How Are You Preparing for Last-Minute Bookings in 2025?

[Daniel14106]

Last-minute bookings can be both a challenge and an opportunity. How do you handle last-minute reservations in 2025? Do you have any strategies for managing availability, cleaning, or guest communication efficiently? Share your tips for turning last-minute requests into great experiences for both you and your guests.

[Elisa]

Hi @Daniel14106 😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question here, it’s really interesting!

When did you start hosting?

I’m tagging a few hosts to share how they manage this: @Kelly2345, @Peace-Stays0, @Karody0, @Julian2121, @Kim4581, @Karen4309 and @Ketan21.

Thank you in advance everyone!

It’s also worth checking out this previous conversation about 👉 How do you handle last-minute booking requests? 

Warm regards 🌻

[Helen3]

As a guest what's your interest in host management issues @Daniel14106 

[Arz545]

Last-minute bookings can be tricky but also exciting! In 2025, flexibility is key! Keeping a real-time availability calendar, automating guest communication, and having a fast turnaround cleaning process can make a huge difference. Also, dynamic pricing helps attract last-minute guests while maximizing revenue. What strategies are working best for you this year? Let’s share tips!

[Fiona256]

Simple - just be prepared for guests at all times. Don't leave work pending. Reply promptly to communications. If you have to be away, organise someone to deal with issues.

[Kim4581]

I am currently less concerned on how to handle last minute bookings and more on how to get bookings at all. It has been a while. Airbnb sent a message that January and February are slow months... but goodness, they were worse than slow.

[Marie8425]

@Kim4581 

Just a thought but limitations on your calendar are controlling your booking lack.  Your ad tells me good for contractor workers but your calendars block off business days.    Your as has to match what your calendar offers.  I do mostly contractor workers and usually the shortest stay is 30 days in a row.  Many will do extensions and stay for 90 or 120 days.

[Kim4581]

Last year we mostly had people who stayed with us to go to the Sequoia National Park for a day or two. We have the rooms (two of them) set up for 3 day weekends or 5 day weekends. We already have a couple of bookings during the national park season this summer. Not sure why we would entertain guests staying 60-90 days?

Thanks!!!

[Kim4581]

I went back to our site and I saw the advertisements for professional people. I totally goofed on this and Marie is totally right. I will be removing those ASAP. THANKS!!!

[Marie8425]

@Kim4581 

That is a good plan.  Your ad confuses Guests because it is all about work .  Just make your ad speak to the right potential Guest.

[Kim4581]

THANKS @Marie8425 !!! Appreciate the valuable input!!!