Looking for advice on how to handle a common problem. Book for 1 person when there are 2

[Laurie116]

Hey y'all!

I've been an airbnb host for a while and I don't recall this happening so frequently until now. I have a separate apartment in my house as the bnb. People frequently book for 1 guest and show up with 2 people. During the slow months, I lower the weekday price and rely on the additional person fee to cover my costs. The additional fee of $10/night is nominal but helps cover the additional bedding/laundry, etc.  I'm able to charge a higher rate for the weekend nights, so its not a big deal.  When I've asked for the additional fee, I've received 4/5 reviews on value. I routinely have guests tell me that I could charge more, so I don't believe this is the reason I'm getting the <5/5 review. I feel that people don't like being told they owe more money after they've already booked. As the host, I would prefer not to be responsible for collecting on this as it makes me look like I'm in it for the money. Whether its done in error or its intentional, I feel that airbnb should step in, so the host can focus on being a great host and airbnb can manage the finances. Anyone else having this problem? Laurie in Austin

[Fred13]

I have kind of set my life around my beloved English Setters (4 generations spanning 42 years), so I hear you. Heck that is the reason why got into an island, great place for then the 3rd generation to be free. Unfortunately, their life cycle and ours are different and in time they passed away of old age (15years +) and then started to rent the island. It is amazing how they do influence our lifes. Happy hosting.

[Caroline443]

I regularly get this and it is demoralising, especially as the prices for airbnb accomodation are low to start with.  Unfortunately when you politely askguests to confirm how many people are staying (when they have booked for only a few members of their party), they often respond quite badly and it results in a poor review.  It would be much better if hosts could just  report it to airbnb and for airbnb to confirm it with the giuest and make the adjustment.    It might also be an idea that if you as a host can prove that the guest has broken the 'rules' which are clearly defined in the listing, that the review from the guest will not be published. 

[Laurie116]

Caroline I love the idea of reporting the guest that breaks the rules to airbnb if they complain about value or write a bad review. I think this is a good way for airbnb to know what is going on and it makes it easier for hosts to operate within the established guidelines by not worrying about reviews. Thanks!

[Tom-and-Carina0]

I have it set at two and additional people at 10$. I do have people try to seek in because I have more room. Here is what I do to try to prevent:  I have a carefully explained rules,  a booking message that asks for full names and ages of each guest. I let them know they need to alter before arrival if possible. This separates  asking for extra from review  by a bit.  When I do have to tell people to alter I do so on the app for documention. I state that they are booked for x but  y showed up. I don't want to embarrass you in front of friends and I am supposed to cancel for breaking rules but I know it's hard to get a hotel last minute. I send alter or ask them too. I have had good luck with this method. People generally know they are sneaking people in tho. I have over looked it twice also in 18 months as I didn't want the fight(Just a feeling on those guests). You know your situation best. I also try to have a lot of extra stuff  and hospitality they were not expecting to offset  but i usually  make them pay and have 5 stars.  Good luck. Also, who cares if they mark you down a bit it is subjective anyway as long as it doesn't  ruin your  bussiness.

[Jen124]

I just had my experience with this issue: guest booked for 1 person. After booking, she mentioned her husband was joining her, and I was OK with that, because I don't charge extra for a 2nd guest. However, my cleaner is reporting that 2 double beds and 1 single bed needed to be stripped and changed, and that there were numerous towels used. Not much I can do after the fact but will likely start asking for names upon booking. And I left guest a private note nicely recommending she let hosts know in the future the total number of guests. I debated saying anything at all -- I don't want guest to get defensive, but I think it's fair to let guest know that hosts would appreciate an honest number. My cleaner was expecting to clean up after 1-2 people and 1 bedroom, instead she had to clean all 3 bedrooms.

[Fred13]

@Jen124Is it at all possible to charge a price in which you will not care what bedrooms are used or beds that will need making, for the next guests? If I read that right, you are offering an entire house, allowing 6 people for only $74?  Is it out of the question to make it $99 and make your life much easier?

[Jen124]

Oh yes, Fred, of course I could charge more. 🙂 I've only been doing it for 3 months now, and probably have my rates too low (although Airbnb thinks I should charge $45 a night).

[Fred13]

May sound like heresy Jen, BUT Airbnb's ~computer~ is taking an 'educated guess' on what you 'should' be charging because it 'thinks' you will get more bookings if you follow its ~suggestion~. Meaning, not to be taken too seriously.

[Nita10]

You are right on that. Air BnB should adjust those things.