I’ve noticed that on average: the more last minute a guest books, the less respectful they are

[Nick427]

Has anyone else noticed this? 

Both of my two terrible hosting experiences have been bookings made within a day of staying. One was a complete trashing of my space, another was a very needy guest who was highly critical of multiple things that none of my other 200 guests have mentioned. They also stole a vanity mirror from the bathroom.

On top of these two instances: I’ve noticed trends that the more last-minute a guest books, the dirtier the room is, the louder they are in the space, and the less respectful they seem to be.

Any theories on why this is? It isn’t all encompassing as I’ve had some great last minute bookings as well from weary travellers who needed a place to lay their heads. 

Most of my last minute bookings are from people who are in the general area of my place, and I am in the honeymoon capital, maybe my place is treated as a room to shack-up in by a select few?

[Paul1255]

Hi @Nick427  I hope you are well.

I find my last-minute guests are the best! I have a different approach to my pricing structure as dates come close to passing- I raise my price, so I find my guest quality actually improves.

Do you get your last minute guests through on a cheaper rate than normal, or just your standard rate?

I suppose a lot depends on location too, and why people are booking last moment, I have had guests who have had their stays cancelled by hosts at the very last moment, or have found a bargain theatre ticket deal, or just don't plan very well 🙂

[Nick427]

Hey Paul, thanks for the reply! I don’t alter my prices too much. 95% of last minute bookings are at the same rate.

You are right, the conditions change for every location. I’m not sure how well raising prices would go over as Niagara Falls has a ton of cheap, empty hotel rooms in the winter time.

[Sarah977]

@Nick427  While there can be legitimate reasons why someone finds themselves in a last minute bind, my theory is that responsible people tend to plan ahead and like to have all their ducks in a row. They also don't expect others to run around on little notice to accommodate them.

Having a 2 night minimum can cut down on the sort of guests you are getting, I think. (I understand that if 1 night bookings make up the majority of your stays, you might not want to do this, but quality guests are preferable to quantity, IMO).  And most hosts recommend not renting to locals- they are most often looking for a party place, a hook-up, they just got evicted from wherever they were living, they're basically homeless, etc.

[Kath9]

@Nick427, I haven't noticed this trend myself, but it would make an interesting study! As @Sarah977 said, something to do with personality traits? Perhaps the last minute bookers are a bit more loose and spontaneous by nature and therefore have a different manner when staying as a guest (not casting any dispersions on people who are loose and spontaneous by the way....). But I would definitely avoid accepting bookings from locals - that is probably more your problem right there.

[Marie82]

@Nick427  you are right Nick, for the last 3 weeks all my last min booking through a party in the apartment with an empty bottle and cigarette butts all over the place, I think in big cities it is a nightmare as each time young people book without reason coming to town they are chances they are planning a gathering.  I feel sick on the stomach of the risk of a party. I am so tired of it i have started moving my listings in others platform to avoid young party guests.  Regardless of 2 days they still book I don't offer 1 day stay but still. 

[Robin4]

@Nick427 

Nick, you answered your own question.....never, but never let to locals.

I would need an absolute cast iron reason why a local 'guest' would need my property rather than their own!

Nick, that is THE golden rule of hosting....seriously....never let to locals!!!

My experience mirrors @Paul1255,s.......I find last minute bookings to be great. I have even had the situation a couple in a vehicle on the side of the road in the country, not 30Kms away from my listing requested to book, and I accepted them! They arrived within 25 minutes of booking, were so appreciative, having driven for 10 hours and were model guests. 

If my property is available Nick, I accept them and I have never had a problem with any of them. The ones I have a problem with are those who book months ahead and just keep springing little surprises they 'ommited' to tell you at the time of reservation......a pet, a couple of children, an alcoholic father in law...... and hope that all is good and you will go along with it!

That is where the issues abound!

Last minute bookings......bring em on I say!!

Cheers......Rob

[Nick427]

Hey all,

I should have been more specific. When I said general area, I meant more in the 1 hour away vicinity. I get a lot of last minute bookings from Toronto residents who decide they want to take an evening in at Niagara Falls. I don't think I've ever had a guest from my city or a neighbouring one. 

And outside of the two bad experiences, it's more of an observation than a complaint. Maybe my original post came off a little too complain-ey. I was just curious if others had experienced this trend or not. I have a psychology background and as Kath said I also think it would make an interesting study.

Best,

Nick

[Suzanne302]

@Nick427 

Luckily, I've had the same experience as @Paul

My same day bookings have included a couple who's renovations left them unexepectedly without plumbing, a single female on a spontaneous visit, and just a couple weeks ago a businessman who had a last minute meeting. Coincidentally, that same businessman just booked again this morning, to stay tonight!

All were very pleasant!