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Serious question, has anyone else had their Airbnb reservation canceled last minute in Medellin?

Booked a place in Laureles for a full month, paid upfront, and the host canceled two days before my flight. Said there was a 'plumbing issue' but the same listing was back up at double the price a day later. I learned to never book a long stay without a confirmed backup plan or a direct chat with the host first. What's the best way to find a solid last-minute rental there?
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felixm29
felixm2919d ago
The Laureles Facebook group is actually called "Medellin Expats & Travel Laureles" not just "Laureles Rentals." I've seen people get misdirected there. For vetting someone on Facebook, ask for a quick video call showing the actual apartment number and the view from the window so they can't just send you old photos. Also look at how long they've been in the group and if their profile has normal activity from real people, not just rental posts.
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young.thomas
Ugh that's so shady but sadly common. The "plumbing issue" excuse is a classic for pulling a place to re-list it for more money. For a last minute spot, I'd skip Airbnb and check Facebook groups like "Medellin Expats" or "Laureles Rentals." People post sublets and short term leases there all the time. You can often deal directly with an owner or a tenant which is way more reliable. Just make sure you see a video of the place and get a real contract before sending any cash.
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the_robin
the_robin26d ago
Yeah the "plumbing issue" is basically landlord code for "someone offered me more money.
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felixlane
felixlane26d ago
Ugh, that's so frustrating! @young.thomas has a good point about Facebook groups, but how do you actually vet a person there to avoid getting scammed too?
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