Changing reservation

[Linda31]

Does anyone know how close to check-in time a guest can request a change in the dates of the reservation?  Does it line up with the hosts' cancellation policy, or is it totally different?  If a guest can ask for a change in dates (due to rain, for example) a few hours before check-in time,  it would be very unlikely that the host could get another booking on such short notice.  Thoughts? 

[David126]

That sounds llike a cancellation, you have to agree or not to a change of dates.

Certainly has been know for people to agree to a change of staes, beyond their cancellation period, only for it then to be cancelled so a double loss.

You are running a business remeber. What would a hotel do?

[Linda31]

Thanks David...two questions regarding your response.  Is there any penalty if I as a host did not agree to change the dates? Also, I agreed to the change since I did not want a group of 6 guests staying in 2 of my rooms who were unhappy due to rain (altho the rain never materialized).  I felt they would end up writing a bad review even tho I have no control over weather.  She ended up rescheduling for 2 weeks from now, but for only one room and cancelled the other since only 4 people could make it for the new dates.  So I got screwed all the way around.  Now I'm afraid she will do the same thing in 2 weeks if the weather looks iffy.  I changed my cancellation policy right away to "strict" from "flexible", but I'm not sure this will make much of a difference.  Airbnb felt that the rain was an extenuating circumstance and allowed her to cancel the one room with no penalty.  Altho they are crediting me with one night of the room she cancelled (less than 24 hrs before check in) because I am an "outstanding" host.

I provide breakfasts and Sat. night dinner and had bought lots of food - special food since they were vegetarians.  I can't afford another possible wasted weekend.  Really don't look forward to hosting this person but I know I will be penalized if I cancel her reservation.  As a superhost, I can't take the chance.  Any more ideas?

[David126]

You do not have to agree to a change of dates. I assumed it was for people who were coming some time ahead and wanted to change, not people who decided they did not like the look of the weather that day.

I am horrified to read that ABB agreed that rain was an extenuating circumstance. That is crazy.

Not the sort of guests I would want to host, but that is your call. She stiffed you once, probably will try again.

I had a quick look at your listing, seems very cheap for what you do.

[Linda31]

Yes, we really do give a lot for the price.  We do every January raise the rates throughout the year, but it is still a great value.  Also, we are cutting back on what we offer, as of August 1.  We will no longer provide a complimentary Saturday night dinner.  It got ridiculous for me to spend all morning on breakfast, all afternoon prepping for dinner, and all night cleaning up and prepping for Sunday breakfast.  I have been told by friends and family that we should be charging much more for what we give; even a few of our guests!  I thank you for your input, and we will definitely consider raising our rates.

[David126]

Sounds logical.