A sign of high maintenance?

[Von3]

Hey Everyone,

I got a new booking request. There was a short note along with request that ended by letting me know her husband is allergic to a type of bedding material. I'm concerned that the guest hasn't read my listing. I try to give the impression that we are a low key airbnb. This person seems a bit high maintenance and so I'm a bit hesitant to accept her. What do you think? Am I supposed to respond that we don't use that type of material-- what if I did (which I don't), am I, as a host, supposed to offer to buy new beddings? Strange!

[Sarah977]

@Von3  Is the allergy to the certain bedding the only thing she asked about? If so, I wouldn't call that high maintenance, she's just checking to make sure. I'm not sure what having a "low key" listing has to do with it. If she making all kinds of other special requests, then yeah, that would be a red flag.

And why do you think she hasn't read the listing description? You can ask her to verify that she has thoroughly read through all the info.

[Von3]

@Sarah977 Except she didn't ask about the bedding. She just stated her husband is allergic to a type of bedding. I get the feeling that she is more suited to a hotel. If she actually asked what type of bedding I used, it would be fine but to state and book seems presumptious that I would do whateve it takes to meet his allergy needs. Don't you think? What exactly do you think she expects from me (or any host) by stating that?

I don't intend to pander to such a specific need-- that's what I mean by low-key. We're not a hotel promising guests fulfillment of every need, this is a room in someone's home that is clean and comfortable.

I felt like she didn't read the listing because she's renting a car to bring to an area that has only very expensive paid parking garages. Yes, I mentioned she will be paying a lot to not be able to drive the car. (These garages are not ones where you can come and go at will without incurring new charges) We'll see if she understands. Further, there's no acknowledgement of other things that we ask guests to confirm they understand about our quirky old home before booking.

[Sarah977]

@Von3  Ah, I see. Well of course hosts aren't expected to pander to a guest's every desire or allergy. She should have put in an Inquiry first with all her questions and needs and expectations.

You could just reply to her stating that as she hasn't acknowleged the things you asked her to confirm re understanding your listing, that you don't feel like your place will be a good fit for her, wish her well in finding a place that does, and ask her to withdraw the booking request.

[Von3]

Yep, how nice would it be if people actually read the listing, inquire and confirm things they are uncertain about, and then book. I finally told her our house/location might not be the best and suggested nearby towns she should look into for parking-- she'll definitely enjoy driving there better than the city.

[Charles444]

I currently have a couple who are super high maintenance guests. Minutes after they arrived they told me the man is allergic to my freshly washed new beddings and asked to use my laundry machines. When I asked them why they didn’t inform me of his allergy to laundry detergents they could not  provide me with any convincing reason. They added that if I gave them to opportunity of using the laundry immediately instead of waiting for 3 days which is listed policy they give me a 5 Star rating. I gave them  opportunity to use it  anyway. Next they asked for cooking oil and brought out a large supply groceries. Since then the lady has been doing heavy cooking in my newly  built well equipped kitchen. To provide first class experience to my guests and advise my guests to do their cooking in the evening or anytime during weekends because of high cost of energy during working hours in Ontario Canada. They have been cooking some times 3-5 times a day and they are always in the kitchen. They drunk 2 bottles of 15 litres of spring water in 6 days and I realized they alone are using 1 toilet roll of Charmin jumbo every 2 days. I strongly suspect they are stealing my toilet paper as well. 

I am new to Airbnb I had 6 earlier guests who are super nice. I am looking for suggestions of what review and comments I should give them at the end of their stay with me on Saturday. Thanks 

[Victoria567]

Hi @Von3

My is advice try and cancel the booking ASAP by phoning air bnb but I see it is just a booking request so just tap the decline button ASAP.

Is it a family home or a hospital setting you are offering?

I would also tighten up the house rules and description of your accommodation ASAP to deter this type of guest.

My listing clearly states regretfully not suitable for nut allergies, food intolerances or allergies as it is my family home and I cook daily in my kitchen using a wide variety of ingredients such as nuts, wheat flour and dairy produce, therefore please may I respectfully ask you do not book my accommodation but find other accommodation suitable for your specialist dietary needs and personal needs.

Ambulance chasing lawyer? No thanks there is some business I can do without!

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

We had few guests who asked us not to use any air freshener for them and one guest who said she is allergic to feathers and asked if we have syntetic bedding. We had 3 groups of guests who asked numerous questions about everything before arrival. All of them have been great guests and we would host them again anytime. They are just well prepared and organized type of people 🙂

[Dale7]

My experience is that when guests start out being what I consider to be high maintenance, they usually are. You don't have to accept this reservation.  If you don't feel comfortable that is all you'll need. 

Or perhaps this reply would work.  "If you are concerned about allergies, I don't believe my home would be a good match for you."  You could add:  "Perhaps a hotel would be a better choice for you."

[Victoria567]

Just to be extra sure yiu don’t get saddled with this entitled guest, I would add.

Please do not book with me, as my home is not suited for your specialist medical needs and specialised personal needs, as it is my family home.

Respectfully may I suggest you seek accommodation elsewhere more suited for your needs.

[Victoria567]

PS I would also add in my description of accomodation offered.

Also under the first photo of your listing.

Regrettfully not suitable for Nut allergy, food intolerances or allergies as is my family home.

[Mandi-S-Just-Business-Ro0]

You are correct. 

When you accept a request to manage an allergy, you are taking responsibility for it. And those of us who have allergies usually have more than one. By my the time they arrive after travelling, he could be loaded with histamine from other sources that had nothing to do with your offering. 

Like you, I prefer simplicity. Mine is a simple offering. There are hosts who can manage this, and God Bless them. But I prefer to do what I do best, and that is provide  excellent hospitality at a reasonable price.