Cancellations

[Joan157]

For the first time, this year we have had 3 cancelations.  One date, we had to tell another guest that time was booked.  Now original guest cancels 1 month before reserved date!  

Are guests now treating reservations like Booking.com which has free cancelations?  A place sounds like fun, they book knowing they can cancel a month ahead?  If so, how can we stop this?  I'd like a no refund policy.  Presently, we not only lose income, but it messes us up with our cleaner. 

[Guy991]

Hello @Joan157 ,

I really don’t know why, but I can report the same. This summer has been so hectic, lots and lots of cancellations, but on the other hand lots of bookings and extensions too. These days it feels like running a very small hotel. I meet with my co-host daily just to figure out what is going on and replan the cleaning schedule.

On the no-refund policy, you can certainly set one, but keep in mind that guests today are increasingly seeking flexibility. The stricter your cancellation policy, the fewer reservations you are likely to get in return. It is a trade-off worth thinking through carefully.

I like to blame Airbnb for a lot of things, but this time I think several global factors have made many people change their plans.

Make sure short term rental is still worth it for you. In my case, it still is.