accepting a guest outside of Airbnb

[Annie537]

 I have a two night minimum but made an exception for a couple from China as quite frankly I wasn’t booked and I needed the money. But the morning after, he asked if he could stay three more days but not on Airbnb. He said he’s done it with many people. That once they get to know him and we establish a relationship then we can go outside of Airbnb. I wasn’t comfortable with this and said no I needed the insurance from Airbnb. Do people really do this? Should it be reported? Just curious

[Sarah977]

You are not owned by Airbnb, so you can make any arrangements with guests that you want, except for circumventing Airbnb for their initial booking.

Of course the guest wants to do this, as he will save the service charges. But you won't be covered, supported or protected in any way should you find the guest has suddenly invited 3 more family members to your home, or you find the space trashed out or things destroyed or broken. I would personally never agree to this with a guest who has only stayed for 2 nights or who you have not had a very positive and personal interaction with.

I have had guests who stayed for 10 days or 2 weeks, they were lovely, respectful people who left the place immaculate, we really connected and became friends- those people are welcome to contact me privately if they ever want to stay again. But just a regular Airbnb guest who wanted to extend a short reservation off-platform, no way.

[Sarah977]

@Annie537  As to reporting it- I have reported guests who contacted me through Airbnb and right away asked me for my personal email address or phone number because they "had some questions". These were obviously new to Airbnb guests, or they would have known that info is censored by Airbnb until a booking is confirmed, and they just as obviously were trying to get me to book them off-platform. So they were using Airbnb to try to circumvent Airbnb, which is kind of ironic.

But if a guest who was already staying as a legitimate guest asked what your guest asked, I'd not report them, but that's just me. They thought they'd try it on and you didn't agree. Subject closed.

[Victoria567]

@Ann379ie

You say you don't feel comfortable with this request but the money is also a consideration for you too.

Personally to deal the uncomfortable aspect of booking outside air bnb I would not do a booking outside Airbnb incase something goes wrong.

Regarding the money consideration I would send him a special offer via Airbnb that would cover his Airbnb booking fee.

You still get your booking, via the Airbnb platform so you have your uncomfortable points addressed, you may lose a small percentage of your fee but at least you have your guest staying for these extra days

and you know you WILL receive your payment via Airbnb as you don't know if your guest will just stay and not pay

[Linda108]

Your  place and price are incredible for the Los Angeles area!  You are new and have glowing reviews from your guests.  I am pretty sure you do not need to do anything that puts you in an uncomfortable space.  At your price point,  I would imagine that you are not dependent on this income to survive, so I recommend you be picky about guests and preserve your lovely home.  This guest has found a way to get a discount at your expense in an intereting way.  Most hosts would agree that guests seeking discounts are likely to be a problem.  Welcome to hosting.  You are doing a terrific job!!

BTW  whenever you respond to any review, do not reference private communication as it is confusing.  Lack of toilet paper is not mentioned in the latest review, so don't apologize for it in your response.  The primary audience for the review are potential guests. 😄