Setting up the correct number of beds

[Michelle53]

Hi all

I'm interested in your thoughts about something I run into quite a bit. 

My space sleeps 4 adults. I have two double beds, and a single day bed with a pull-out trundle.

So I can accommodate two couples, if they prefer to share, or three or four singles. 

Here's my dilemma.   I generally set up all four beds if I get a booking for four people. The trundle, though, takes up more space, so if it wasn't needed, I'd prefer to keep it stashed away.  

Is there a non-intrusive way to ask the guest what bed-configuration they prefer ?  Obviously, I don't mind how they occupy the beds, but I don't want to offend anyone by asking the question. 

Thanks for any wise words on this one !

[Emilia42]

@Michelle53 I am in a similar boat. I have one listing which has a queen bed and a day bed which acts as the only couch. The space can sleep three. My Instant book settings require an answer to this pre-booking message. Some people give me specifics ("No need to make the day bed, it will be me and my husband") Others don't mention the day bed at all in which I proceed with my normal routine. The question has never been an issue that I know of. 

[Michelle53]

@Emilia42  I don't have IB, so I'd need to ask the question directly, somewhere in my process.  The current scenario I have is that the person booked for herself and her partner, and then added two more people later.  I can make the assumption that I don't need the trundle, but I was going to add the question along with my entry instructions. 

[Linda108]

I think your question is perfectly appropriate and no one should take offense.  Perhaps if you were to word your question with, "I am happy to prepare the trundle bed for you, but as it takes up space during waking hours, perhaps you would prefer to make it yourselves.  Please advise ASAP so I can ensure your set up works for your party."  Then the question is about preparing the space and not who is sleeping with whom. 🙂

[Michelle53]

@Linda108  That seems like a good way to phrase the question, thanks !!

[Christine615]

Agreed. Just ask. One other thought - We have a trundle at our main house. We have a special gap pad that covers the gap between the two twin mattresses and turns the bed into a King bed. So you always have that as an option too.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C2TQRVN

[Michelle53]

@Christine615  Thanks for the suggestion, but the space where the day bed is located is quite narrow, and even having the trundle right next to the day bed makes it awkward to use the daybed. 

I end up having the daybed against one wall, and the trundle against the opposite wall, so folks can get to either from a space between them . It's workable for shorter stays that way.  I'm not sure it would be that comfortable for longer stays, but I don't really get groups for longer than a weekend. 

This isn't the exact one, but it's similar. 

[Christine615]

Totally get it. We had to scrap the beautiful daybed and trundle we bought for that same reason. The third bedroom is so narrow we found fun beds as a substitute but if we added the footboards you couldn't walk around the bed. Sent the daybed to a grateful daughter instead where she has enough room to do both.