Cannot contact upcoming guest as his account is "temporarily unavailable"

[Astaire]

@Inna

in older generation it it quite common not to speak English or any other foreign language, but if this is so, I’m not sure I would dare to use a platform like Airbnb,

I don’t think there’s any correlation between speaking English and using a worldwide platform such as Airbnb. Airbnb provides their platform in a whole variety of languages, there is no need to know in English in using the platform itself.

@Inna

I had non-English speaking couples several times and every single time it turned out that they made some sort of mistake in the booking process.

This could equally happen to English-speakers as well. I imagine in each case, they’re using their own language version of Airbnb, especially if it’s a widely spoken language.

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@Inna

I mean, at least French is a world language

is that Croatian sense of humour

[Inna]

@Astaire

I don’t think there’s any correlation between speaking English and using a worldwide platform such as Airbnb. Airbnb provides their platform in a whole variety of languages, there is no need to know in English in using the platform itself.

I don’t think there’s any problem until these folks actually run into a problem. Then it is obviously a problem to even get a customer support agent who speaks some other language. Even as widely spoken as French.

I wasn’t implying it is their problem, but to me it seems rather obvious that it is much harder to negotiate and win the case with Airbnb in the case you don’t have a good command in English. Same goes for hosts who do not speak English.

As you know, Airbnb is very nitpicky about what was stated in written communication, and very persistant to flip you off with your request immediately if they can. I can barely keep up with this whole process of going back and forth with the agents, let alone a person to whom English presents a difficulty. Many times on this orum we had an opportunity to read how hosts who couldn’t communicate with support propmtly lost their cases even if there were completely right. I think these people are also less likely to escalate the case if there are any prpblems. This is a failure on the side of Airbnb. I still admire the courage. I’m not sure I would dare dealing with Airbnb without speaking English, Even more so as a host than a guest.

[Astaire]

All good points @Inna. When Airbnb presents its website in multiple languages and operates on a global basis, not having customer support in all those languages is a shame, and reflects badly on Airbnb.

[Magwitch]

@Joan

I have to ask, given your positive outcome with their stay; any regrets about the above comment? I’ve had a few French middle-aged couples (and less than) over the summer, all delightful, who have given me splendid reviews, both verbal and stars. On reflection, I can’t generalise on any nationality giving crap reviews; it’s too simplistic to do so.

Normally I would agree with you but the subject of French leaving low ratings has been discussed on here several times (hence the !).
I should have been more explicit and said low star ratings rather than crappy reviews, in hindsight. The reality is that I’ve hosted over 60 sets of French guests and around 70% of them leave 4* or less. The actual written reviews are no worse or better than anyone else’s but that percentage of 4* ratings is way above the norm. I’m a superhost at the moment so it is definitely a significant pattern with French guests. I don’t have a problem with it, it’s just an observation.

See here for one of the discussions:

What is it with the French and the Dutch and the 4/3 stars?

I know, I know. It’s been discussed before, But I’ve just received a review from a French couple who were delightful guests. We had a great chat and a laugh, they loved the room, blah de blah de blah. Recent Dutch guests were a similar experience. Reviews are 4* all round. Whatever. Personally, I think it’s fair. But Air thinks I have ‘Room for Improvement’ with the usual condescending message and yellow warning sign. 4* = Great. So what exactly is the f**kin problem here? I’ve “only”…