How do you handle last-minute booking requests?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone😊,

I hope your week is going well.

Today, I would love to hear how you handle last-minute booking requests. I know it can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase flexibility and excellent service.

By staying responsive and adaptable, you can turn last-minute requests into positive experiences that build your reputation as a thoughtful host.

I’m curious to know, how do you handle last-minute bookings?

Share your tips with other hosts in the comments!

Wishing you a great day,
Elisa 🌻

[Elisa]

Hi @Julian2121 😊, 

Thank you for your comment here!

You’re right, and I agree with your point.

Have you had any surprises in the past?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Karody0]

A lot of our business comes from last minute bookings, since we are an affordable stay near I-70.  As soon as checkout happens at 11 am, we clean the house and it is then ready until we get the next booking, so it’s always ready.

[Peace-Stays0]

@Karody0 That's smart way of utilising space to create money.

Best wishes

Vikram

India

[Elisa]

Hi @Karody0 😊, 

That’s marvelous to hear that you have such a good approach to that.

Does it sometimes happen that you don’t get last-minute bookings? How do you feel about those compared to the last-minute ones?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Peace-Stays0]

Hi elisa

Being flexible is key to stress free life for self and others too.

But taking last minute bookings can be Opportunity  but challenging and give good or bad name as you have to be genuine to Genuine guest as well take note of this fact that Verification of Guest who is compatible to your Guide book is also essential.

I generally analyze my break point and then only commit to booking 

Thanks.

Vikram

[Elisa]

Hi @Peace-Stays0 😊, 

Thank you for sharing your idea on this topic, it’s really interesting to read!

How long have you been hosting?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Peace-Stays0]

Hi Elisa

It's been more then a month.

Regards

[Kevin3470]

We accept last minute bookings. We check with our team to ensure that our place is ready to go, which typically is ready, so we can accommodate the booking. We're always looking for ways to fill our calendar so last minute bookings are good for us. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Kevin3470 😊,

thank you so much for sharing this here!

How many people are on your team? 

Warm regards 🌻

[Kevin3470]

We’re a small team of 7, (2) cleaners, (2) owners/managers (2) landscapers and (1) handy man.  As a team we all communicate and ensure that the property is ready for the next guest.

[Kim4581]

Hello,

To be frank, we really do not care for last minute requests. However, we have taken a few and when we did it was because of an emergency or need that the guest had reason for last minute booking. We need the money and we plan on doing the Airbnb long term but we prefer bookings well ahead of time. We have two bookings as such, one is May and one in August.

However we keep our rooms ready to go as soon as the guest leaves so that we can have the room ready at "the drop of the hat."

Kim and Renee

[Elisa]

Hi @Kim4581 😊, 

Thank you for sharing your idea on this topic! 

I understand your point, but why do you prefer bookings made well in advance?

Warm regards 🌻

[Helen3]

Personally I wouldn't take short last minute bookings because there are sometimes issues with payment and if the guests payment doesn't go through the host ends up out of pocket and has the hassle of removing a guest who hasn't paid.

@Elisa 

[Elisa]

Hi @Helen3 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this comment here.

I suppose you’ve had situations like this with last-minute bookings? How did you manage them?

Warm regards 🌻,