How do you handle negative experiences with guests?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well today.😊

It’s impossible to deny that handling challenging situations with guests is something most hosts face at some point.

Whether it’s dealing with unexpected mess, following house rules, or communication challenges, every situation is unique. Some hosts prioritize addressing issues directly, while others prefer to document incidents and seek support in other ways.

I’d love to hear about any experiences you’ve had with guests and how you handled them.

What advice would you give to newer hosts facing their first difficult guest experience?

I look forward to reading your thoughts!

Warm regards 🌻,

[James-K3]

I don't agree....some guests can ask or expect more than what is listed....they not ALWAYS right...but most of the time, yes.

[Char8535]

Morning...

My husband and I just completed our third season of hosting.  The learning curve for hosting continues. 

Our first season we learned a great deal, from damaged furniture  (we worked with AirBnB to resolve the issue of the damaged furniture) to a guest who felt she needed to be six inches from my face to get her point across (I listened, I thanked her for her input and resolved her issue).  My years of a  nursing  career have taught me that people want to be heard.  There have been a few times guests delivery of concerns are  lacking.  My survival tactic for nursing and now hosting has been... "Kindness, compassion and service to others."

Happy Hosting!

Char and Siggy

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

😍

[Elisa]

Hi @Kitty-and-Creek0 😊, 

I hope you are doing well!

Did you handle any negative experiences with a guest recently?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Elisa 

We've had no negative experiences at all with guests, since we dropped Instant Book (experiment). many years ago. All our guests are solid 10 stars these days! 

[Elisa]

Hi @Kitty-and-Creek0 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this with me!

I'm glad to hear you haven't had any bad experiences. How long have you been hosting?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

Thanks for asking, @Elisa 

We've been hosting on Airbnb for 11 years. Prior to that, we ran a wilderness resort with 12 houses on the property, and around 50 guests at a time. Since then, we have  hosted many interns, exchange students, fellow members of some international scientific and cultural exchange societies, plus touring musical artists from 20 years of concerts that we produced. So, a short answer would be just about 50 years of continuous hosting. 

[Elisa]

@Kitty-and-Creek0  Wow! That's impressive! 😍

Have you already shared this incredible hosting journey in the community?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Elisa 

Not exactly! But it is one of several concurrent career choices, and when we bought this house we intended immediately that it absolutely must be shared. 

[Elisa]

@Kitty-and-Creek0

You definitely should talk about this in the community, your story is so inspiring! 😍

You just need to start a new conversation here.

I am sure other hosts would love to learn from you!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Abby358]

I’m so scared to do instant booking but I feel as though it would weed out a lot of growing pains. You recommend?

[Elisa]

Hi @Char8535 😊,

Congratulations on your third season of hosting, that must be exciting! 🎉

Your way of approaching situations like those is very successful.

Do your guests notice your empathy?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Armend17]

To tell you the truth, I haven't had a negative experience with guests.

if you will treat them good with respect and talk to them for everything about the location and the apartment, you will have amazing guests always.

Thank you for your questions!

Best regards, Armend

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Armend17 

I agree! 

I'm a total fan of the Golden Rule!

Best wishes to you and happy hosting!

[Elisa]

Hi @Armend17 😊, 

That's wonderful to hear that you've never had a negative experience with guests!

I like how you see things. How long have you been hosting?

Warm regards 🌻,