What is there to do in your area?

[Laura2592]

Anyone get these inquiries? I find them a little puzzling.

I always respond politely with a brief list of attractions but I do wonder how the potential guest happens upon our listing without knowing what there is to do nearby. One assumes they aren't just searching "Keymar MD" (which is where our cottage is) without a reason. We aren't in a popular location. We also list distances to regional and major cities in the listing itself.  Do you get these questions?

[Laura2592]

@Elaine701 "Can I bring bacon and eggs on the plane?" You made my day! LOL.

My favorite question is "Do you have a pool?" as though we have one we don't advertise or tell anyone about. Because that is a common thing-- to hide a major amenity and reveal it like the end of a magic trick-- TAH DAH! 

[Cave0]

@Anonymous

Steady now 🙂

[Pat271]

They might be used to Bed and Breakfasts, who often act as a concierge service without even being asked. I’ve seen it written that this is a benefit of Airbnbs also (which is a bit presumptuous, as hosts have differing styles).

I get these questions relatively often after booking and before the stay. I’ve never been asked a general question about surrounding activities during an inquiry.

If your place is in a location that is not tourist-oriented, perhaps the guest is coming because he/she has family or friends nearby, doesn’t know the area, and would like to engage in a conversation with a host, who often has the best up-to-date information, especially during these Covid times when businesses may or may not be open.  I try to be gracious and answer such questions, even though I understand that it might feel like a waste of time if it doesn’t result in an immediate booking.

It’s interesting, though, how good deeds can sometimes reap future rewards.

[Colleen253]

@Pat271 "It’s interesting, though, how good deeds can sometimes reap future rewards".

Definitely, yes, sometimes, but not often in my experience. When I was a newbie host, for about 6 months I put great effort into answering any appropriate inquiries I'd get in the hope of persuading guests to book. Most never did, and of the few that did, most ended up being a pita in some way or another. I stopped making the investment.

[Emilia42]

That is so true @Colleen253. I have had a very similar experience. Sometimes for laughs, I look back in my archives and read messages from when I first started hosting. I was really nice back then 🙂

[Anonymous]

@Pat271   True - in the Covid context, the question might really mean "is anything still open in your area?"

Here, the answer would be:  pretty much no, unless you really love grocery stores.

[Laura2592]

@Pat271 we reply politely with a brief list of nearby attractions. Usually the person either disappears or they send follow up questions which further reveal that they want to be "sold" before booking. Only once or twice have I gotten a booking after this question, and the stays were definitely looking for a more hands-on host than we are/can be. 

I always err on the side of politeness and try to be kind and easygoing with my guests, even if it stresses me out. But after a recent experience where someone confronted me aggressively over a very kind review for a stay that (by rights) should have ended up in the resolution center to recover fees for extra guests, additional cleaning and breakage, I have realized my kindness is oft mistaken for weakness and my good deeds do not go unpunished. I am no longer interested in courting every single possible guest. I really only want respectful, reasonable, civil people to stay in my beloved space. 

[Trude0]

I’m in a suburb to Stockholm, and I don’t get a lot of questions about what there is to do nearby. I’m guessing that the frequency of such questions will depend on  location, as someone mentioned. Most people visiting Stockholm, are probably well informed about main attractions and have plans. 

I seldom get inquiries at all, it’s almost only requests to book/instant bookings. But if I did, I would certainly not spend any time trying to ”sell” Stockholm and my listing, or act as a tourist agency for someone who might as well end up booking with another host!

But I’m more than happy to help guests who have already booked, the few times they ask. Questions I remember helping with:

- Where to get a typical Swedish shrimp sandwich - for breakfast, in my suburb

- Rules for flying a drone over the bay/lake

- How to best access/experience the archipelargo

- What to see/do in the outskirts of Stockholm, family with teenagers

- Where to buy specific brands of mobile sim cards - and help calling customer service to change language on the iPad 

 As long as the guests have specific questions, or can give some indication on the direction of their interests, I’m happy to help do some research. I’ve probably learned a few useful things myself researching for my guests.

[M199]

@Laura2592 

What I do is when a guest books, I automatically in my "Thank you for Booking" message refer them to my Guidebook.  I do admit it is long (65+pages) and recommend that they download the pdf, it covers everything (Almost!) about the area, from emergencies, hospitals, preferred vet (we're pet friendly|), grocery stores, gas stations, dining, hiking, adventures, etc.  Most guests use this to plan (or re-plan) their stays.  I have even had guests rebook extensions of their vacations!

[Lara1265]

Yes, I agree, it's a little infuriating. But the most important thing is to keep calm in these moments.