First let me start off by saying I absolutely hate how much value and power Airbnb gives to our guests. Including reviews, refunds, and whatever else. Guests take advantage of this service like no other. Ask for accommodations they know are not possible at any hotel or motel. Airbnb puts so much emphasis on reviews you are afraid to say no. So in hopes of getting a decent review you over accommodate even when it may make you feel uncomfortable or add extra work. Here's some personal stories as a host(I have a shared space):
Guest 1 - Wakes me up at 2am to ask for a lint roller that was in the room in plain sight. I graciously act like being awoken from my sleep is no problem at all. Next day I get a 3 star review because guest didn't like the rug in the room. I am not making this up guys it gets better.
Guest 2 - Books room at 9am and wants to check in right away when my normal check in time is after 4pm and I already have a guest not required to check out until 10 am. Then I use the bracket of time in between to get the room prepared for my next guest. So I tell this Guest the earliest I can do is 2pm. He insists on 12pm. I reiterate 2pm if earlier I will let him know. He agrees. At 1:15 he tells me he is already here. The room was just finished so I said okay that is fine. Two days later 3 star review with check in being his major issue. Ha! All that and they still screw you.
Guest 3 - Asks to leave luggage after scheduled check out time to return later to retrieve. Guest takes keys when asked not to but comes back 30mins before my next guest arrives. To not only get his luggage but shower again and get changed. Then nonchalantly asked for recommendations for the best local restaurant. Next day 4 star review with communication being the issue.
Guys I am a host in Springfield MA our market is low and the city here is pretty boring most of the guests are here for all the major hospitals locally, colleges, weed dispensaries, and the new casino. We can't charge more than 40bucks with 20bucks being the lowest charged and 60bucks being the highest but that host calendar is always empty. Anyway. No where else in this area does room and board cost so low. Our guests are getting access to toiletries, TV, pools, balcony views, shared kitchens. You name it at the cheapest price possible and they still even with all your accommodations find a reason to screw you over with reviews.
This hosting experience for me has been so-so. Some amazing guests some terrible. Ironically my best guests and best reviews are from guests that need nothing extra, are quiet, and clean. Ha! Irony indeed. Anyway, this experience has been so stressful I can only host every two months. Income is decent but the stress isn't worth it. Anyone else feel how I feel? Can anyone relate? Let's be here for one another... I could use advice on how to make my experience better as a host.
Thank you for reading my post fellow hosts. Much Love and Much Respect.