Language Barrier - Unhosted

[Francesca62]

Hello, I am a long-time Airbnb Host with an unhosted apartment. I screen well, and have had great reviews and an airbnb experience. However, I believe my current guest misrepresented her English ability (my language) or relied heavily on google translate during the pre-booking communication.  Now that she has arrived, it's clear her language proficiency is poor and is creating problems.  She's never stayed in an airbnb before, and in less than 48 hours has locked herself out, can't figure out how to use the television, wifi, laundry machine, complained about the A/C in the middle of the night, etc. I give an orientation, and provide a house manual, but she relies on contacting me instead, and I don't have the time to dedicate to being a translator and hand holder. I live off-site, and she has booked for a month. Any suggestions? 

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Francesca62

I work with people with poor English skills and I have friends who speak very little English but still manage to travel just fine.  Believe me the problem with your guest is not her poor English. It's more the fact that she has no idea what Airbnb is and she's acting like she's staying at a hotel and you are the concierge+housekeeping. (Also I don't know where your guest is from but in case of Asia, the majority of people with a college education can read most English and get the general gist - even if they barely speak or understand when it is spoken. This is because the college entrance exam English is all about reading comprehension.So in this case, written English is better for communication.) 

I'd suggest you also use google translate to get what you want to say across to her. It will be better than using English (no matter how slowly you speak) that she clearly does not understand. Also you could try to contact Airbnb and ask for someone to help interpret. Good luck~

[Wendy-and-Frank0]

You're in Chicago, @Francesca62.  Practically every language known to man is heard in Chicago.

Find someone who speaks her language, offer them $50 to translate the whole kit and caboodle, and ask them to be available by phone once a week if needed.

A one-month listing is nice when it's nice and a horror when it's horrible.

Good luck!

PS - What language does she speak?