AirBnB host wants to make a booking outside of using the site.

[Elchupacabra]

Travalling within the UK for 7 nights and sent through a booking request to await confirmation. The host contacted me to get in touch about booking privately in order to get a discount. Has anyone ever done this?

I’d be very wary of doing this. You wouldn’t have any of the Airbnb protections if things were cancelled or if the place was awful. Not worth it.

Doesn't that mean you wouldn't have any protection if they just cancelled and kept your money?

Well, you could go to court but it would be a more difficult thing.

I agree, it made me feel very wary. She actually says on her AirBnB profile page that she would give discount for those who book directly with her as a lot of this is service charge.

Do not go off platform on such sites. If you do nothing is covered by Airbnb.

I would find alternative accommodation and report this to Airbnb as it is not within their rules.

I wouldn’t do that. You won’t be protected by Airbnb if something were to happen last minute. Book through the site.

I was asked to do that. I didn't and it was a scam. Don't do it.

I’d report to Airbnb and find somewhere else to stay.

Sounds like a scam

I wouldn't do it.
We booked a villa prior to covid and the owner encouraged us to rearrange it privately through him in order not to pay booking fees.

Unfortunately we ended up having to cancel as restrictions were still in place, and it was nerve wracking getting our deposit back and then as it was by bank transfer I lost a lot of it in fees. I wouldn't do it again as much easier to cancel a company than an individual.

No way. You wouldn't even be insured and neither would they. Don't think it's a good idea.

This is my first ever experience of AirBnB and wasnt expecting to 'request' to book and wait for the host to get back to me. I agree that it sounds a bit off and surprising that she has advertised on her property page the fact that she is willing to give discount if you book directly with her and not use the site!

I would only do this if I'd stayed with the host before. We have returned to places that we originally booked through Airbnb but didn't second time round in order to get a cheaper rate. In your case I wouldn't do it.
If you've never booked with Airbnb before it's always best to pick a superhost and a very high satisfaction score. We have stayed at dozens throughout Europe and have only had an issue once and it was in the UK.

I've sent enquiries to another host altogether, I don't want to leave myself open to possibly getting completely ripped off.

My DP does this with one place in Belgium, he’s probably stayed more than 10 times now (crazy about cycling) but I really wouldn’t recommend it for somewhere you haven’t stayed before.