AirBnB booking

[iamanicicle]

I've just had a message back from an airBnB host in response to my question whether there is WiFi in a flat I booked for 3 weeks on a work trip to Paris. Unfortunately it's during the olympics, which is a coincidence I realised far too late as I'm not into sports. This is the relevant bit from the host's message:

"...sorry but I did not update the prices for the summer of 2024 at all... which will be more expensive because of the Olympics. Would it be possible to cancel on your side? Can I make you a different price proposal if you'd like?"

AIBU to ask the host what the updated price offer is before I cancel and if it comes back wildly different report the messages to AirBnB?

The host can't encourage me to cancel according to AirBnB rules. Unless it's a case of extenuating circumstances, he will be fined 10% of the total cost. I fail to see how price gauging = extenuating circumstances, but then I still need somewhere to stay close to the workplace which this flat is. Also, I had the flat on my short list for over a week with some other flats, so he would have known I shortlisted it/ had plenty of time to update prices.

If you have dealt with similar, I'd be keen to know how you managed the situation and how it was resolved (or not) as I haven't had that happen to me before.

I'd start looking for another booking asap and wait for the host to cancel you!

We recently had a booking cancel 4 days before we were due to stay, no explanation and no compensation. All AirBNB did was send a list of potential alternatives (which were hugely more expensive as I'd booked 6 months ago and was now looking with 4 day's notice). AirBNB don't share any of the fine they charge with the customer who has had their booking cancelled so it won't make any difference to you whether he gets charged or not. And even if he's charged 10%, he'll probably make way more than that during the Olympics.

I've been put off using AirBNB following this - I had naively always assumed that I'd get a share of any late cancellation fees but it turns out that I was the one inconvenienced and also one paying more for alternative accommodation but not the one who was compensated

Thank you @ballstoit.
Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. Definitely taints dealing with AirBnB 😡