Early Check-In and late Checkout requests from guests

[Pallavi-Reddy0]

Hello Everyone,

I have been getting requests for early checkin and late check out from my guests

I have tried all ways to address this. 

1. I said its chargeable to discourage guests

2. Shared a note in my welcome message

3. Mentioned in my listing description

Inspite of all this the guests ask for freebies and when i say no, they provide bad reviews. 

This has been a latest challenge for me. Any insights from your experience would help

Thanks in advance

Regards

Pallavi

[Elisa]

Hi @Pallavi-Reddy0 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

Why don’t you like early check-ins and late check-outs for your guests?

I'm tagging few experienced hosts to see if they can help you: @Frances3408, @Robin4, @Kitty-and-Creek0, @Joan2709, @Helen3.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Elisa @Pallavi-Reddy0 

For us, this is the issue:  our check out time is noon, check in is at 4 pm. It takes at least 3 full hours to deep clean and prep the guest suite properly, and more if the departing guests leave a mess, or any damage.

I had a guest leave late, without even asking if it was OK. It cost me an hour's pay for each of my 2 cleaners who had to wait for her to leave. It put us at a disadvantage also, as the suite needed a lot of extra attention after her stay. 

Not too long ago I had a guest who wanted to arrive at 1 pm. I politely requested that they reserve the night before, or wait until check in time. I gave them a list of activities, sightseeing and wonderful restaurants for those precious 3 hours. 

I do not allow instant booking, as it is important to me to clear these things up before the guest books. A request to book has a better chance that the guests will read the listing and the house rules, I've found.

The only thing possible with a revenge review for this is to respond with the truth, I think. It does not help ratings, but it is likely all that one can do.

[Pallavi-Reddy0]

This is exactly my issue too @Kitty-and-Creek0 .

Your perspective is really good. Thanks you Kitty and creek

Regards

[Trude0 · Accepted solution]

How about blocking one night between bookings, and increasing your prices to cover this?

I do my own cleaning, and block two nights between bookings. This both limits stress and gives me some much needed flexibility (I have a full time job), and allows me to offer early check in and late check out. Which many guests seem to appreciate. 

But my typical stays are 3-5 nights. If you have a lot of 1-night bookings, then I can see that this would mean blocking a lot of nights.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Trude0 

We do exactly that. We block 2 nights  between guests, open up one if we can and the occasion is right for demand,  or a request by a particular guest. If a special guest requests leniency our schedule, we have the option to offer it, and we'd not charge them if it is convenient. Nonetheless, it is important to not keep my staff waiting, on the clock or not, because a guest disrespects our schedule. Their time is valuable. 

[Peakpulse0]

@Pallavi-Reddy0 Even with clear policies, guests still ask—and sometimes leave bad reviews when declined.

Here’s how to handle it effectively:

1. Reframe it as a perk – Early check-in available if the schedule allows, for a small fee.

2. Automate a polite response – “We’d love to help, but our team needs this time to ensure a spotless stay for you and our next guests.”

3. Use smart locks – Control access times to align with your policy.

4. Send a pre-check-in FAQ – Reinforce check-in/out times early to set expectations.

5. If a bad review comes in – Respond calmly: “We aim to accommodate when possible, but we follow strict cleaning timelines to maintain quality.”

The key is setting boundaries with clarity and professionalism, while keeping guest experience top of mind.

[Pallavi-Reddy0]

Such a wonderful thought process . I love the way you framed it 

I will try to adopt the approach 

Thank you 

regards 

pallavi