Refining adult guests limits

[Beth44]

My listing is a 3 guest limit however it is too cramped for 3 adults. However 2 adults, one child and even a baby is fine. When someone books for 3 adults I try to discourage it with a comment like, " the space is tight and may be uncomfortable for 3 adults.". The statement doesn't seem to be moving guests  to reconsider. I wish I could list it as suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. I am changing my third person fee from 8 to 12 $ to discourage 3 person bookings. Any suggestions?

[Pat271]

@Beth44 

I do the same as you and try to dissuade the guest from booking if I suspect that there may be something about my place that will be problematic for them.

If they insist that it’s okay and that the issue won’t bother them, I feel better about letting them book. At no time when I’ve issued a warning have the guests ended up complaining about the issue. In fact, they have praised my integrity and left great reviews.

If it were me, I probably wouldn’t raise rates on a third person. Since 2 adults and 1 child would be comfortable, it would be a shame to lose those bookings.

[Helen744]

@Beth44 It is okay to list as two persons with a note on your place to say , something like ' those with children may apply directly to the host for a cot etcetera. This will then allow the guest with two small children to apply , then you can manually change to four guests while they book and then put the two guest limit  back on  . also show a cot in the listing and this will encourage that group to book as opposed to four adults squeezing in .. Good Luck. .. H 

[Sangeeta8]

Sounds good!

[Fred13]

@Beth44 Why not cut to the chase and list a limit of 2 and add - "With exceptions based on group composition"). Doesn't your place appeals mostly to couples and those with children are the exception?

[Bhumika]

Hi @Beth44 ,

Hope you are doing well!

Did you eventually change the guest limit or listed about it in the descriptions?

I hope insights from our lovely members help you to make relevant changes.

[Beth44]

Thanks for reading the string of messages.

Here are my questions to AIRBNB. I have instant booking.

• If I set my limit to 2 adults and 1 youth can I add an extra charge for 3rd person (youth or child)? (Knowing that an infant is always accepted and does not constitute/count in booking numbers)?

If someone instant books for 3 (I do followup message to confirm the guests I need to prep for) and they respond with 3 adults can I cancel without being penalized?

Background context: I live in a college town where guests (parent wants a their adult child to join them and young adults want to maximize guests). Also I need to charge for 3rd person because of the extra laundry/cleaning.

[Helen744 · Accepted solution]

 @Beth44 We are hosts here not Airbnb direct and no you cannot cancel without penalty but if you have added an extra guest fee then of course you can charge the extra fee but as I have pointed out these things need to be negotiated with your guests Before they book, and when you open the days to your guest to book you must let them know that although the charges are the same , an extra guest fee , applies. Its very staightforward when you figure it out ... H