Guest asking to host a High Tea

[Kylie231]

We have been asked by a guest if she can host a high tea and stay for 2 nights… with 6 guests staying but high tea during the day. And she said she is unsure of the exact numbers. I am unsure what to do here…. Any advice would be wonderful thank you 

[Vivek143 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Kylie231 

This is a fairly common situation, and the key is to set clear boundaries upfront before accepting the booking

I’d suggest going back to the guest and asking for a rough estimate of the number of people for the high tea, along with timings.

If you’re comfortable, you can allow a small, controlled gathering during the day while keeping your house rules in place.

To keep things smooth, you can mention:

A maximum number of visitors allowed

Fixed time window for the high tea

No parties, loud music, or disturbance

Only registered guests can stay

overnight

Position it positively — something like you’re happy to accommodate as long as it remains a small and respectful gathering.

This way, you stay flexible, increase your chances of securing the booking, and still protect your property.

Let me know if it helps 👍🏻 

[Greystone0]

Hi @Kylie231  - for me, I would say "no, thank you".  She should locate a listing or rent a hotel with facilities that can accommodate her needs.

It's a red flag - not having a number of people and 'high tea' is not helpful and doesn't sound particularly truthful - that's a party and there is a party ban on AIRBNB.

I would not do this. And I would add some content in your listing like "6 is the maximum for day use or overnight use, if you require more please search for something that will fit your needs"

OR if you really want to host more then plan for it like: day use is $50 per person above 6 or whatever, with a maximum of "XX" total.

But for me, I would not open that can of worms it just leads to 'more'. Like if you say "6" you get "8" and if you say "10" you get "15" and so on. It is a problem here with AIRBNB as they do not help set guest expectations when it comes to following occupancy nor will they help you if this guest causes you any issues and you allowed a 'party' as that is against AIRBNB policy.

good luck!

[Helen3]

Hi @Kylie231 

I agree with @Greystone0 

I would say to the guest she's welcome to organise a high tea for the number of guests that will be staying at the listing but 🥅 f she has additional visitors you are happy to recommend local venues that offer high tea . 

[Sebastine1]

That’s very good Helen let’s work together huh 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Kylie231 

My honest take (based on experience) “Unsure of numbers” = high risk.

The red flag isn’t the tea  it’s “unsure of numbers.” That’s exactly how small gatherings quietly turn into 15–30 people.

[Frances3408]

@Kylie231 . Sounds like a Hen's party.