Do most hosts prefer an inquiry message prior to booking

[Timmy1]

Hi Community, 

I am a "newbie"  this will be my first AirBnB expierence.  I have been going through listings to find the right one.  I have been reading all the reviews with an open mind, checking all the house rules,  descriptions, viewing photos, checking location on maps.   I have looked at all the help segments, been through the disscussion boards in the Community Center to get more familarized with the process.  I saved AirBnB number in my phone (Seamed like that was talked about in almost every  disscussions and nobody knew where to get it).  I setup my profile,  uploaded a picture got my information verfied (phone , id, email ect.) I typed up a little bio about me.  I think I am ready to book.  As far as hosts, do you prefer to get an inquiry message prior to booking an Instant Booking?  I don't want bother the host, I know they have lives of their own, busy schedules, ect.  But I also know most would like to know something about a person before letting a stranger in their house.  I also know how quickly the hosts responds back plays a factor on them as their rating status.  So that's why I don't want to bother them.   I am sure at times it's over whelming getting a million messages before someone books.     Being new I just want make sure I have all my I's dotted my T's crossed.  I have zero reviews, so I have to sell myself with a friendly smile.

Thank you 

[Tim-and-Holly0]

Hosts are just like other people. Their answer to your question will be just as myriad as the world's population! Here's the general rule, however. If a host is Instant Book feel free to instant book, but it is nice to explain about your trip and the people coming with you in your first message. Instant book hosts still like to know about their guests so they can plan accordingly. For instance, honeymooners might get flowers, vacationers might get brochures, etc. Also, an Instant Book host still has the right to refuse accomodations if they feel uncomfortable with the guest so you do want to get off on the right foot.

Any host who is not instant book will require an inquiry.

Here are some ideas to include in your first message to any host:

1. The reason for your trip to my town.

2. Who is in your group (wife, husband, brothers, sisters, best friends, etc.).

3. Approximate arrival time.

4. Any questions you may have about my place.

5. Any questions about the local area such as things to see or visit or where to eat. Be sure to lists some of your interests, though so we can tailor our reply to what would be best for you.

6. Any special needs you may have. (People with allergies have requested we remove offending foods.)

And when all is said and done- be ready for a great trip staying in a great host's home!

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

Along the lines of @Tim-and-Holly0's answer, we're an Instant book ready location.  If you choose to book with us directly, with no reviews, be prepared to answer a number of questions after the fact. We have to make an assessment pretty quick that you are shifty so we can cancel.  If you send an inquiry, we're likely to ask the same-ish questions, but the investment of time from our standpoint is far less.  You may or may not book, so it's still a casual conversation.  So really, it's up to you.  Do you want to get to know the host more before booking or are you okay with anonymity and just being okay with what you've booked.  Hosts are as different as guests.  

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

Hi @Timmy1 you seems like a perfect guest who has done his homework 🙂 I would do the same if I  would like to book a room. And I would send inquiry to my potential host before I decide to book, just to make sure his calendar is up to date and we match each other.

As hosts , we have instant book and our guests can book our place without the inqury but we always ask them few questions:

- estimate (and later the exact) time of arrival because we don't live on the property

- bed arrangement ; if they want 2 single beds or 1 double bed, how much bedrooms etc

- do they need transport from the airport and if so, what is their flight number 

We are also open to all questions and info regarding our town, tourist attractions, services etc...

Yes, we like when our guests send us the inquiry before they book, or at least when they keep in touch before or during their stay 🙂