Post-Covid Guest Dynamics

[Ursula117]

Has anyone else noticed a distinctive rise in guest grumpiness since Covid? We’ve been airbnb hosts for 5 years and always found it pretty easy to meet guests’ expectations and ensure they had a great stay.  Even during the more severe Covid restrictions when we were limited to accept bookings from people who needed housing and not vacations, our guests were respectful and appreciative. 
But now that restrictions are being eased and travel is resuming we’re finding our guests more demanding, harder to please and less contented overall. Are we the only ones?  Do you think this is temporary?

[Laura2592]

@Ursula117 yes. I have. Lots of posts on this from other hosts as well. 

We have also had an uptick in guests not following rules with regards to occupancy, infants etc. I said in another thread that one in 10 guests used to be problematic in some way. Now its about 1 out of 3. 

Summer was the worst and autumn seemed to be better at first but its continuing. I think people just are frustrated that they still can't travel as freely as they want and are dissatisfied that they are "settling" for our space instead of something more exotic. 

[Ann783]

Collective grief and PTSD. I’m taking a break from hosting and hoping everyone’s spirits will be better next spring/summer.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ursula117 The only thing we have noticed is that guests new to Airbnb don't seem to leave reviews to the same extent that experienced guests do.

[Patricia55]

Hi @Ursula117 

We're home hosts and I'm pleased to say I haven't noticed a trend in guest grumpiness since we started hosting again in July; sorry to hear that you have. All our guests (more than 12 stays) have been fine and dandy.

@Ann783  Sure there's collective grief and PTSD going on – I feel it in myself – but, for the life of me, I don't understand why people can't simply be grateful to get away again, to anywhere, and just enjoy themselves. We had a 2-night trip away (14 miles!) and it was bliss 🙂 But we are simple souls; maybe other people's lives and expectations are much more complicated than ours.

[Laurelle3]

@Ursula117 our season is about to begin after lockdownn so we will find out if our guests attitude has changed. I am hoping with the beach and warmer weather and able to escaping from their homes will make them happy and greatful. Our issue is checking their double vaccination certificates, as by our state law they are unable to stay. I pre-warn them in pre check communication.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

people are frustrated with restrictions, tests, masks, there are no concerts, events and festivals are limited , clubs are closed, bars close at midnight etc...  and when people arrive unhappy they will stay and leave unhappy 

but, the good thing is - stays are longer. We used to have 2 nights average stays, now it is from 4 nights to a month or even longer.

[Laurelle3]

@Branka-and-Silvia0 we have been experiencing the same as you with guest staying longer. Our guests are booking for 2 days to a week, last year it was 2 to 3 days which allows you to get to know your guests, less change overs. Cleaning increases as more items used for longer.

[Lawrene0]

Like @Ann783 , I've blocked some dates coming up, @Ursula117 . Need a break. Same reason. You are not the only one, and, yes, I'm hoping it is temporary. 

[Emilia42]

I have not experienced this but have read many posts to the same effect. I think it depends on demographics and location perhaps. 

[Debra300]

@Ursula117,

I in the same boat as @Emilia42 in that I've not received overdemanding guests since the pandemic.  I will note that the majority of my guests have had longer term stays, and are experienced Airbnb users.  Which is a requirement to stay with us.  I've had a couple of newbies that stayed short-term, and they didn't communicate well or leave reviews.  As a result, I didn't leave reviews for them, either.

[Emilia42]

Ugh, I'm so sorry guests like that stay with you, let alone exist.

[Sarah977]

@William810  Maybe you should  consider moving out of LA and having a quiet little rental in the woods somewhere 🙂

[Sarah977]

@William810  "Better suited to a pig sty".

[J-Renato0]

I have not experienced any noticeable change ! I have had a good experience with most of the guests recently.