We joined Airbnb a little over 3 months ago.
Using Instant Book seemed to be a great idea for all of the reasons that Airbnb listed as "benefits".
In reality, we have had numerous guest Instant Book our property and saying it is only for 1 person but were actually planning very large, out of control parties.
5 times our property has been damaged, or items stolen/items destroyed and the neighbors disturbed...all by guest who have lied about the purpose of their stay.
Although we have had many NUMEROUS contacts with customer service seeking ideas and resolutions, they have offered little to no assistance nor any resolution.
So we continued getting Instant Book[ings] from people who did not accurately represent themselves or the purpose of their stay having parties which we emphatically state is not allowed. It's listed 1st in the listing's Description and in the interations with the guest when messaging.
Even with Instant Book off, we get the same in Inquiries.
Airbnb is now penalizing us by denying us the option of Instant Book. Their reason: excessive cancellations!
But Instant Book cancellations are supposed to be PENALTY FREE if the guest does not meet the House Rules.
When we asked them why we are being penalized if Instant Book is supposed to be penalty-free,and as they are aware of our NUMEROUS attempts to resolve such issues with Airbnb customer care?
Their answer; "this is what we have decided, but you will soon have access to Instant Book, again".
That's not addressing the "penalty free" guarantee.
So, although we have 5-Star ratings and many guest compliments, our listing is not getting the attention that it deserves because of Airbnb's decision not to support host whose guest abuse the house rules!
THIS IS VERY, VERY UNFAIR
Frustrated by the lack of customer service support and/or our own possible lack of experience, we joined the Airbnb commmunity to get help.
We must not be the only Host experiencing this Instant Book nightmare, right?
We now send Special Offers to Inquiries who answer the reason for their stay is "to have a party" with an upcharge for the total number of guest they will be entertaining.
So far, most decline to book due to the hight cost of throwing parties, we therefore are not the ones declining inquiries.
Actually, not all of our guest have been bad. For the good ones, we love them and we find that if all of the guest acknowledge the house rules, Airbnb would be a great business venture.