Additional guests. . .

[Cherkea0]

I am new to the hosting game, but I just had a guest decide to bring three extra people in addition to the three already booked.  I am not sure what to do in this situation.  My one bedroom can't handle that many people!  Should I just cancel?  

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Cherkea0

If you cancel then you will be penalised with a financial penalty and your calendar will be blocked for those dates.

Tell you guests that the appartment cannot accommodate that number and suggest that they either find another place close by for the extra guests, or THEY cancel and find a larger place.

If you are uncomfortable that your guests are going to bring the extra people anyway then contact AirBnB and ask them to cancel as you are not happy with them as guests.

[Cherkea0]

Thank you for the response!  I was worried about the repurcussions.  I'm on hold with AirBnB now.  

[Joanna85]

I just had the same exact situation happen.  Let me know how it turns out.  I am not willing to pay the fee..$50 and I"m also not wanting to have the date blocked because it's like the fourth busiest night of the year here....so I"m curious to find out how it pans out for you!

[Cherkea0]

After waiting on hold for 40 minutes to talk to the case manager, I was told that I would be called back.  I still haven't been a day later.  I did send a message to the guest.  I told her that my one bedroom apartment is not suitable for six people and asked her to cancel the booking.  She didn't, but said that she won't bring the extra people.  I guess at this point I just trust her.  I'm considering 'changing' her booking to charge her additional money.  Has anyone ever done that?

[Joanna85]

Yeah- I am not surprised they are giving you a bit of run around. My guest (and possible mutlitple guests) are here only for one night...so I really am on the fence.  I definately don't want to be charged $50 and have the night blocked.  I will probably take my chances.  Worst case he brings all those people while he knows I"m in bed sleeping and they clog up the plumbing or flood the bathroom (which has happened before with younger guests who went out all night partying!).  Now I have been doing this a while I know how to avoid this mistake in the future...DECLINE the booking before they book if I have a sense it may not be what my room and plumbing can handle!  There is a learning curve to Airbnb and I have to remind myself there really is not customer service like how I would like.  I enjoy talking problems out with a live person who can make suggestions....but the customer service isn't geared towards that.  This really is designed DIY ...which is great if you are a guest--guests aren't subject to much recourse. The customer is always right....!!! That can be frustrating for us hosts!

[Elia0]

Hi everyone, I have guests right now in my house. They have booked it for 5 people and then one day before they come told me that there is a sixth person staying for one week. When I asked for the extra charge of 15 euros, they told me that they owe me only two nights instead of six because there were staying only three at the first and last night. I think this is unfair since I have prepared and made all the beds for six and had to do all the laundry for six. I really do not think it is my business to count at every time how many people are coming and going. What do I do. Should I change the number of the guests in my listing and charge them with the extra 90 euros or should I pay them only 30 as they stated. Otherwise they said, the extra person is going to move to another airbnb site in my town!! My house is not a hostel to charge by the day and the bed, it is a six person villa. Please let me know what to do. Thank you in advance for your help. Elia

[Elia0]

Dear All,

I have an extra guest and the people that I have already in my premise denied to pay for the extra guest saying that what they have paid for the 5 guests are enough to cover the extra fee for the additional guest. I sent them an alteration to the reservation from 5 to 6 with the 90 euros extra for the 6th person and they have denied my alteration and the extra charges. I do not want to confront them, I am embarassed with the whole situation and do not want to become hostile over 90 euros and go to the resolution center. But for me apart from money is a matter of respect, respecting one's property and business. I do not run a hostel for people coming and going as they wish.

Please let me know of my choises, what to do, just let it be and not confront them at all, or pursuit the matter at the resolution center.

I wish AirBnB could email them instead of me.

Best

Elia 

[Cherkea0]

I would definitely ask them for the additional funds or, better yet, compromise and request a portion of the extra.  If you word it in a way that shows you want to work with them, but don't want to be taken advantage of, then it could work out in your favor.  I found it a difficult situation to be in because I don't like confrontation.  However, it is your home.  If you have a chance to give AirBnB a call, you should.  They will try to find a resolution on your behalf.  It just takes them longer.

Sorry I don't have more words of encouragement!  

[Elia0]

Dear Cherkea,

thank you very much for your encourangement. I did try to word it as kind as possible, because like you I do not like disputes. I think that I will do nothing and try to calculate the days for them to leave the house. It really crossed my mind to send a request for the portion of the money but it does not worth the trouble altogether. 

Thank you very much for your time.