I have booked a 2BR apartment for the first week of September, way out in Donaustadt because I need to be close to the rowing centre. I like the pictures and the location, price is ok. Everything was fine until I asked about parking, then the host popped up in WhatsApp to suggest I could save us both some money by bypassing Booking [at] com.
I don't need to save money and even though Booking protections are limited, it's still something. So I just ignored the message and didn't respond.
My fear is that the host will cancel as I arrive or that something else is fishy with the listing. And I'll be left high and dry at the last minute. I haven't turned up anything I like much better so far, but I look again every few days. I absolutely need a kitchen and washing machine (sports camp = lots of smelly laundry and not much energy to go out to eat every night.) Also parking, as I'll be driving my own car with bicycles from Italy. And I need two rooms as my sister is joining me.
I've given up on VRBO and AirBnB after all the scams and issues they've had. I've had several phishing attempts for existing Booking reservations, which I've so far avoided. It's vey frustrating. Not against hotels but I do need the ability to manage clothes and meals.
What would you do to manage the risk? Cancel preemptively, book something else? Wait and hope the host is honest and doesn't boot me out at the last minute? Other ideas, like getting in contact with her in hopes of convincing her to hold the reservation for me?