Guest requests to arrive immediately

[Cheri336]

Hi, I just had a request to arrive immediately at 8:00 pm.  The guest only had one review and no photo. Also two dogs. We do allow dogs. 

I didn’t feel right about it because it’s so late. How do you handle last minute guests who want to come immediately? I usually require more time to make sure everything is ready and I’m not comfortable with someone coming at night last minute.

thanks for your input.  

[Patti-And-Marty0]

Hi @Cheri336 

I actually require 2 days notice which some might think excessive but my thoughts are if someone isn't organised enough 48 hours ahead of time then I don't want them. This is in your settings in case you are not aware.

Needing a place immediately to me is a red flag- did he just get kicked out of another accommodation? 

Learn to follow your gut.

Let us know how things went.

[Karen114]

@Patti-And-Marty0 This!  I feel the same way and do not take last minute bookings.  When I ever did, it was always problematic.  

[Cheri336]

That was the first thing I felt in my gut, so I'm learning to follow it. 

This is never dull. So grateful for this forum. 

[Cheri336]

You are so right. 

He stated that their house closed sooner than expected and they needed a place immediately. They were on their way to Virginia - wanted to rest and recover for a few days with their two dogs. 

I was not comfortable being pressured and having someone come so late, that I had not had a chance to have any messages with. 

I have excepted last minute reservations for a couple who had to leave their bnb because the air conditioner broke. They were so sweet and grateful, but they came in the afternoon. 

When I explained to him that I was preparing for another guest coming in two days, he asked for one night. However that would have been late last night and I just said, I'm sorry we can't help you.  

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. It means a lot to a newbie. 

[Basha0]

@Cheri336 2 days notice for sure. I need to get them an agreement and house rules. I need time to make sure house is ready to recess guests. 

[Cheri336]

You're so right about the house rules. I felt pressured,  which didn't feel right either.

Thanks so much for giving me advice.  I'm learning to pay attention to red flags and this forum has helped so much. 

[Helen744]

@Cheri336 cut back your check in time during the winter . Some guests especially in Australia travel and only really need a place overnight and then leave early to continue travelling. Usually they use motels especially with children as many motels here have childrens pools and playgrounds.but just talk to the guest and find out why they are so late checking in , its not out of the ordinairy. ... H

[Cheri336]

Thank you Helen, for your insight. I'm also learning to follow my instincts. 

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question.

Cheri 

[Joelle43 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Cheri336 

It sounds as if you are on Instant Book, is that right?  As others have said you can set an "advance notice" for your listing which you can change by going into:

==>Menu

==>Listing details

==>Calendar availability

==>Advance notice

You can set a time limit for a same day reservation (example 1) or choose that guests can't book without giving you 1 day, 2 days etc heads up notice. (example 2)

Example 1

------------

Example 2

-------------

You can also tick a box that says that you require your guests to provide a real photo of themselves and if they don't you can cancel penalty free by contacting CS.

All the best

Joëlle

[Cheri336]

Thank you so much @Joelle43  for the great direction. 

I did have the 1 day notice set, but since I'm so new to this I forgot about it.

Having this set also makes it much easier to explain to the potential guest why you decline their reservation. And yes, I do have Insta Booking. 

You've been so helpful. Lots to learn, but this forum is great.

Thanks again for your kindness in responding to my question. 

Cheri 

[Joelle43]

Thank you @Cheri336 for your kind message and I’m glad all the information received has helped😊 I didn’t know about the CC when I first started but have caught up since and have learnt so much from more experienced hosts over time. 

See you soon on the CC no doubt😉