Accomodations didn't fit group size.

[Laurie302]

We recently stayed in a nice place in the NC mountains that had sleeping for four.  BUT, the furniture in the place was for three.  Three dining chairs. A single couch that sat three people. a single rickety glider. No arm chairs.  What is up with that? Frankly, the place was very unconfortable for adults.  My husband did not mention this in our review, which irks me silly. I think that a review needs to mention these things for the next visitors to consider or to allow the hosts to fix them. 

[Mark116]

Better yet, would be that guests would pay attention to the space they are booking, instead of complaining about the furniture and layout of a listing when it matches exactly the photos.

[Sandra126]

@Laurie302, there are no rules which state the minimum required to host. This is up to the practises of each individual, which is what makes the reviews so important. But I couldn't agree more: whatever your listing max is should be covered by adequate provisions in furniture and equipment.

I had accommodation which I joined with a tourism bureau (long before Airbnb) and they came to inspect. Was a long list of check boxes, such as : Are there pillow protectors, is there enough blabla, on and on. Only once I had passed the inspection could I join, and the nightly rate was determined by them as a much higher rate than I thought was reasonable. No such thing with Airbnb.

But the exciting thing about Airbnb is the enormous variety in accommodations. Some excellent, some interesting, some really rather below par. Read the reviews, look at pictures, read the listing. You will find outstanding accommodation choices and hopefully a lot of fun. Just bear in mind that there is no such thing as a set standard. And many hosts do all in their power to create beautiful, comfortable spaces at great expense just so they can welcome guests.

[Sarah977]

@Laurie302  The photos are quite clear- there are 3 chairs around the dining table. The living room looks like it has adequate seating for 4 between the large couch and the chair. In the listing under "Interaction with guests" the hosts states the she is "available for anything you might need." But you didn't ask her for another chair, and find that her fault. 

This place has a ton of great reviews. No one else has seemed to find it uncomfortable, quite the opposite. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Laurie302 

I see 5 chairs ! and 1 sofa for 3 people and the armchair. All together there is sitting place for 9 people at once.

I can understand some people prefer more luxurious and comfortable accommodation .... but for some reason, you have chosen this cottage why?

I have one studio apartment and about 150 reviews. Everybody happy.... but one middle-aged couple said it's just a bit better than a hostel. So what should I do? Redecorate the place to please 1 grumpy guest out of 150? Or to keep everything as is and please other 149? (btw that couple was in a bad mood before even arrived)

[Emilia42]

@Laurie302,  When I first started hosting, 4 out of my first 5 guests sent private feedback saying that there should be a blind on the back door. I didn't understand why. The door over looks the backyard and it is completely seclude. But I was grateful for the feedback and installed a blind because this was important to people and I obviously overlooked it. If multiple guests never mentioned this, the door would still be blind less today.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Laurie302 

While I agree maybe the guest could have done better in making sure everything is set up more comfortably for 4 people, if there are certain things you want/need to be comfortable you should be the one to make sure you make the right choice for yourself. 

What you are doing here is more or less the same as buying a dress you chose, then complaining about it not fitting you well and being uncomfortable. You are the one that chose what to buy. You looked at photos and descriptions, then made a choice. 

No one made you buy it.

If you think there are things that can be done better, most hosts appreciate constructive feedback from guests. There is nothing wrong or offensive about making a well-worded suggestion to the host that they should really try to get an additional dining chair and an armchair or some sort of additional seating across from the couch would really make things more comfortable for groups of 4 people. 

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

Sorry....meant to say "maybe the HOST could have done better" in the first sentence. 🙂

I seem to be more mistake-prone when on my phone. 

[Suzanne302]

@Laurie302 

I agree, the place should have four dining chairs. As other hosts have said, that is something that you could have messaged the host about, or, simply given private feedback. As hosts, most of us our here to provide hospitality, but we can't fix what we don't know is an issue for someone.

This is just like a diner at a restaurant who got the wrong order, but instead of bringing it up to the server or manager, eats it, then complains about it to everyone else afterwards. No fair to the restaurant.

As for the rest of the place, not sure why it wasn't comfortable for four. It seems perfectly adequate. Were you expecting something other than pictured?

Your husband's review and subsequent public response to the host is confusing. It sounds like a good time was had by all...except you?

[Anonymous]

Unless stated otherwise, the "number of guests" refers to the number of adult bodies that the dedicated sleeping furniture and linens can accommodate - be it in beds, air mattresses, or sofa beds.  In order to meet the "Basics" amenity standards, there should be sufficient sheets and towels provided for the number of people registered in the booking.

These requirements do not extend to the furnishings in the living room or dining area. It's at the host's discretion whether to optimize the household for families who like to have their meals inside the property and hang out in the living room, or to keep a more uncluttered space for active travelers who use the property primarily for rest rather than activities. 

It's worth noting that even high-end luxury hotel rooms often lack the kind of seating arrangements you wished for, and tend to be several times more expensive. I personally consider it a normal part of traveling (both budget and luxury) that we adapt ourselves to the space we're visiting rather than expect that even minor details be adapted to us. When I feel like having all the things I'm used to at home, I just stay there.

I also find that our degree of comfort on vacation often has less to do with our accommodation than with other circumstances...

[Emilia42]

Good point. A hotel room with 2 queen-sized beds still typically has a table for two.