Would you ask for money back?

[nukuwafa]

We booked an airbnb for a week for an upcoming holiday. Booked months in advance as it's a very popular area, and anything reasonable gets booked up quickly. We booked a villa in a complex that shares a communal swimming pool.

Two weeks before we go, the host has messaged to say that the management of the complex has closed the swimming pool for refurbishment. So there is no pool to use. This was one of the reasons we booked the place.

Would you ask for some money back? The airbnb was already cheaper than similar ones in the complex.

Although it can't be helped, yes I would because the main amenity is not available

If this is one of the reasons you booked, then yes, I would be asking for a refund. If you were to book a package holiday with swimming pool and pool was closed you would be offered somewhere else or a total refund.

Full refund! What's the point if there's no pool? Speak to Airbnb if she refuses full refund.

I want to be fair with the host - as the closure is likely beyond their control.
I'm just worried that if we kick up a fuss and ask for some money back, that they will simply cancel the booking. There are no alternatives this close to the date.

Are there other types of suitable accommodation eg hotels? If so, I would cancel and change to something else.

if there are no alternatives and you don't want them to cancel you need to be careful, I would say to them would it be possible to get a partial refund, otherwise you may look for accommodation with a pool elsewhere.

If it's already cheaper I'd probably suck it up.

As my father would say - they've got us by the short and curlies.

I'd ask for it back if the pool was the main attraction. Then go to the pool.

How much less would a similar property in the same area with no pool access be?

Surely just fill the car with water bottles so you can refill it when you get there?

A big car to fit a swimming pool full of water in?

Hmm good point might need to do two trips if you don't have a roof rack

A top box would make a paddling pool?

ahahaha very funny