As for the ID, well, apparently hotels are doing it now, according to MNetters...

IfIWasABirdIdFlyIn2ACeilingFan · 22/09/2018 18:36

It should state in the ad that you will have to produce ID on arrival.

Singlenotsingle · 22/09/2018 18:38

We just stayed a night at a hotel in Eastbourne. I had to show passport.

LyndorCake · 22/09/2018 18:42

How could she have checked the ID before? You could have just sent anyone or a fake, she had no means to confirm you were who you said you were. This is why people ask for ID.
The key thing is strange, but you won't get a refund...

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:42

I’ve known some places ask for ID before you can make a booking. But anyway how can we just turn up and sleep ... we are here for the week! Grin

OP posts:
hadenough · 22/09/2018 18:45

Airbnb = paid hell.

NancyJoan · 22/09/2018 18:47

Have you asked for a key? Tell her you expect to be able come and go as you feel like it.

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:48

I said ‘but ummm how do we get back in!’

OP posts:
Fontrieu · 22/09/2018 18:48

I've been hosting on Airbnb for two summers now and have never asked for ID, you can see that guests have been verified by various means: passport or some kind of government issued ID and communication methods. Also, I always check their reviews before I accept a reservation. IF she requires to see your ID on arrival then this should be stated in check-in procedure.
If it is a private home, I can see why she might not be keen on giving out a key but guests have to be able to come and go at their leisure.
Ask for a key. If she refuses then contact Airbnb and ask for advice on the situation. They will probably contact her immediately.
In my experience if there is a problem they want to keep the customer happy primarily.

musmusculus · 22/09/2018 18:50

report your concerns to airbnb and they will contact the owner and if no resolution, find you an alternative. Have you proactively asked for a key?

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 18:52

Ugh, I just want a refund and to check into a premier inn to be honest Sad

OP posts:
IsTheRainEverComingBack · 22/09/2018 18:55

Have you asked why you don’t have a key? And what her expectations are for you getting in and out for a week?

NotANotMan · 22/09/2018 18:57

are they new hosts?
I Airbnb my spare room and I have ID as a requirement in my booking settings so Airbnb have to verify it before they can book (I don't see it) also obviously my guests have a key!
Give them a low star rating (do check they don't say all this in their listing though as if so that's on you not them)

NotANotMan · 22/09/2018 18:58

How could she have checked the ID before? You could have just sent anyone or a fake

Airbnb do that for you

huggybear · 22/09/2018 19:02

The comments about Airbnb are unfair. I use it in the same way as any other holiday let site and I've found some amazing places.

No key is so weird. Did you check the other reviews to see if anything similar is mentioned?

Fontrieu · 22/09/2018 19:10

You have to have specifically requested a key and have that request refused before you can reasonably request a refund.
She might be new to it, she might have had a bad experience with a previous guest in her home - does she live alone?

Ask for a key before you spend more money on a PI.

OR just go and book into a PI but don't leave her a shitty review just because you were talked into staying there when you wanted a hotel.

Original poster
Gr8viii · 22/09/2018 19:14

I just feel uncomfortable. I will ask for a key. I’ve finallt retrieved my passport so I can prove who I am!

She wasn’t the most communicative host either.

OP posts:
Fontrieu · 22/09/2018 19:20

But have you communicated to her..."I want a key to be able to come and go as I please."
Yes, it is odd that she hasn't given you a key but there is a very obvious solution to that.
I know when I started out there were things that I hadn't thought of immediately (granted a key wasn't one of them).

Nakedavenger74 · 22/09/2018 19:28

I can't understand anyone,least if all a couple, who would choose to pay to stay in someone's spare room and for a week??!. Soooo awkward. I find actual BnB's with professional hosts toe curling 🥌. No privacy and appalling acoustics. Hearing people in the room next door or flushing a toilet. Whispered breakfast table conversations about the hairs in the marmalade etc.

I'd mark it as a bad choice and get thee to a Premier Inn.