As a host, I am fairly relaxed with early/late check in as long as I know that I don't have bookings before and after. The reason for this, is becuase of my expereinces as both a Host and a Guest. I have personnally expereinced both sides of the requests.
My opinion as an AirBnB host, is that I am not a hotel. Therefore, if I am unable to provide a somewhat different experience for my guests (regarding this topic) then they may as well go to a hotel. Which is exactly what I will do (as a guest) in December en-route to Australia from LAX this year.
I tried to find an AirBnb property/host who might accommodate a late check-out, as we arrive in LA at 5pm and depart at 10pm the following day. The best I was offered was a 2pm check-out, and don't get me wrong, I appreciate the offer greatly and so you know, I was more than willing to pay a little extra for the time. But, if AirBnB hosts view my booking as if it were a hotel, with hotel polices and stipulations, then I may as well stay in a hotel AND receive hotel amenities like:
- Complimentary airport shuttle (very important to me to not have to fork out for a Taxi or Uber from the airport since I'm already paying what feels like a million bucks on my flights!)
- FREE hot buffet breakfast
- POOL - entertainment for my kids during our stay
- Restaraunt in the hotel where we can walk downstairs to go to or room service (some hotels)
- A shop or convenience section in the hotel that sells all manner of sometimes much needed item and snacks
What I'm trying to say here is that, I can get a few extra hours from the hotel, maybe even a bit longer for a price, and there are a number of 'hotel perks' that I wouldn't get staying with AirBnB so, are we as a AirBnB community selling ourselves as hotel 'homes', or are we an alternative accommodation industry willing to meet the 'real life' needs of customers that sets us apart from the hotel industry...?
Every host is different and far be it from me to dictate, but for me, I am willing to accommodate where I can and I'm betting this gets me quite a few more recommendations for a tiny bit of leeway...
#sometimeswearegueststoo!