Poor guest communication

[Vasco2]

I have a guest who appears to have made a booking for 6 people in my bed and breakfast for two nights.

He has apparently accepted but will neither confirm the booking nor communicate with me.

This booking is for a sensitive long week-end and, because of his uncertain behaviour I have a bad feeling about the booking and would like to free the rooms for other potential guests.

There is absolutely no reason for me to support penalties for the cancellation in view of this guest's poor behaviour.

Could someone please advise.

Vasco

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

If you see a reservation, then it's a confirmed booking, and you don't need to worry about it.

If the guest has not confirmed, then you're free to accept other bookings, so either way, it shouldn't be a big issue.

[Rob28]

I have a similar situation and am worried that the booking will be cancelled at the last minute as there has been no communication as to arrival time or anything else. I also have the feeling I should cancel as, with a flexible cancellation policy, I won't get a new booking for those days. I find it a difficult position to be in. 

[Donna15]

@Rob28, under no circumstances - except extenuating ones - should you cancel, as the host is heavily penalised (including the days being blocked and unavailable for other bookings).

If the guest doesn't show and doesn't cancel, you'll still be paid. If he does cancel at the last minute, he'll be refunded an amount in accordance with your cancellation policy. (I note that it's set now as 'moderate'. Was it 'flexible' at the time of the booking?) 

I'd suggest you opt for a 'strict' policy, and include a Security Deposit in your conditions as well. You may have had exemplary guests so far, but - unfortunately - it takes only one occasion for that to change.