What wears a host out

[Beth19]

I enjoy hosting but after 4 years am getting ground down by horrible guests. Some seem to have no idea what airbnb is and see it as a way of getting a hotel with all the champagne trimmings for lemonade prices. This seems to be getting worse. Also they are sweetness and light to your face but then right horrible reviews. If they don't have the conviction courage or courtesy to say them to your face it's downright nasty to write esp as they are frequently wrong. This I see as the TripAdvisor mentality. My mother says if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Those of us having just a room to rent aren't running a business we are inviting people into our home. Maybe the professional renters should somehow be seen as distinct from us part time amateurs.

[Jessa0]

You may want to a) resort to the mindfuless that you're teaching b) stop hosting foreigners because you clearly do not like them and keep cancelling their reservations* c) take a break from airbnb because it really gets to us sometimes. d) "foreigners" sometimes tend to be more frank and honest in reviewing than Americans and especially the ever polite Brits, who often keep a very upbeat tone unless something was really off, I'll attest to that, but the stress is on frank and honest. From host response to last guest:* "I am getting a little fed with foreigners as its always them who moan about things."

[Wendy-and-Markus0]

@Beth19:

Probably something that can be very wearing is to be hosting people who you wouldn't seem to get along with in your own home. Have you considered turning off the instant book feature so that potential guests are in essence forced to communicate with you? This way you can try to make a more informed decision about whether or not you would want to host them?

[Dede0]

Raise your rate 10-20% to cull out the low-ballers. Add a cleaning fee. Accept fewer (flaky) bookings for awhile. Give yourself a 1-2 day break between bookings. Give yourself that break and work to make the next guests even happier (thus, better reviews and thus, increased rates)

During your local "slow" season, block a month (or 1-2 weeks) out entirely and enjoy the break!