Airbnb - Host Demanded More Money After the Reservation Was Done
Me and my husband booked a room through Airbnb in Iqaluit, Canada back in June, 2015. The reservation was for four days in April, 2016. In total, we paid around $600.00. Few days ago, 8 months after the booking, I got an email from my host, Joanne Ashley, saying that she made a mistake in her posting, and it was supposed to be a nightly price plus $100.00 extra per night for the second person. She basically told me to pay $400.00 extra or find another place. First of all, even if it was a mistake, I have a clear confirmation indicating that we booked a room for 2 people for this price, meaning I do not have to pay anything extra. Second, me and Joanne exchanged few messages over the period of time, where I was referring to "me and my husband". Clearly, it wasn't a mistake, she just had other plans for her property for these days and decided to get rid of us.
1. Two days before I got an email from her, I checked her listing again and indeed, it stated "additional people - free". After I got her email, it was changed to $100.00.
2. The host and a guest are supposed to communicate through Airbnb messages (you also get an email with a copy). The email I received was sent not from her account but from somewhere else. She did not want Airbnb to see this.
At the end, I filed a complaint with Airbnb, and thankfully, I got my money back. I was told that she would not be able to rent her place for these 4 days, she will be fined towards her future bookings, and they would post an automated review on her account that she cancelled the reservation. Also, they gave me a credit of $50.00. The only downside is that now, after the automated review from Airbnb is posted, I cannot place my own review on her page.
Anyway, I had to book a hotel and pay $350.00 more (which is still less than $400.00). Of course, I was planning my vacation in advance, including my budget, and now I have to make certain adjustments.
In total, I booked places through websites like Airbnb, Homeaway, and Vrbo five times. And only one time was successful. From now on, I decided to use hotels only. Prices are higher but there's no headache.
Reason of review: Pricing issue.
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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