Guests checking in without communicating their ETA

[Sarah978]

I have a question for hosts who greet their guests vs using a lockbox/ keypad or hosting remotely. We have a keypad, but bc we live on the property we like to meet guests when they check in and then give them the keypad info at that time. So, here’s my question... how many hosts out there have had guests show up to check in without providing any kind of ETA and just expecting you to be there all day waiting for them like you’re a hotel? Even after you’ve reached out asking what their ETA is, they just can’t quite bring themselves to answer and prefer to just appear unannounced (surprise! it’s me!) on your doorstep (usually before check in time or in the middle of the night, in my experience). Anyone besides me?

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Sarah978 

we meet all of our guests personally. We are off-site hosts and have to go to the city to meet them so it is very important to know their exact time of arrival.

I see you have check-in time "after 3 PM" and I suggest to limit it to "3 PM - 8 PM" or however suits you. Keep in mind guests will always try to push your borders and ask to arrive sooner or later.

You can write in your "house rules" and in "other things to note" something like:  We have very busy lives and we need to know your EXACT time of arrival at least 1 day in advance so we can plan our day and come on time to meet you.

We did all of the above but sometimes our guests just ignore it. In this case, we send them a message a day before their arrival:  Dear XX, it seems we still don't have your exact time of arrival but no problem, you can call us when you arrive at the location and we will do our best to come within an hour. There is a small cafe in the next building so you can grab a coffee until you wait. Have a nice trip...

It works every time 🙂

[Cormac0]

@Sarah978 

Some guests play loose and free with our time, put a "check in time" notice on your lock box and remove the key or code until the appropriate check-in time.

Having said the above having the convenience of a lock box comes at a price