Sent a special offer didnt receive a reply. Does that mean the dates are reserved?

[Grainne36]

As a new host I recently received an enquiry about a 5 week stay at my property asking if the price could be reduced for the longer stay. I amended the price and sent a special offer. I got an update that the guests who had made the enquiry had 24 hrs to respond to the special offer. In the meantime I received another booking request overlapping with some of the dates. Once the 24 hours past I replied to the special offer long-stay enquiry to say as I had ot heard back from them the offer had expired but there was no button to decline their request. I have since accepted the shorter stay booking. I am now concerned I could have a double-booking situation although the long-stay enquiry is not listed as a reservation in my dashboard, I simply did not hear back from them. How can I ensure they know the dates are no longer available and they do not think they have booked these dates?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Grainne36 Don't worry - If it is not accepted then you will not have a double booking and it will not be possible for the guest to accept once you take another booking.

When guests inquire about a booking you have the choice of blocking the dates for them or not. Generally, unless you have had a lot of conversations, it is best not to block the dates as some guests make multiple inquiries.

[Helen744]

@Grainne36 send them a message to say ," although a special offer was sent ,it was not accepted within the time frame of 24 hours so the offer has lapsed and the days that you had previously requested are no longer available. Please check our calendar again and see if other dates may suit you better or if you have booked elsewhere, then we will see you next time"   guests often simply book something else and do not tell you . It is sometimes better to verbally say , yes we would love to host you , and you are now able to book ,so please do so to make a reservation for those dates, holding pattern . It does not block others from booking. If your guest is courteous they will tell you what has happened. H