Pushy Guest

[Amanda660]

Guest booked (6 guests and 1 infant),  2 nights next month checking in on the Saturday.  We’re rural and near a few wedding venues so a usual type booking.

On our listing we state early check ins are not available (checkout by 11am check in is from 3pm).

On his booking message he asked for a mid morning check in (I’m guessing the wedding is the same day - guests usually book in on the Friday).  I advised that this wouldn’t be possible as guests would likely still be there but if it was a deal breaker he was very welcome to cancel with a full refund within the 48 hour period.   That was 6 days ago.

He messaged today asking if it would be possible to drop their cases and ‘freshen up’.  Now we all no there us no such thing as a ‘freshen up’ - it’s ‘we’re in and we’re taking over’

There’s absolutely no way we could accommodate this if we’re trying to do a full clean and 6 guests and an infant appear with luggage all trying to get ready for the wedding.

I’m usually around for turnovers/check ins but this one is (unusually) on a Saturday don’t want to put that sort of pressure on my housekeeper and who would be unable to do her job if the house is full - not to mention it wouldn’t even be cleaned.

How do I word my response?

[Anonymous]

@Amanda660   Any time I get a request for early check-in, I hit straight back with some recommendations for alternative places they can store bags, relax, have lunch, or even "freshen up" (ha). I realize, though, that this is a different task in the middle of a city than it is in a rural location. 

If you can think of anywhere in your area that would be suitable for a family to begin getting ready for a wedding, you can soften the blow with an earnest recommendation. Otherwise, their options are to either travel the night before and stay somewhere else (presumably checking in late to your place or cancelling), or making arrangements with other attendees staying in the area. The latter would require someone other than the newlyweds to actually like these people, which seems like a tall order. So apart from your earnest recommendation and polite refusal, it's best to say as little as possible.

[Amanda660]

@Anonymous  sage advice as always.  I’ve gone back to him advising that if there are no guests staying the night before I can let them check in 3 hours early (at noon) .  Alternatively they can book the Friday night at a 35% discount if they wish. 

We’ll see how it plays out.

[Anonymous]

@Amanda660   Both options sound very reasonable and accommodating. I hadn't caught in your OP that the previous night wasn't booked yet, but if it's still available then yes, of course it's a no-brainer for them to go ahead and book it!

Sadly, most of the guests who push for an early check-in expect it to be free.