Guest disclosing correct number of guests

[Amanda2221]

My husband and I are relatively new to hosting. Our property sleeps up to 8 people, but there’s an extra guest fee for 5 or more. This keeps the price lower for parties with less people who still want a larger space. The guest that’s coming this weekend only put down 1 guest. I messaged this person today, telling them we are looking forward to hosting them, but to please confirm the correct number of guests to ensure there’s enough linens, paper products, and other supplies. Does that sound okay? The listing does disclose two cameras. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Amanda2221 ,

I just wanted to let you know that I moved your post to a wider board for visibility. I'm hoping other hosts can offer you some good bits of advice.

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[Martin3344]

@Amanda2221 

Your approach looks totally fine and sensible to me.

It is a very common error for a booking request to come through for just 1 person through genuine oversight by the guest when there are additional people involved. Like you if it seems to be an error I then query the number of guests in order that all the logistics (towels, supplies etc) are correct for the visit.

In my experience guests respond quickly in these circumstances to correct their booking. If not you can always write to them again with an urgent chaser in advance of their arrival. Hope you manage to get this sorted out OK.

[Amanda2221]

Thank you! This person has not responded yet which makes me nervous. I’m thinking maybe they don’t have the app on their phone and wasn’t expecting a message yet. Hopefully they reply soon. 

[Martin3344]

@Amanda2221

Oh dear, and their weekend visit is fast approaching. Maybe they are having a technical issue and not seeing your messages.

One other option is that their phone number should hopefully be visible to you on the booking details. Perhaps you could also try phoning them, or reaching them by text / WhatsApp, in order to try to tie this down quickly.

[Marg11]

If your guests arrive to find only one towel, one bed ready, or one set of cutlery they will most likely let you know if there are more guests. Then advise Airbnb to adjust the costs. We explain in our house rules that extra guests are charged to cover the cost of extra power, gas, water, and linen washing.

[Fred13]

@Amanda2221  I have added this to address the guests (many) that put in 1 and that was leading to a lot of hassles. This is in the 'Things to Note' section, the first point.

>> Reservations: It is important that the reservation is indeed accurate as to the number of guests coming ~before~ arrival since it helps us plan for your stay. Only 4-years old and younger are free.

[Amanda2221]

Thank you for the advice! In my current situation, do you think what I messaged this person is okay? Obviously I just want the correct number of persons staying at the property. What if she doesn’t reply? 

[Fred13]

With this person, you already told them you need to know the number ultimately, in the future is before. And you already have the beyond-5-extra charge. If they do not agree (upon arrival) stick to your policy in the nicest way, by mentioning cleaning and preparations is a bear with more people, etc. But payment before hand.

In the future, consider making 4 guests your base number (naturally 2 couples or mother/father/2 kids. IF, again IF you run in any issue with 'party types' listing with your existing 8, can always drop to 6, (but still allowing 8 depending on group composition, but it gives you a bit more control).

[Daniel10315]

Sounds like you have handle on this.  

[Lorna170 · Accepted solution]

@Amanda2221   Many times people will start their search with 1 guest (the default) and neglect to add their significant other and companions.  Whenever I get a booking for one guest, I immediately respond thanking them for their booking and reiterating that the booking is for ONE guest and NO Pets.  This usually elicits a response of "Oh, I forgot it's 3 people and one pet".   Going forward I can be very friendly and helpful.

If they do not respond (and some guests never do), I send another message on the AirBnB platform that they have "confirmed for ONLY one guest and no pets" along with a modified rental agreement (not my usual one for 4 guests and 2 visitors) stating that no other guests or visitors will be permitted for the duration of the rental.

If I still get no response, I cancel because the guest is probably going to throw a party or is otherwise going to ignore my house rules.  This is especially true when renting a larger property.