We just had a 30ish single man stay with us for 5 days while in town for academic reasons. He pointed out that he was a PHD candidate, even though I never asked (I assume that was to instill trust on my part, as anyone with a PHD has obviously reached the pinnacle of human evolution ). He checked out yesterday morning and we went in to clean (another guest arriving same day). There was oil all over the tv and soundbar remotes, sprinkled here and there on the floor, and a solid patch almost a foot wide on the top of the duvet cover. We supply olive oil and other things for cooking (my guess is that is what it was), but you guys out there probably can think of other uses for it. It's no secret that most men are pigs, but we seem to go mental when we're out of town and unchaperoned. I can picture the ladies reading this saying "ewwwww..." but I digress... anyway, the duvet cover is ruined, evident after 2 washings (it is a solid taupe color and the stain sticks out like a sore thumb). This is not the first time an expensive cover has been ruined (usually by a single male). We just replaced it with a "busier" looking hotel-type pattern, but my question is:
- Is this just a cost of doing business? The booking generated about $400 for us, and cost $140. Shorter stays with the same damage are basically a wash. Should I open a claim or not?
Also, he has reviewed us, but I don't really know how to approach his review, especially the private feedback. "Hey, uh, just a suggestion... maybe next time you "cook" with oil, try not to get it on the fabrics. Or the living room floor. Or the remotes. The couch is leather, so that's probably cool." I hate giving bad reviews, but in addition to ruining the cover, there were beard clippings all over the bathroom floor (the size of hamsters), Dorito crumbs on virtually ever inch of the floor, used Kleenex (probably a biological hazard) under the couch, etc. How much are hosts expected to tolerate before leaving a neg review? I have had people leave negative comments about things beyond my control (street noise, summer temperatures, etc.) Would appreciate your thoughts...
...and yes, I'm getting rid of the oil in the cupboards...