Hi all,
this really isn't urgent but would be really interested to get insights and advice from experienced hosts
Have been hosting about 7 months now.
We have a keypad with a code as a method of entry to our vacation rental.
I ( or sometimes my husband) try very hard to be there for checkin, but we went into airbnb knowing that there would be times when we couldn't be there
So, knowing that, when it came to checkin method, I elected to select "check yourself in with a keypad" in the policies house rules section,
In the interaction with guests section though, I say that where possible we WILL be there to briefly meet and greet, then leave
When someone books, I am say again that we will be there to quickly meet and greet, and finally I say so again when I send directions etc 2 days before checkin.
But of course, as we all know an awful lot of guests don't read any of this.
It's gradually dawned on me that quite a lot of my guests haven't WANTED to be "met and gret" and when they've realised this is occurring - ususally the day before or the day or arriving when they finally read their message - and some of them haven't realised at all - I think a few of them have been a bit surly.
this is for two reasons
1, they are planning to sneak extra people in, and think it will be easy to do with self check in ( happened twice so far)
2. They really just dont' want to be bothered talking to anyone. It's all too much hassle.
I LIKE to be there for check in - I'm usually there cleaning anyway, and I think it's better for guests to see a real face and a real person instead of faceless emails. More likley to take care is my reasoning. And I like to meet who's staying in my home.
So, here's the point. I'm beginning to serioulsy consider changing checkin method to "host will be there to greet you" or whatever it is.
I'll note in various places in the listing that there MAY be times I can't be, and that a keypad will need to be used rigth from the very start.
When a guest books I should be able to let them know almost immediately if I can't be there - so if they're not comfortable they can cancel within 48 hour grace period.
I'm thinking I may attract a different sort of guest? ( ones that are less self focussed!)
I also think a guest that is expecting to meet the host is more likley to keep an eye on messages etc (well, I live in hope)
I"ve more or less convinced myself to give this a try, but thought I'd reach out to the community first.
Is there some catch to this that I haven't forseen? what do you think?
Many thanks in advance
Cheers
Rowena