This Airbnb guest made a polite request to the host after an amenity wasn’t working. His switch-up is alarming.
Airbnb host lashes out
In a viral video with more than 880,000 views, content creator Alyssa (@iwanthesun) shared how things quickly escalated after she pointed out an issue to her Airbnb host.
“Please beware of this host,” Alyssa said, warning people who are looking to rent a place in Palm Springs, California.
Alyssa showed that the house rules permitted up to six guests and allowed pets. This was perfect since she was traveling with her mom, sister, girlfriend, and small older dog.
When they got there, everything looked like it did online, she says. However, the gas fire pit included in the amenities wasn’t working, and they wanted to use it during their stay.
Alyssa brought the issue to the host, who said this was the first he’d heard of the issue and assured Alyssa he’d get it replaced…after checkout.
“Is there any way to get it fixed tomorrow morning? We would like to enjoy it before we leave. If not, could we get a partial refund for this amenity?” Alyssa asked.
“No and no,” the man responded curtly.
Alyssa said she understood and let him know she’d be noting that in her review and then thanked him for his time. She added that he could have responded in a kinder way.
“I’ll be sure to make note of your retaliation, which is obviously against AirBNB’s review policy,” he fired back. “… I won’t be bullied into refunds for minor inconveniences.”
Did she leave the review?
Alyssa left a complimentary four-star review, calling the place “gorgeous.” She did note that communication with the host could have been better and that they weren’t able to use a listed amenity and weren’t given a resolution or accommodation, but said other than that it was a “perfect visit.”
Pretty tame feedback, right?
The host responded and called her refund request “predatory” and for the first time accused her of breaking the fire pit.
“This destructive guest will never be welcomed back,” the review response read.
Not only that, but he left her a similarly bad review on her profile and told other hosts to “beware.” He also claimed she had more guests on the property than allowed and that there was an unapproved pet on the property.
But this was all a lie, according to Alyssa. There were only five people once her sister’s friend joined (the max was six), and the listing said it was dog-friendly. Plus, Alyssa says she always cleaned up after her pooch.
It doesn’t end there
The host indeed requested $150 from Alyssa as a pet cleaning fee despite the listing already having a cleaning fee.
Alyssa of course, declined it.
“I feel like I need someone in my corner about this because it just feels really hostile,” Alyssa said.
To further complicate the issue, in a follow-up video, Alyssa shared that Airbnb took her review down, but then reinstated it.
In a direct message to the Mary Sue, Alyssa shared that Airbnb gave her a full refund because of the situation.
What does Airbnb’s policy say?
If an advertised amenity doesn’t exist or isn’t working, the guest can request rebooking assistance or a refund as long as they reach out within 72 hours of discovering the issue, the Airbnb site states.
Viewers are on her side
“‘’No and no’ is wild,” a top comment pointed out.
“You’re so nice. 1 star would’ve done,” a person said.
“So in his response, he not only lied, but was defamatory (calling you a ‘destructive guest’). Airbnb should definitely do something about this. And you should be given a partial refund for a major amenity like a fire pit not working!” another pointed out.
@iwanthesun My first Air BnB horror story ??#greenscreen #airbnb #airbnbhost #fyp ♬ original sound – iwanthesun
The Mary Sure reached out to Alyssa for comment via TikTok direct message and comment and to Airbnb via email.
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