2 days or 3?

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

I run and clean our vacation property myself. I allow guest to only book 2 days. I block 2 days before hand and 2 days after. I do that in case I have to do extra cleaning or yard work. So, there is 4 days that are blocked off and no income. 

My question is, how many days do other host require for guest to book? How many do 3 days or more and still get bookings? 

Thank you for your thoughts. 

Jodie 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Jim-And-Jodie0 

I do the same as you describe. I don't like to be rushed and one never knows if a reservation has created a situation requiring extra time, repairs, parts, etc. I have  no problem with bookings. To me, a quality presentation is very important, my guests deserve as close to perfection as I would want for myself. Do know that your high standards are appreciated!

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

Yes, I have many say how clean it is. I was just curious on how many days other require their guest to rent. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Jim-And-Jodie0 

We have a one night minimum and over holidays, a 2 night. One nighters are so easy to clean after; really light impact. We have a 3 hour gap between check out and check in,  and can clean and prep in 3 hours, if necessary. It does take a full 3 hours to do ordinary cleaning/prep, longer to do thorough deep cleaning, which we do between stays, hence the extra blocked nights. 

@Jim-And-Jodie0 @Fiona256 we are 74 and 77 years old. We regularly hike our off-grid 180 acres of steep mountain wilderness here, and maintain our 2 acres of gardens. Our private access road and half mile of driveway need constant maintenance as does our forest and chaparral firebreak. We have a housekeeper and a ranch hand who we'd not want to be without! We've 4 shoulder replacements, 3 new knees and creaking spines, so we welcome all the help we can get. 

I'm a Bay Area native and know gorgeous Portola as it used to be when I was growing up and roaming...We have been here in rugged Mendocino County for 32 years. 

This is a very enlightening conversation, so glad you started it, @Jim-And-Jodie0 . 

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

It is very interesting to see what works for everyone! Thank you for your input! Staying active keeps us going that's for sure! 

[Lorna170]

@Jim-And-Jodie0   I allow my guests to book anywhere from 2 to 15 days.  I block off a single day before their arrival and a single day after their departure to allow for cleaning and repairs.

2 days is my minimum booking length.  I get a lot of weekenders.  If I were to choose 3 days as my minimum booking length, I would probably experience a decrease in bookings.  

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

That is what I was curious about, appreciate your response!  I wanted to get others input before I tried it. Thank you! 

[Till-and-Jutta0]

We have a 2 nights minimum for our room, and a pause of 1 night between.

We are happy and nearly fully booked.

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

Nice, glad that works for you! 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jim-And-Jodie0 We have always had a 3 night minimum but I was worried that we were losing out on 2 night weekends. As such we have upped our price by 50%, applied a 2 night minimum, and given a 33% discount for 3 nights and above. Theory is we charge the same for a 3 night stay but are available for 2 nights. The jury is out on whether this is a good move or not.

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

In our area upping the price can be a deal breaker. I came up 20.00 and was worried. 😉 I hope it all works out for you! 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jim-And-Jodie0 My hope is to be no worse off. At least we will now appear if people want a 2 night stay but we will be no different in price for 3 nights. 

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

It's a great idea. I will roll that around in my head! Thank you!

[Fiona256]

My nimimum is a four-night stay off season and seven nights main season. I don't block off days in between and have done same day changeovers without problem for over twenty years. This is for two properties. My husband and I do all the cleaning and gardening, plus all maintenance. We are in our seventies.

Fiona

[Jim-And-Jodie0]

I'm right behind you in age! That is amazing on being able to clean in that short of time! My hubby and I have different ideas on how to clean. lol