cancellation mid-stay that i don't understand

[Elizabeth69]

I will skip the details on why I feel scammed

My guest had booked 7 days. She arrived early Friday, well before check-in and I picked her up and let her hang out in my living room while I flipped the room for her. When she overslept for an important academic function the next day, I drove her to the school that I also attend. She met a fellow student who had a posh room at The --VERY NICE HOTEL CHAIN, SELF-CENSOR--

This morning (day 3) she entered my room to tell me that she had some "travel related" issues that were forcing her to go to the very nice hotel on campus. She had a list.

Regardless, all were able to be remedied; but she did not want that, as she said she got a better offer that was free. I'm being vague here as its a sensitive topic but her claims had no merit as they were easily remedied. I did not know someone could cancel mid week and get the rest of the trip refunded. She did. My cancellation policy is flexible but i thought she had to cancel a day prior to arrival.

Its left me feeling badly

someone school me on mid week cancellations please?

[Robert149]

I have had guests change their plans half-way through a stay as well, and it means I miss out on a few days of potential bookings usually, but I understand their perspective too, and if they were staying in a hotel, they would expect to be able to shorten their stay if they wanted, so I consider it a cost of being a great host to be as flexible as possible.  I have had a few guests who specifically mentioned my flexible policy as the reason they chose my listing, so it might equal out in the end.  Hopefully you will get a 5-star review for being a great host.

[Mark157]

Changed your policy to strict.

[Tamara31]

Choose moderate cancellation in the future and then this is not a problem. They must cancel 5 days in advance 😉

[Jay-And-Natasha0]

What we do..we tell the guests that we are sorry to hear that their plans changed. We add that "IF we are able to rebook the suite, we will return all your money".

You must be firm. People do take advantage. Your time is money. The business is teaching you to respect and love yourself. Learn to charge small fees for your time.

Good luck!

natalie

[Sandra126]

@Jay-And-Natasha0, she can only go by her current policy, can't change that midstay! Otherwise, that is what I say too but I have a strict policy.