Guests won't eat, drink or write reviews

[Renee38]

Whenever a guest arrives, I say "Welcome home." I smile, shake hands, help with luggage, chat about them and offer refreshments. I tour them around the house, show them the bagels, single-serve juices, Keurig coffee makers and other complimentary refreshments for them, I show them the cabinets and drawers where the glasses, plates, forks and snacks are stored and the bowl of fresh fruit on the table. I move my car out of the garage and hand them the clicker. In response to all my efforts, I have had guests who hole up on their rooms and barely speak to me when they exit or enter my home. They don't touch any of the food, beverages, snacks or fruit. And they don't post reviews. Why is this happening?

[Lilian20]

Agree with @Carol90 - how can you guess people's taste ?

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

We have a small self contained camper.  We provide coffee and decaf coffee (ground coffee not instant) , herbal and regular teas, hot chocolate, soy, almond and cows' milk, canned sparkling juice, butter, margarine, jams, maple syrup, pancake mix, English muffins, eggs, microwave popcorn, instant oatmeal and some shelf stable packages of precooked rice and canned beans. 

A hungry traveler could make themselves a good meal if they wanted to.  If they were on a budget they could eat  supper and a nice breakfast for free.

I would say that once stocked we spend  only $2  to $3 per guest to replenish some of the food.  The milks and drinks are all shelf stable and once opened, if no guests are expected, we take any leftovers to our home to use them up.  The guests have to cook for themselves and clean up after themselves.  Some eat/drink everything and others don't.  I feel really good about opening the fridge and cupboards and showing them what is available.  They are pleased and impressed. 

If they don't partake I just figure they have different dietary requirements or preferences.  I don't worry about it.

@MicheleandLouw0  I want to visit Botswana now!!!

Kerrin

@CityLimitsRanch

[Ron66]

The ONE time I provided a complimentary snack item and beverage (other than a wrapped chocolate treat like hotels do) the guest gave a bad review. Not related to the freebie snack, but the dog barked a bit too much for his liking, that I wasn't around much at all (the week my wife had our first baby and two of those days were at the hospital!). So I said, "That's it." Less is more for some folks and I certainly don't earn enough from the listings to supply amenities without charging so for my wife and I it's not worth it. Having said that, we've had some conversations with guests we've shared a bottle of wine, and some cheese with. (Cheese they bought, wine we had...post-partum of course!) lol

[Steve2743]

Sounds like conflicting expectations to me. Socialising is exhausting work for me. The last thing I want to do after a day out exploring is to come back and socialise with people. I just want to come back to my room/suite, and read a book, or watch a movie. For that reason, I don't host guests in my personal suite, just the spare basement suite. In over a year of hosting, I've only had two guests who wanted me to come down and visit. It was thoroughly enjoyable both times, but I'm certainly glad it's only twice a year, and not every guest. 

Others might feel awkward coming into someone's home, and eating their food (this is me also). Or they might be gluten intolerant, of have other food sensitivities. 

If you're the type who needs to socialise to relax, I'd mention something about it in the "Guest Interaction" section. In mine, it says "Having the whole suite to yourself, you'll be able to enjoy your stay in privacy. However, I live in the suite upstairs, and am home most evenings (or a short drive away), if there's anything you need." You could say something like " I enjoy evenings at home, socialising in guests". It would attract people who are more like yourself, while people like myself would turn tail and run to the next listing. 

[Mark234]

I agree with Taylor's basic message, but her delivery is shameful...who the hell do you think you are to speak to others that way?

@Renee38 Just remember that not all guests are interested in anything social.  My wife and I joke all the time that guests are not renting 'us'...they're renting out place!  We're just a bonus 😉