Is there a way to make a booking for family or friend free?

[Angel9097]

Hi, I have been a host for a couple of months now and had a question that I thought might get answered from this forum. 

My listing is a house across the street from my own that my husband and I purchased, rather than making an addition to our house. Our grown children are marrying and growing families and we needed a place to put them, when they all come home at once. We decided that using it as a short-term rental between their visits would help pay for the expense and so far, it is. 

I know that I can block nights from being available to other guests when my kids or other personal guests are coming home. My question though, is there a way that they can reserve through Airbnb, so that it shows on my calendar and creates the buffer time between reservations automatically, without me charging them?   Is a there a way to rent to booking parties for free? Or a way to make a coupon to give? Can I book my own place and then end up paying myself (this wouldn't be ideal because of the additional taxes and fees)?

Thanks for any tips!

[Mark5779 · Accepted solution]

When I want our cabin to be available for family or friends I just go to the calendar and block the dates.  Then no one can request those dates.  

[Angel9097]

That's what I've been doing, just wondering if there was an alternative. Thanks.

[Shelley159]

Hi @Angel9097 

I think the problem with free bookings is that hosts could use them to fake their own reviews via family members, so the system is set up to keep things honest & at arm's length!

[Shelley159]

@Angel9097  

As it's hard to bring family stays into the Airbnb system, the best way to make the most of them is probably to gather tips & information for your commercial guests. It's good if relatives from out of town can share what they enjoyed doing, where they liked eating, what they saw as highlights of their stay. You can then pass this on to other guests. Also, they should give some valuable free advice by pointing out anything that's broken or could be improved. For example, an air conditioner that sounds fine when tested between guests, but starts making a noise after running for 30 minutes (that's an oddly specific example and totally not my air conditioner, of course!)

[Angel9097]

I could see that, thanks.

[Paula]

Hello @Angel9097, I hope everything is going well with you.

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[Helen3]

When you block out dates you can include buffer days . We charge friends and family the cleaning fee we get charged for turnovers . @Angel9097 

When you block out dates you can add information ie  xxxx staying