To not want to unexpectedly share an airbnb with another couple?

[BlueRaspberry7]

A couple of weeks ago booked a bedroom in an airbnb for tonight with its own attached bathroom - it's in a house with a shared kitchen (shared only with the airbnb owner). I booked this very carefully on the basis that I've read reviews of the airbnb owner and would be sharing the property only with her.

I messaged this morning just to confirm my check in time, parking arrangements etc. She responded that she will be out most the evening and that "unusually, another couple will be staying tonight too". They will be staying on a bedroom on another floor, but I assume will have access to the shared spaces as well.

I'm not feeling super comfortable with this. I'll be travelling alone and it's not the arrangement I expected. I would have booked a cheaper hotel otherwise.

I get that when you stay in a hotel you're sharing space with other people who you don't know - but you expect that and there are other staff around etc. But when I booked this airbnb, it was based on being the only guest and being in a house with one other woman, whose online profile / reviews I can check.

YABU: it's the airbnb owner's property to rent out as she wants to

YANBU this isn't the set up that I expected, paid for and feel comfortable with

I wouldn't be happy with this either.

I think that is fair enough if you aren't comfortable with the extra couple and specifically booked this place to avoid other people. Can you book something else? Ask her for a cancellation and full refund (hopefully she will understand and be reasonable) and message Airbnb as well for help

I'd cancel and book a hotel. You are not going to be comfortable at all. Your comfort, your money.

If you can get out of the booking do it now.

Nah, that wouldn't work for me. I'd be cross, that's not what you were sold.

Did the listing state there was another bedroom which could be rented out too or did it sound like there was just one bedroom?

If you booked specifically because of this then you may have to cancel. Is it too late to cancel or rearrange?

The listing says: A period property situated in the peaceful XXXX area. I have a large double room (with a king size bed) available with an attached private bathroom. Shared common spaces: You’ll share parts of the home with the Host.

No mention of another room that's rented or other people in the house.

I don't know if she would even have mentioned it if I hadn't messaged to confirm today.

Am calling her now. wish me luck.

Let us know the outcome OP. I too wouldnt be happy. What is there were 2,3,4 other rooms for rent too?

I hope you can find an alternative. At least she told you now, you didn't arrive to find yourself in that situation. That listing is misleading and I can't see how you can be held to the agreement when the stay isn't as advertised.

I'd be a bit annoyed if I'd booked specifically expecting to be the only guest, the listing did seem to suggest that was the situation. It might not be too bad though, I've stayed in B&Bs with multiple guests and generally the owners are the ones who you have the most interaction with, the others are happy to do their own thing.

I think it's not being able to lock your door that would bother me. Otherwise I'd be ok.

Ask for a refund if you can find somewhere else?

I wonder if it's host's friends or family?

Also a no from me. I hope you get your money back and are able to find something else.

Goodness knows what sort of people they will be, and the owner will be out.

Absolutely not.

As you were already sharing areas with strangers (host and family) I’m not sure this other couple you don’t know will make a real difference.

It would be completely different if it were an exclusive booking.