Does anyone else block off bedrooms in their large rental if only 1 or 2 people book?

[Dean-And-Stacey0]

We have a 3 bedroom 2 bath Airbnb.  We charge extra for extra guests. 

In the past, we had a reservation for 2 people for the home, and 7 showed up with 4 cars.

To prevent this from happening in the future, we now block off and lock the extra bedroom(s) if only 1-2 people book the home.  We tell people in the listing, as well as when they book, that this is what we do to make it clear.

We haven't had any issues, until last night.  We received a reservation for 2 people for next week.  I clarified with them that the 3rd bedroom would be blocked off, but that 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms would still be available.  She told me she had never heard of this and didn't understand why I was doing it.  I explained our position and she continued to get defensive.  She hasn't canceled her reservation, but she got me wondering.

My question -Does anyone else block off the extra rooms?  Are we being unreasonable?  Should we not block off the extra rooms and just deal with the situation as it comes up if it happens in the future?

[Helen3]

sounds like she was planning on bringing additional guests @Dean-And-Stacey0 

[Lisa1831]

@Dean-And-Stacey0 

Your listing is somewhat confusing because it is for an entire place but only under certain circumstances .

So at the beginning of the listing desciption place the information about the rooms being closed off.  You currently have it at the end. So I am suggesting you add it also to the beginning - thus making sure it is clear from the beginning. 

[Dean-And-Stacey0]

@Lisa0That is a good idea.  I hadn't thought of that.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Dean-And-Stacey0 

we have a similar situation and we don't lock rooms.

I would suggest you set your base price for as many guests as separated places for sleeping you have. For example, if you have 3 bedrooms + living room with sofa bed then set your base price for 4 guests.

Ask your guests which beds would they like to use ( 1 double bed or 2 twin beds in 1 room or separate rooms?) and other beds leave with just a waterproof sheet and a decorative cover.

You can also prepare just 2 towels per guest.

if they bring more people then booked you will have the same amount of laundry and they will not feel very comfortable 🙂

[Christine615]

I have not had to do it. But I did have one strange thing happen. I booked a single married couple (2 people) and thought it would be an easy time cleaning the apartment. Nope - they slept in every single bed. I had as much work as when there are 4-5 people.  I don't lock the doors because I want people to be able to see the whole apartment but lordy - there are some people who just defy any logic.

[Sarah977]

@Christine615  I'd imagine they were spicing up their sex life 🙂 Or playing Goldilocks- this one is too soft, this one is too hard, this one is just right. Would have been nice if they'd used the same sheets on each bed, though.

[Christine615]

Lol. I’m trying not to imagine it. I now keep gloves for the socks and underwear I find on occasion. Sigh. Those sheets get a sanitize wash cycle for sure and we now keep a separate closet with sheets and towels just for my family to use. Lol!

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Christine615 

That's why we don't make all beds, just as many beds as people booked. We ask them in advance which beds they want to use.

I don't understand why hosts would make 5 beds for 2 people? I mean... even if they don't sleep on all of them they will probably put their suitcase or clothes on them and then you have to check all beds for dust, stains, hair...  and wash it.  It's a waste of time, electricity, detergents...

[Christine615]

I do it because it’s our personal space (our second home) and I like it to not look transient. Also because it gives people a choice. But you make a good point.

So far most of my guests have been respectful about treating my house like they’re family guests. Only had two oddballs that didn’t. 

[Jayesh5]

@Branka-and-Silvia0 

If you take bookings from other sites it is stipulated that the property must be presented as advertised. They don’t allow you to make this type of restriction so it is easier to just have the same routine after each check out.

Yesterday we had guests who said their son was able to join them last minute for the weekend. They called to ask if this was okay and what the fee may be. It is easier if the bed is already made so you don’t have to go into the guest space once their belongings are there. 

We can tell guests there will be an extra fee if they want to use more beds than there are guests and this generally stops the excesses. 

We also find that that if there are gap nights available it is easier to just have everything prepared in case of a last minute booking - especially the ones who book 10 minutes before arrival !!  Lisa

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Jayesh5 

I have no problem if they take sheet, duvet and pillow from the bed I prepared and move it on another bed 🙂  But I have no intention to wash 4 beddings after 2 guests.

[Jayesh5]

@Branka-and-Silvia0 

Neither do I !!  If it is 2 guests there is an extra fee for more than 2 beds. Guests adapt their behaviours when they know it will cost them for the extra linens and housekeeping.  Lisa

[Jayesh5]

PS @Branka-and-Silvia0 

Can you still just click somewhere to make a duplicate listing or has that been removed?? Lisa

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Jayesh5 

yes, it is still available,

create new listing / duplicate existing listing

[Jayesh5]

@Branka-and-Silvia0 

Thank you. I only use the app these days and did not realise it would show as an option after you click “List another space”. It strikes me it was more visible on the desktop. In any case, found it - thanks again, Lisa