How to ensure guests are honest about number of guests

[Jene-Patrick0]

A large number of my guests enter “1” as the total number of guests but almost from their very first message say things like “we” will get there at.... or “we” thank you, we, we, we.   So it’s clear they are trying to cheat me out of money.   I already don’t charge a cleaning fee or any extra charges for that matter... but do charge $5 additional for each additional guest over “1”.   If I catch their “we” slip before they check in I Always mention them to correct the number of guests before they get here. They almost always completely ignore my question and then slip in and out without ever doing it. I’m afraid if I push the issue they will give me a very undeserved core review and or may not come back… I have a booking message they received at the time of their booking that asked them again very professionally to please be sure they Add the correct number of guest but it has not seem to help. Because they can self check in without me ever laying eyes on them and they know it they just end up being very dishonest to save themselves a few bucks… But with two Airbnb‘s in my building and the fact that half of them are doing this it screws me out of a few hundred dollars every month. I thought about giving them a poor review in the area of communication and in House rules since  being dishonest in that area really covers both… As well as not recommending them even if they were good guests  otherwise. If everybody did that maybe this dishonest practice by the guests would stop. What are others do it out there to combat this situation?

[Paul1255]

Hi @Jene-Patrick0 

Apart from what you're already doing, you could also make an alteration to the number of guests from your side- but I suppose that would only work if you know exactly how many are coming!

Otherwise you could think about adding that extra $5 ($15 if you can take a max of 4 guests in your listing) to the nightly rate as standard to ensure you don't have to worry about guests booking for the correct number of guests, or just pricing for the maximum capacity?

I don't know if you already factor in your "cleaning fee" into the nightly rate or not, and if adding more to the nightly rate prices you out of the market or not.

Paul.

[Ben4128]

My Air BnB apartment sleeps 2 couples or 4 people total.  There is not additional couch or sleeping arrangements available.  I see 6 adults coming and going from the AirBnB.  What are my options?

[Gwen386]

@Jene-Patrick0 Honestly, if hosts would just STOP being scared of getting a bad review, I think that would help immensely. You are also worried they may not come back. Why? I wouldn’t want them to come back if they can’t be honest and follow house rules. 

Be matter of fact. Say upfront—Only 1 or X number of registered guests allowed. Reservation will be cancelled at check-in if unregistered guests enter the property. You said this happens a lot. Then also increase your daily rate and add a cleaning fee. 

Another option is not to have self check-in. 

[Gwen386]

@Jene-Patrick0 I just noticed that you are advertising 4 guests on each listing. I suggest changing that to 2 guest per listing. Both listings look small to comfortably accommodate 4 people. Just my 2 cents. 

[Helen744]

@Jene-Patrick0 this often happens . i do not blame the guest but simply send them a message saying , hello , whoever, are you aware this is a three bed house/ If you are travelling alone then there are other places probably more convenient and more suitable . or , if i know for sure that they are travelling with more people I ask them to check the guest numbers and add the correct numbers of everyone travelling 'including themselves'I also ask for ID of all adult guests who will be arriving and asak about any extras they may need ,such as porta cota ,and remind them that i am available for any other enquiries before they arrive . in other words , dont create an anxious or angry guest or a conflict if you can sort it out before they arrive , just make sure everyone is on the same page . You are the host . They are the guest . H

[Helen744]

there are guests who travel alone and want a whole house H