At StellarStay, we’re passionate about creating amazing experiences for our guests, and we truly enjoy going the extra mile whenever we can. We love seeing families and friends come together, and we know that plans sometimes shift. However, there are moments when we have to gently say “no”—not because we want to, but because we’re bound by platform policies and the responsibility we carry as stewards of someone’s home.
Let us share a real example to help explain why hosts sometimes can’t change reservation dates—even when we’d love to be flexible.
Back in early February, a guest named Jacky booked one of our homes for a weekend stay at the end of May. Everything was confirmed under Airbnb’s strict cancellation policy, which is outlined in the listing and includes limited refund eligibility. It gives guests a full refund only if they cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before check-in. After that window, partial refunds—or none at all—may apply.
Fast forward to just a few days before check-in, and Jacky reached out asking to change the reservation to November. While on the surface that might seem like a simple scheduling update, it actually raised a few concerns. In reality, shifting the dates that far into the future—so close to the original check-in—would be a way to bypass the strict cancellation policy that was agreed to back in February.
Why Date Changes Aren’t Always Possible
So why didn’t we just approve the change? Here are a few important reasons:
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The reservation is a contract: When a guest books under specific cancellation terms, that blocks the host’s calendar. The home is taken off the market for those days, and potential bookings are lost. A last-minute change to distant dates often means we can’t rebook the original dates.
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Airbnb’s system restricts this: Hosts can’t override platform logic. Airbnb limits how and when reservation changes can be made—especially under strict cancellation policies. It’s not just about willingness; sometimes, it’s not even technically possible.
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It has to be fair for everyone: If one guest is allowed to change terms to avoid cancellation fees, others may expect the same, creating inconsistency and unfairness. We treat every guest equally and honor the same policies across the board.
What We Offered Instead
In Jacky’s case, we offered an option we believe is as fair as it gets: if she decides to cancel and the dates get rebooked, we’ll refund those rebooked nights in full. It’s a win-win if someone else takes the spot.
If you’re ever in a similar situation, we highly recommend reading this guide:
👉 What to Do If You Can’t Make It to Your Airbnb or VRBO Reservation
We also want to gently remind all guests to take time before booking to review:
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The listing details
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The cancellation policy
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The house rules
These are all part of the rental agreement and are key to avoiding surprises later on.
The Bigger Picture
We completely understand the desire to adjust plans—especially when life throws a curveball. But vacation homes are not hotel rooms. Most are privately owned properties in quiet neighborhoods, and hosting comes with real responsibilities: to neighbors, to local laws, and to the homeowners themselves.
So when we say we can’t make an exception, it’s not personal. It’s about protecting the trust placed in us, ensuring fairness, and keeping the booking process smooth and predictable for everyone.
If you ever have questions before booking, please reach out. We’re always happy to help you choose the right home for your plans, set the right expectations, and ensure your stay is absolutely stellar.
Warmly,
The StellarStay Team ✨
