Host (as a guest) to Host Communication: WWYD?

[Jennifer1421]

Hi All:

Looking for advice, here...

My partner and I are traveling to Egypt next month. We booked our first 4 nights in Cairo on Dec.27, and I messaged the host as part of our booking, asking him for recommendations for a luggage drop-off prior to check in, as our flight gets in at 6am local time. I didn't receive a reply, so I sent a prompt a couple of days ago, which continues to be unanswered. For some reason, I'm unable to find his phone number on the booking (likely the reason is idiocy), or I'd try calling him too (once I figured out the time difference, so I'm not calling him at a stupid time, obvs).

I know from reading his profile that he works out in the desert, so perhaps he's been unable to retrieve messages. Given the trouble with Co-hosts not having access to messages lately, I'm wondering if that is the issue. Regardless, I'm starting to get a bit antsy about the booking, given the lack of communication, and given the reviews he's gotten about how excellent all other guests have found communication to be. This seems out of character for the host...unless the reviews are bogus - which I don't think they are.

I'm starting to get uncomfortable about the booking. I'd like to be proactive, and I still have a little better than a month to figure this out, but I'm not quite sure how to proceed. I don't really want to cancel, but I also don't want to be arriving in Cairo at 6 am without a plan. I also don't want to be one of "those" hosts who are a pain in the butt. Maybe I'm being unreasonable about not hearing from him yet? Just because I get in touch immediately with all guests, doesn't mean everyone does, I suppose.

What would you all do?

[Marie82]

If guests asked a question I reply to the question myself if no question asked an automatic message will be sent. 

[Helen350]

@Jennifer1421 When someone IBs my rooms, I always message straight away to reassure the guest that I will be expecting them. I know I personally would be greatly reassured by such an acknowledgement if I were a guest, so I hate to think my guests might be stressing as to whether the booking reached me. (Unlikely they'd think mine was a fake with 300 reviews.)

- But not everyone thinks like us, I guess?!

[Jennifer1421]

That's exactly the way I think, @Helen350. Maybe we're a little too "Type A"?

I just wish my host would come back to me, so I can quit stressing (even though it's likely needless stress).

[Alexandra316]

@Jennifer1421 I also think it's common courtesy to acknowledge the booking, even if there are no questions from the guest, and I can understand why you feel like you're being left hanging.

[Emily487]

@Jennifer1421 

You can also call CS and ask them to contact the host via email or text to let him know that you are trying to contact him to firm up details of your stay. I've done this as a co-host with guests who have not responded to questions of mine and it worked out just fine. 

[Jennifer1421]

Thanks @Emily487 This may need to happen but I'd like to avoid involving CS if I can.

I'm going to give it a full week from my prompt, and try to get in touch directly. I really do suspect that the issue is the co-hosting bug. It's clear from the host's profile and reviews that he works "away" and that he does have a co-host onsite.

I think from the replies here, I'm maybe being a bit paranoid, or my expectations for communication need some adjustment downward 🙂

[Jennifer1421]

Just got a message from my host. I was obviously stressing needlessly! Thanks to you all for your feedback 🙂