Is it okay to ask guest a guest to verify number of guests?

[Lisa-and-Dean0]

I had a male "Scott" make an instant booking for 1 guest, but the profile picture is definitely a female, so things don't match up for me. Is it okay to verify how many guests are coming? Or ask for clarification? I wonder if it is husband and wife maybe? If I can make that request to verify, can I cancel the reservation if he does not respond? Will I be penalized if I do cancel for not responding?

Thanks for helping the newbie!

Lisa

[Paul1255]

Hi @Lisa-and-Dean0  I hope you are well!

Of course you can ask your guest to confirm the number of guests in their party- I am sure they will be more than happy to clarify that for you 🙂

If you don't hear back from the guest, or you do and you're uncomfortable with the reservation, because you use instant book you can contact Airbnb CS and cancel if you need to- I'm sure you won't need to though.

Do not ever cancel yourself from your end without consulting with Airbnb first though as this could leave you with penalties you don't want.

A polite and friendly chat is usually enough to put your mind to rest if you're not sure about a guest or a reservation.

Hope all goes well.

Paul 🙂

[Lisa-and-Dean0]

Thank you Paul for responding and the caution to cancel if (I need to) through airbnb c.s.  I'm sure it won't get to that point,  but I'm someone who likes my t's crossed and i's dotted and it didn't quite line up for me. 

[Paul1255]

You're welcome @Lisa-and-Dean0 !

It is always better to ask questions and know the answer than not to, and have to deal with a situation further down the line.

I work as a co-host and some of the hosts I work with insist on using "request to book", and you really do have to drill down into some guests before accepting their bookings- the ones who are serious and genuine always welcome any questions, and most say they feel safer for having been asked more in-depth questions.

Paul 🙂