Booking for family members

[Jackie26]

Hi there!

An Airbnb guest with one positive review, wants to book for her Grandmother.  Would you allow it?  What would you say to the guest if yes, or no?

[Allison2]

The potential problems are communication - does her Grandma understand how Airbnb works, does what you offer fit with her needs? Will you be communicating with the granddaughter as a go-between? (this can get frustrating, playing telephone to get arrival times, etc)

And reviews - if they do leave one, it's not really from the granddaughter's direct experience.

It's also against Airbnb's TOS, so if you end up in a bad situation they may not back you up as much as with a regular reservation.

I have allowed a third party reservation (a local business hosting consultants). It's going to come down to what your gut feel is on the situation.

[Fiona2]

I wouldn't allow it and have been in similar situations before.

I would just tell the granddaughter the truth, Airbnb doesn't permit it. Lots of people do it but they are playing with fire. I would tell the granddaughter she can help grandma set up her own account and manage it but realize you'll probably not be communicating directly with grandma through the system so may have to go over House Rules, etc. with her in person.

[Jackie26 · Accepted solution]

Yes, I agree, I just want to make sure I am covered.  Thanks for your thoughts!

[Wil6]

I have a similar situation ; a granddaughter (with 2 reviews, one of which wasn't great) made an instant booking for her grandmother to stay at mine for a week in April. I'm not 100% comfortable with hosting someone other than the person making the booking, but also realise not all ppl may be comfortable with the Airbnb booking system and I've noticed there will be penalties if I cancel the booking. 

Any advice?