Cleaning and new bed linen for two week reservation

[Jessica164]

Hi,

This is our first ever reservation and it's for two weeks. The guest has asked for the cleaner to come and clean and give them new bed linen and towels in the middle of the booking. I don't know if this should be included or whether they should be responsible for paying. 

We really want a positive first review. I think that because of that we will pay this time, but usually who is responsible on longer term bookings (though not that long...)?

Any feedback gratefully received!

Thank you,

Jessica

[Sandra126]

Absolutely offer midstay cleaning, it helps you too since the property will be kept an eye on and the cleaning up to date. I think you need more than one clean over the two weeks, but one is better than none. I would not charge, it is in your best interest to do it as well as giving the guest the best experience. Two weeks without a clean? Not so nice.

[Jessica164]

Thank you for the quick response!

We didn't think about mid-stay cleaning before as they have extended and so it wasn't an issue before. But on the strength of your response I have just told them that we will sort everything. It was a bit tricky as this booking came immediately and our spare set of linen hasn't been delivered yet!! But we are able to borrow, and our cleaner is FAB, so everything should work out OK. 

Thank you,

Jessica

[Ira4]

@Jessica164 congratulations for your first reservation! I wish you the best! 

Now, I agree with @Sandra126 that if you enter the house and have it clean with your responsibility, it will help you have a better control on the place's condition. Of course, it will also be a good service for your guests and they will be satisfied. 

How I see it: Especially If I made the cleaning myself, I wouldn't charge it in a case like that, if I hadn't written about it in my listing. For the first time, I would clean the place myself for them and later on, I would add on my text that when the guests stay more than one week, they can ask for a mid-stay cleaning, which will have an extra charge. This charge can be made through Airbnb, as you can modify the reservation and add an extra amount to the total.

About the linens and towels, that's what I do: 

When the booking is more than 3 days, I give an extra pair of towels for each guest and if they book for more than 5 days, I give an extra set of linens. I have the linens and sheets in the closets and when the guests want, they change them. I have a basket where they can put the old ones. I also have a washing machine, so they can even wash them if they want. 

I describe all these in my listing's description. 

That's the important thing, I think. Anything you do, just be sure that you describe it clearly in your listing. 

Ira

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[Giovanni103]

Yes, agree to do it this time, but especially if they are also first timers you should let them know that this is an house sharing service and that while you are sharing your apartment with them, they are responsible for it as if it was their own, including the upkeeping. Many first timers don't realize that for the price they are paying they can't expect the same services they are used to get in 4 stas hotels. . .  Then also include something in your description or whenever you get booking requests for longer stays mention something about it.

I had a similar issue where two guests soiled about 6-7 huge bath sheets during a 4 day stay. . .I keep all the clean towels rolled up in the bathroom above the door and place two towels on the bed for the guests to use.  I assumed people would understand that they should limit themselves to those I left on the bed for them. . .I was wrong and eventually had to mention something in my guidebook about it and saying I will charge them more for the additional laundry.