How do you handle guest requests?

Rebecca
Community Manager
Community Manager
Suffolk Coastal District, United Kingdom

How do you handle guest requests?

How do you handle guest requests_ - Airbnb Community Center.jpg

 

Every guest brings something different to the table and sometimes that includes special requests. Some might ask you for an early check-in, others might need a bit of local advice, and now and then it’s something completely unexpected - we've had some great stories here on the Community Center! I’d love to hear how you approach these moments. Do you have a go-to way of managing requests? Do you set clear boundaries up front, or do you take each situation as it comes?

 

This feels like an area where everyone’s style is slightly different, and it would be great to learn from the variety of approaches in our host community.

 

So tell us, what works for you when a guest asks for something extra?

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37 Replies 37
Maryam180
Level 2
Pompano Beach, FL

Hello

I encourage communication from my guests and in my welcome note ask them to let me know if they need anything.  Reasonable requests are welcome.  I want to make sure they have a very pleasant stay.  I had to turn down a request for a big birthday party with 30 people.  

Alex
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Maryam180As you said, communication is crucial. How did you handle the birthday party situation?

 

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La richiesta più gettonata è stata finora l'anticipo dell'orario del check in.

Cerco sempre di andare incontro a questa esigenza e ci sono  riuscita perché posso contare sulla collaborazione di una amica.

 

Negli ultimi due anni ho notato che la mia disponibilità e gentilezza è stata fraintesa e alcuni se ne sono approfittati.

Mi spiego meglio: ho avuto dei danni da allagamento da lavatrice e box doccia (nuovo) frantumato senza che gli ospiti mi abbiano segnalato la problematica. Nel primo caso non ho potuto neanche attivare l'assicurazione di Airbnb poiché non sono riuscita a capire a quale prenotazione attribuire il danno per un eventuale risarcimento. Nel secondo caso invece gli ospiti hanno avvisato solo l'assistenza di Airbinb chiedendo di lasciare l'alloggio 2 notti prima; quando poi ho potuto intervenire è bastata una pulizia straordinaria e una tendina di plastica per risolvere tutto. 

La cosa peggiore è che questi ospiti potevano prenotare immediatamente in quanto possedevano ottimi requisiti e ottime recensioni da precedenti host. 

Visti questi precedenti vi chiedo: al mio posto continuereste ad essere gentili e accontentare le richieste dei futuri ospiti?

 

Io lo farò ma solo con coloro che sono già stati miei ospiti leali e rispettosi. Con gli altri decisamente no!

 

Translation added by OCM 

 

The most frequent request so far has been for an earlier check-in time.
I always try to accommodate this need, and I’ve been able to do so because I can count on the help of a friend.
However, over the past two years, I’ve noticed that my availability and kindness have been misunderstood, and some people have taken advantage of it.
Let me explain: I’ve experienced damages like flooding from the washing machine and a (brand new) shower box being shattered, without guests informing me about the issues. In the first case, I couldn’t even activate Airbnb’s insurance because I wasn’t able to identify which reservation the damage was associated with for potential compensation. In the second case, the guests only notified Airbnb support, asking to leave the accommodation two nights earlier; when I was finally able to intervene, all it took was a deep cleaning and a plastic curtain to resolve everything.
The worst part is that these guests could book instantly because they had excellent credentials and great reviews from previous hosts.
Given these experiences, I’d like to ask: in my position, would you continue to be kind and accommodate future guests’ requests?
I will—but only for those who have already proven themselves to be loyal and respectful guests. For others, definitely not!
 

 

 

 

Alex
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Mafalda55

 

Thank you for presenting your question to the Community. To get more visibility, what do you think about creating a new topic using: start a conversation?  This will help you reach a wider audience and hopefully get more replies! 
 

Best, 

Alex

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Great Day All,

 

Thanks for reaching out and for creating such a supportive space for hosts! When it comes to handling guest requests, I’ve found that clear communication and setting expectations early make all the difference. I always respond promptly, acknowledge the request, and do my best to accommodate when possible — or offer an alternative if I can’t.

 

I also make sure the space is super clean and well-prepared so guests don’t have much to ask once they arrive. A few days before check-in, I send over the house rules, directions, and all the details they’ll need to make their stay as comfortable and easy as possible. That extra step really cuts down on questions and helps guests feel taken care of before they even arrive.

 

I’ve learned that a kind tone and proactive communication go a long way, guests really appreciate when you show genuine care and attention. Looking forward to hearing how other hosts handle this too! 😊

 

 Monique

Rebecca
Community Manager
Community Manager
Suffolk Coastal District, United Kingdom

Hi @Monique1234 👋
 
You've got a great routine going there. I think a lot of hosts on this thread agree with getting info in early definitely helps avoid last-minute surprises. I like the bit about sending out house rules and directions a few days before check-in - perfect timing for when your guests might be thinking of these things. 
 
Have you read some of the other replies on this thread? 
 

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Hi Rebecca,

 

Thank you! 😊 I haven’t had a chance to go through the other replies yet.  I just jumped in to try to help another host. I’ll definitely take some time to read through the rest of the thread soon; it sounds like there’s a lot of great insight being shared!

 

Best,

Monique

Rebecca
Community Manager
Community Manager
Suffolk Coastal District, United Kingdom

That's so wonderful to hear that you're helping out another host @Monique1234 😊 

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