Upon arriving at the property, I called the host asking for details on how to access the property. He claimed to have not been able to contact me as Expedia/Hotels.com didn't provide contact details - odd how every other hotel sends me multiple messages.
He then asked for ID,something I've never been asked for in any previous check-in. I'd already paid to stay and wasn't hugely impressed by the host's attitude. I did say this was a bit of a shambles which seriously triggered him into shouting abuse at me down the phone, telling me he didn't have to let me stay in his property and swearing at me multiple times! I'd explained I'd already paid and he told me to sort out the effing refund with Expedia.
I hung up the call,not wanting to be abused any further,leaving myself without anywhere to stay at 7:40pm.
I called Hotels.com and believe the poor agent got abuse from him too and wanted an easy way out. The narcissistic fool would only offer a 50% refund, despite him cancelling the booking, utterly ludicrous! The agent topped up the difference with vouchers.
If you want an insight into the character of this man, read his responses on another booking site. There are other apartments in Chelmsford, I stayed in one the week before. It was amazing. Do yourself a favour and check them out.