First guest was late... What should I do?

[Helvio0]

This is my very first hosting experience and my guest asked me to check in between 9 and 11 pm. My listing had flexible times, he picked those.

I accepted that, waited until midnight and he didn't show up. Also, he didn't even send a message as a status update. I tried to reach him to no avail.

Eventually I went to sleep and woke up at 6AM with an unread message from him at 1AM, saying sorry for the delay, that he's there now.

What would you do in my situation? I don't really feel like trying hard to host a person that proved to be so untrustworthy, but don't want to screw up my reviews on my very first experience.

Important to note that he's not coming from a different country, so there are absolutely no hard times keeping communication. He was indeed very lousy about it.

[Linda108]

@Helvio0  How did the guest get in?  Or did he go somewhere else?  The guest will have to pay for the full night so you haven't lost money, but his inconsideration did cause you some hassle.  Deal with that issue during the review process and downgrade his communication rating.  How long is he staying?  If you think his behavior breaks rules, then you can ask Air BNB to relocate him.  You should continue to communicate through Air BNB messaging to keep track of any further issues.

Just know that guests will sometimes act in a way that is at least annoying but as a host, you should be gracious and professional.  Don't take it personally as many guests are ignorant of the difference between hotels and shared homes.

[Helvio0]

Thank you @Linda108.

I think the most reasonable thing to do is to offer him to check in for his second night. He would originally stay for 3, and paid for all of them.

I believe I'm entitled to keep his first day's payment, because I was not responsible for the issue, is that correct?

Thanks for your time spent helping me out!

-Helvio 

[Pedro190]

That is correct! The best thing to do is check him in for the rest of the stay. About the first night is up to you to refund it or not, but by any means are you obligated to do so.

[Linda108]

@Helvio0  Yes, check him in and proceed as you had planned.  Make sure to confirm your intent to proceed with the reservation as planned and confirm the mis-communication from the previous night using the Air BNB message system.  The guest may try to get a refund for the night he didn't stay and Air BNB will be able to see what happened and support you and your policies.