Ugh. We’re just guaranteed, no matter what, to get burned when we go against our ‘normal’ aren’t we? I think you’re suspicions re the good reviews are right @Christine615. I would put everything else aside and just focus on the fact that these folks were plain disrespectful and gross. It doesn’t matter whether you were once a host or not, cleaning up after yourself is basic manners. And no, I don’t think you’re being grouchy. I mean, ripping up your hand written instructions? That almost seems aggressive.
“Blah blah whatever nice thing you can find to say. Unfortunately, our house rules were disregarded and and cleaning hours beyond the norm were required with X and family. We would not care to host again.”
“At 7am we received a message from another guest…” I got caught by this recently too. One very bad review among two nice ones. I declined, citing concern over the bad review. Guest argues back. I neglect to block the dates. Next night an inquiry for the same dates rolls in. I instantly realize it’s the girlfriend of this guy. Brand new profile no info no verifications, nothing. I said no to her question. Got distracted, still didn’t block the dates (MY BAD WHEN WILL I LEARN??) and a few hours later another request comes in. OMG, already. It’s clearly an associate of this same guy. Just won’t quit. These people are so persistent I’m now afraid they’ll slip through somehow, someday.
I used to get so many requests for early check in. I would agree, stress and bust my hump to get things ready, and they’d roll in a few hours AFTER check in. I got so tired of this that I put something in my house rules about it (Covid has been a convenient and valid reason to just say no). Now if a guest asks, I know they didn’t read my house rules. “As mentioned in our house rules, so sorry we can’t accommodate early check in.” Very few of my guests are flying in, and they can arrange their arrival to fit the listed check in time, or go do some sightseeing or something. Lots to do around here.