Instant book

[Jackie2]

Hi does anyone know how to deal with an issue I have .We host a cottage retreat for two and don't really cater for children as is listed in description.i have had an instant booking from a couple intending to bring a small child .I responded saying that cottage is not geared up for more than two and only has one double bed.the response was oh that's ok our child sleeps in the bed with us ...suggestions please.

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi Jackie,

I read through your listing a couple times and I don't see where you specifically say no children or "don't really cater to children".

I would tell the guest that your max occupancy is two and therefore you will only allow access to two people in your listing. Children Are considered people.

You could cancel using one of your free Instant Book cancelations as you clearly do not feel comfortable hosting children.

I believe you might want to be more direct in your listing and maybe include this in your rules to avoid this situation in the future.

Dave

[Jeet0]

Hey @Jackie2,

This has happened to me more than once where guests who made an instant booking brought in more guests than what my place can accomodate and gave excuses like last minute add-ons etc. In such cases, it wasn't the best thing for me to ask the extra person to leave, although I made it very clear that there's not enough space for them to have a comfortable stay but they insisted that they'd adjust and be fine. I didn't know what  to do so I just asked them to pay an additional charge for the extra person which they did.

In your case, you have to options to deal with them,

1) If you are okay with the child staying, you can ask them to pay an additional charge for the child by making alterations to the itinenary.

2) If you are not okay (and it is absulutely fine to be not ok), then you can ask them to cancel their booking and mention that you wont be able to accomodate 3 guests. If they do not agree to cancel, involve Airbnb and get the booking canceled so that you don't get penalized.

I hope it helps 🙂

Hey Dave (@Dave-and-Deb0),

Are we allowed a one time instant booking cancellation without any consequesnce? I don't remember reading it anywhere, so just wanted to clarify. It's a very useful option if it's available.

Jeet 🙂

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Jeet,

You are allowed 3 IB cancelations If you are uncomfortable with the guest before and during their stay.

Dave

[Jeet0]

Thanks Dave, that's very helpful, had no clue about it earlier 🙂