New Host

[Vanita3]

Hi,I am new host just made up my new account and lisitng details. It  was bit difficult for me to understand what i have mention in the listing ,what should the guest look for etc.But i got a resevation from a lady that night and she cancelled her booking after 10 mins..so i also ignored it. Again next day morning she sent a request so i accepted. We were planning to put a lock in the room but as the lady said she needs the room immediately i didnt get enough time to get it done. i have given one day notice in my listing but she send request at 11.30 and reached at 3.30.

Shw called me from the the bus stop saying she is in the wrong stop and the weather is bad , i said i will come and collect her.Once she reached my home she made a big issue,there should be lock in the room she can't stay. Immediately called a locksmith and paid him more cost to get the work done as quickly as possible. All the job was done but still she wasn't looking happy.She demanded that we should give her both the key for the room,which i felt is not safe for us.

I asked her vaccate the room as i felt something was wrong with the lady.

She has given a bad review ,i know i cant do anything to it as Airbnb is transparent. I have few questions related to this ,

do we need to provide both the room keys to the guest?

Will the bad feedback block people looking at my listing?

I know we learn from mistake but this is really bad situaton for me..i am not that kind of person as the lady me ntioned in her review..

[Linda108]

@Vanita3   It is expected that the host will have the ability to enter the room with guest permission and/or to provide needed services.  Therefore retaining a key is customary.  For whatever reason, this guest was not comfortable in the shared home environment and would probable be better suited to a hotel or an entire house.  While her review is negative, your response actually causes more problems.  Understandably you were defensive with her review, but the response is read by potential guests and that is who you should be writing a response for.  Something like, "guest uncomfortable with the shared home listing and would be better suited to the hotel environment.  hope she is able to find accommodations that suite her needs."

[Vanita3]

Thank you Linda for the reply..good sugesstion for giving response..so i understand that there is no need to give both keys to guest...

[Ann489]

@Vanita3 

Now that Linda has answered your first question in regards to the key, I would like to address the first part of your post.  After looking at your listing, I would like to suggest a few improvements/changes that will help you attract the right kind of guest.  As it looks right now, your listing is pretty raw, unpolished, the photos less than inviting.  The first thing a potential guest sees, are the photos.  If your place looks like a dive, that's the kind of guest you will attract.   First of all, go and decorate the room a little.  Put down some rugs, throw pillows, maybe a plant, some artwork on the walls.  Maybe a little side table and a chair.  If you are on a  budget, go to IKEA.  Next, invest in some good photography.  Airtbnb offers this service at very reasonable cost.  Trust, me it will be money well spent.

The next thing that needs addressing is the description of your listing.  For one, there seem to be quite a few typos.  Have someone help you with the description of your property. Give it a unique, distinguishing name.   Look at some other, similar listings in your area for inspiration.  While you are doing that, also make sure the nightly rate of your property is not too low and compares to similar listings in your area.   You can always offer a 10 or 15% discount to your first three guests or so, but don't set your base price too low.

And lastly, please complete your own profile.  Add an ID and a nice picture of yourself.  It creates trust and transparency.   That being said, good luck to you and happy hosting!   🙂