Flinders Lane Apartments

Great location right in the heart of City Melbourne. A really cosy apartment with all the amenities, including a lovely bath!

This host has ripped me off $900.

Due to difficult personal circumstances I booked Peter’s unit in Flinders Lane Apartments, (238 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 - advertised as 'Laneway Studio, The good end of Flinders Lane! ') on AirBnB for two weeks, booked two days prior to stay. Due to a change to those same circumstances, I had to cancel my booking just 3 hours after I made it.

This likely cost the host nothing, but cost me $900 (The booking cost me $1548, but I was refunded only $648). Under Victorian consumer law the most that can be charged for booking cancellations is 10%. I was taken advantage of when I was in a vulnerable situation.
Furthermore Peter then replied (some days later) when I asked for a fair refund “sorry, but our cancelation policies are set at Moderate on AirBnB”. AirBnb later confirmed to me that the host has complete discretion over refunds.

AirBnb approached Peter on my behalf telling me “the Host declined to provide you a refund despite my best efforts of convincing them. They said that they already spent money on preparing the listing, and they needed to earn during this difficult time”.

It is difficult times for me and everyone else as well. Covid-19 and border closures played a part in my difficult personal circumstances. Peter can you please explain how taking my money like this is “earning”? What work did you do in the three hours between when I booked and when I cancelled to "earn" $900? Can you explain what money you spent on the listing during those three hours that I had booked?

The same day I booked the AirBnB, I also booked a hotel for one night to stay that very night (because I could not secure the AirBnB until the next day, and I needed accommodation that night). I also cancelled the hotel booking 3 hours after I made it. The hotel refunded all of my money without any questions.

I am so angry.

Chris

Ps this is copied from Consumer Affairs Victoria, the same information can also be found as advice to businesses from the State Government:

“If the guest has paid a deposit, then cancels the booking without a good reason (for example, if they just change their mind), the business will usually be able to keep the deposit depending on the terms of the contract. Generally, a fair deposit would not be more than 10 per cent of the total cost of the accommodation or service booked, unless the potential loss or inconvenience justifies a higher amount. Otherwise, such a higher amount may be seen as a pre-payment.
Pre-payments are refundable, minus any actual or reasonable costs the business may have incurred before the booking was cancelled. ”

pps my cancellation, was not simply a change of mind, it was due to difficult circumstances which I explained to the host

Could not be in a better location. Center of night life and transportation. Small but efficient apartment. Looking forward to returning.

Nice place my boyfriend lives here we like to look at the people opposite apartments dancing

Very well located. Bear in mind this is not a hotel and has no reception. You will need to arrange a time to pick up the keys.

Excellent location, surrounded by great food and fashion. Getting to and from the apartment was easy, as it is right near transport lines. Bathroom was a little small, but that is a minor quibble. Would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Melbourne.

Lovely old building. In the centre of everything. All you need for a stay in Melbourne. Can be a bit noisy in the early morning with delivery vehicles and refuse collection so pack some earplugs. Worth it to be so close to the cafes, restaurants and sites of interest.