An observation on Instant bookings

[Beth44]

In the last few months, I activated "instant booking". I have had an Airbnb 4year with consistent superhost ratings. What I find is many of my "instant book" guests treat the stay like a hotel experience minus even a check-in, front desk interaction. They do not inform me when they are arriving although I indicate I will meet them upon arrival and directly ask that they give me an ETA. They also have obviously not read the guidebook as (one example ) they park in the wrong area don't know internet code ( even though it is guidebook and site info.  While these actions are not barriers to hosting it feels to me that "super hosting" is very vacant of the "value" for human interaction which is a message Airbnb was founded on. Does anyone else feel this way?

[Fred13]

@Beth0, I get the 'impression' that Instant Booking is no doubt an economic advantage for many hosts; however, it may not necessarily be a social plus, especially for those hosts who enjoy interchanging with their guests or do not like their place to be impersonally approached as just a 'hotel', which has been your dissapointing experience. Perhaps turning it 'Off' is worth the gamble.

[Beth44]

Thanks for all the diverse opinions & advice. I am still in the hosting business & will continue.

[Linda108]

You have to decide whether you want to engage the "new" traveler as developed by Air BNB or not.  If not , then do not activate Instant Book,, @Beth44.  

The "touchy/feely" of the old Air BNB is no longer promoted, but there are travelers out there that look for that.  Can you adapt to the "hotel substitute" style of Air BNB?  Personal financial expectations  may dictate how you run your business.

Like any business, it evolves.  It requires you always look at benefits of continuing as is or changing with the times.

Good luck!!