I phoned before I tried to cancel, and I can tell you straight up that I was told I was discriminating and that I would lose superhost status. I do use instant book and I'm a superhost and so I thought that would protect me from at least some consequences.
The booking is genuinely worrying and I thought we had the right to cancel bookings without penalty, especially if we were genuinely uncomfortable and didn't do it a lot (I haven't). So I was surprised at the high level of "discouragement" I got when I voiced my concerns.
That's why I'm thinking of ditching the superhost status. If this ever happens again, where I would be willing to have the days booked off, lose the income, etc., I'd like to be able to do so. That's my real question. The worker did not say I would go down in the ratings.
I think they should tell us that before we make a decision. As it is, I'm going through with the booking, but will be hovering around like a hawk. The bars within staggering distance are my worry as are the more restrictive drinking ages in the many states and provinces around Quebec. It's well known that young people come here to party because of the lower drinking age and easy availability of booze. Sigh.