Wanting access to our listing, but not a guest

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Laura2592
Level 10
Frederick, MD

Wanting access to our listing, but not a guest

Making sure I am being reasonable here.

 

We had someone contact us wanting to book our cottage on behalf of her daughter, who is a honeymooning guest. I said we couldn't accept 3rd party  bookings but I was happy to host her daughter and invited her or the groom to book directly. Apparently they did, because this person contacted me again to again ask for access to our space on an upcoming stay to "set up" for the couple. I explained that we leave snacks and champagne for honeymooners, but if she had something special for them I can let her know when the stay prior leaves and she can leave her supplies on the porch. I explained that we can't have people who are not guests accessing our space or getting our key codes due to insurance reasons.

 

This appears not to be the ideal solution for the person in question who still wants access. Beyond the reasons above, we don't want our cleaned and disinfected place disturbed before check in as it could affect our ratings. Its pretty much a hard "no" that I am trying to be as polite as possible about. I am even a little hesitant to give this stranger (no reviews) our address to leave things on our porch but that is my compromise. Any thoughts?

Top Answer

@Laura2592  Sounds like an overbearing parent who can't accept that her daughter is a grownup now. A newlywed does not want to arrive at her honeymoon destination only to find that her mom has been inside of there messing around with it. What could be less romantic than reminders of mom? You owe it to your actual paying guest to be firm and make sure this doesn't happen. 

 

I don't know why you feel you owe this person any kind of "compromise" on your rules, but if you do decide to supply the address, it's imperative that you first obtain your actual guests' explicit consent for that. You can't be 100% sure that this person is who she claims to be, and your guests' right to privacy is vastly more important than politeness to a meddling momma.

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16 Replies 16

@Sarah977one can only imagine the level of assistance that mom might offer. Perhaps FaceTime during the wedding night will ensure that things are "perfect." 

 

As my godchild likes to say "This is so extra."

My liability insurance provides cover only for guests having a valid reservation and my tourist licence only allows guest having a reservation to be at the accommodation.  Whilst not wishing to be a spoil sport, my first question would be what happens if there's an accident?  The "visitor" won't care that they ought not be there, they'll still try to sue you if they can and you'll be left holding the baby.