@Sam5394
I am a single (albeit middle aged) woman hosting rooms in my own home and I agree with what others have posted here so far:
- Turn off instant book if you feel you don't absolutely need it. Learn the ropes first and get comfortable with hosting before you consider using this tool. You need to be able to vet guests/ask them questions first.
- Scrap one night stays and have a two night minimum at the very least. It's not that financially beneficial to have one night stays due to the turnover time/costs unless you're in a market where these are the norm . Being in London, you should have no shortage of two night or longer bookings.
- Don't accept last minute bookings (opens up a whole can of worms). Set your booking notice to one day prior at least. I have actually changed it to two...
- As others have said, in your situation (I assume you do not have males staying with you otherwise), you can specify that you only accept female guests, if that makes you feel more comfortable.
- Try to have some correspondence with the guest prior to accepting their booking so that you can look out for red flags. I would personally not be comfortable with someone making those kind of comments about my profile photo or asking personal questions out of context.
- Finally, act like the boss, because that's what you are. You might be offering a service/hospitality, but it is still your home, where you live, so it's important to give off a friendly and accommodating air but, at the same time, use a tone that establishes that it is your place, your rules (which must be followed) and that you are not going to let people take advantage of you. Easier said than done, I know, but it is possible!