Tessa Read and Boyd Walker own six Airbnb rentals in Alexandria and had 20 cancellations last week.
Airbnb sent out an email on Saturday to hosts explaining that its extenuating circumstances policy is in effect until April 14, meaning that guests can cancel reservations for full refunds and without paying penalties.
“We had six cancellations on one day, even one who was coming Friday, who canceled just a few hours before they were scheduled to arrive,” Read said. “We are in the same category as other small businesses, like hotels. Even though we’ve offered discounts and are thoroughly cleaning between guests, it’s not helping.”
There are hundreds of Airbnb rentals available in Alexandria, and many have reduced their prices.
Walker said that discounts will be given to any guests officially working with the federal or local government on defeating the virus.
“If someone needs to be here related to this issue, we’d be happy to give them a deeper discount,” Walker said. “Being a small business owner in Old Town, I am very concerned about small businesses being able to survive. When we go out, we eat at the local businesses and not chain restaurants. We don’t want them to close. That would be terribly sad.”
In response to the global disruption to travel caused by COVID-19, our Extenuating Circumstances policy now applies globally to all existing reservations with check-in dates between March 14, 2020 and April 14, 2020. https://t.co/nf9gC09P2m
— Airbnb (@Airbnb) March 14, 2020
Photo via Boyd Walker
Recent Stories
An Alexandria woman was caught carrying a loaded gun at a security checkpoint at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday (October 4). The incident occurred in the early morning,…
Last Friday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced that the Potomac Yard Metro station would not be opening this fall, as they’d been insisting it would for months….
One of Alexandria’s more unique Halloween traditions, a reenactment of Edgar Allen Poe’s 19th-century speaking engagements, is set to return for two nights later this month. Every year, The Lyceum…
It’s a change that likely won’t go noticed by many Alexandrians, but the city is making an adjustment to its manholes that could have an impact on flooding during storms….
Looking for a more convenient way to work out?
On the Go Fitness Pro offers in home personal training. We bring the gym to you, so you can save time and skip the hassle of going to the gym. Plus, our trainers are certified and experienced, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible workout.
We provide all the equipment needed for a great workout or we can use the equipment that you have.
Are you tired of going to the gym? It might be the crowds, the locker room, waiting on equipment or the time it takes to commute to the gym.
Having a personal trainer come to your home will keep you accountable, save you time and allow you to workout in the comfort of your own home.
Skip the hassle of the gym and try our in-home personal training service.
Our services are reasonably priced, convenient, effective and are risk free.
Think BIG! About the Future of Movement
Join the City of Alexandria and Arlington County’s Initiative to Rethink Energy at our first ever electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable technologies showcase! Get inspired by seeing a variety of electric cars, scooters, bikes, motorcycles, police cars, buses, trucks and
Between Home and the Front: Book Talk and Signing
Join the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum on Zoom or in person at the museum for a special book talk with the curators behind Between Home and the Front: Civil War Letters of the Walters Family. A book signing will be
