How do you deal with more guests than booked and they left me only 4 stars!

[Michelle4724]

We just had a group leave. They booked for 3 but clearly had 6 adults and a baby. We left a positive review (just wanting to move on from their mess (BBQ left dripping in disgusting grease and seasonings, every dish used, food all over sofa and table). However, they left us only 4 stars and were very critical of small things. They also... oddly left the whole house (every window and door) wide open and shoved a huge boat in behind the house. 

I'm feeling a lot of regret.... this is my home not just some rental property. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Michelle4724 sadly, in life, you reap what you sow. By not calling this guest out in your review you will encourage their behaviour and not protect future hosts. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Michelle4724 I have now looked at the review you left:

Great guests! Super clean. Thank you and please come visit again!!

Struggling to see how this correlates with your post and reinforces by earlier reply.

[C197]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

I understand where @Michelle4724 is coming from. We bend over backwards for guests and they do and leave whatever review they want. The system does not favour the host!

I had a very similar situation, a guest left yesterday, he nearly burnt my place down, a nightmare to deal with, required hand holding for everything. He has not put a review yet... 

I put a review, giving 3 stars, then had to change it, because I know this is not going to make a difference and will probably go against me - so he will visit someone else and the ball just keeps rolling.

[Helen3]

How would it have gone against you - reviews are left blind ..... now another appalling guest is going to put other hosts at risk 😥 @C197 

[C197]

@Helen3 , because I'm wise enough to put 2&2 together, hosts are not listened to or protected, clearly said in my comments but

I also read the countless messages that come on here, saying the exact same thing!

Seems you've not read my message! 

[Helen3]

You are conflating two different issues 

1. are hosts listened to/protected - the answer is not always 

2. Should you leave an honest review about guests that nearly burnt your house down and was a nightmare to deal with - absolutely. There is no way putting a three star review will go against you.

as you failed to leave an honest review as you  say the guest is now free book with another host who will have to put up with their appalling behaviour 

[Greg2406]

@Michelle4724 

> Always at booking, confirm the total number of guests.    If the booking request does not reflect the number provided by the Guest, then the Guest must make adjustments to the booking prior to approval.

>  If a guest brings more than what is on the reservation, then the guest is notified by text message that either a) the additional guests are not approved and must leave the property or b) as we list in the House Rules that the Guest must sign and return at Check-in that all unauthorized additional Guests are billed at a rate of an additional $100 per night plus additional cleaning fees.   

That last one gets their attention really fast.   

Sorry to hear about the numbskulls at your place.   We had our fair share of them during the first 3.5 months of operation,...cost us over $3800 in repair bills.   IM me for a lock tight set of House Rules.   

Greg