@Huma0
Yes, I know. I've ditched so many lately. More than in our entire history. Not always because they seem "bad", sometimes it's because they missed something important, and when I mention it, they vanish.
For example, had a nice enquiry from what appeared to be a nice couple. They were enthusiastic, and really wanted to book it. I nicely reminded them that booking for two means they have one bedroom prepared. It's written in our listing. They can have another bedroom for 20€ per night. But she was apparently offended by that and left in a bit of a huff. Scared her off, I guess. Probably better off.
Quite a few others have been pretty obviously "off". Demanding, rude... As if I'm supposed to be desperate for their (ultra cheap off season) booking and should acquiesce to any demand. It's unnerving sometimes.
But that's how it always is in the off season, when prices drop. It's like a magnet for weirdos. Extra vigilance is in order.
But this year has been exceptional. Not only because of the many I have to ditch, but inexplicably, we've also had amazingly strong bookings from very apparently quality guests. All this after I switched to the full commission model and raised high season prices by 25%. We're currently fully booked for the summer, with the spring nearly fully booked and a few good bookings in the autumn. Never have we booked up this early in the season. I can't figure it out. I'm not complaining, I just can't identify why.
Now, we're a different animal than you, as you're a share host, and we're a whole villa. By the way, I've just had a peek at your listings, and frankly, they're gorgeous. Really. I'm really impressed. I'd book it! Gorgeous. But I can see why you'd be wary of couples. You have to live with them 🤨
On that topic, despite being a villa comfortably accomodating 8 pax, in the off season, we love couples. And that's why we make it affordable for them, by changing the price model in the winter to a "per person per night" arrangement rather than "one price whole villa" as we do in summer. It would be too expensive for 2 or 4 pax.
Couples are great. They don't stay up all night, don't party, don't have kids spilling things on the floor, are generally very clean and respectful. We only have to heat one bedroom, one set of bedding to be laundered. And couples love it because they have all this space to themselves. For two, it's a palace. So we price it to attract them. More people, higher price. More bedrooms.
Although the occasional Einstein makes it through the gauntlet, books it for two, intending to bring 3 or more, assuming they can sneak others in and use the other bedrooms, but unfortunately, they're locked, so they find themselves either sleeping on the couch (not nice) 😉, or putting their money on the table.
Anyway, again, lovely rooms you have. May you be graced with guests who truly appreciate them!