"Experienced guests" vs "Any Airbnb guest"

[Katerina478]

Hello!
First time host here 🙂
My house is year-round but it's a summer vacation destination (Cape Cod in MA), so I am still getting ready for the season - adding furniture pieces and wall art. Will update pictures in spring. 

Currently my account is set to "experienced guests" (vs "Any Airbnb guest"). Is it worth it? I read stories online about guests with 5 stars ratings trashing properties, so accepting experienced guests does not guarantee anything.

I have not had any reservations yet. No one stayed with me yet. I want to protect my property (which newly remodeled and furnished) and at the same time get guests. 

With Any Airbnb guest, will I be able to ask for ID and manually "pick and choose" my guests?

TYIA

Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1192917446219598551

[Zheng49]

I would keep the 'Experienced guest' selection for now until you gain more experience with hosting.

Like, for me, I have accepted instant booking for a very long time, and uh, the guests have been very good for the most part.

Actually had a relatively close call recently where a guest with all 1* reviews  stayed in my place. I mean, when he instant booked, he only had 1 1* review. But by the time he completed his stay, he had 2 1* reviews. The second 1* review which is just absolutely dreadful.

But, by engaging in effective communication etc. this guest didn't turn into a big problem at all. I actually  accepted his extension request but there was a payment issue, so the extension didn't pan out. However, I wouldn't have accepted the alteration request, had I seen his second 1* review. 

[Katerina478]

Thank you @Zheng49!

[Joan2709]

@Katerina478 

Agree with @Zheng49 , nothing wrong with using the Experienced First Guest Feature. You can always turn it off if you like later if you don't get that first booking after an extended period.

"With Any Airbnb guest, will I be able to ask for ID and manually "pick and choose" my guests?"

The only way to do the above is to turn OFF Instant Book and require guests to send you a request to book so you can ask questions and decide if you want to accept them.

You can request a copy of their ID, but according to Airbnb, it should only be requested if local authorities or other entity require it (for example, some countries, HOAs or Apartments require it). Some Hosts require all guests to show a photo ID upon checking in. You must disclose any of these requirements on the listing and probably should advise the guest this is a requirement on the platform messaging.

Host May Ask For ID After Booking

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1170#section-heading-3-0

Turn ON Photo ID required

I do suggest all Hosts turn on this feature. It's somewhat hard to find and many Hosts aren't aware of it:

However, some guests will simply change their photo to a picture of a cartoon or animal after creating their profile. However, if that is the case, you can ask the guest to update their profile photo with one of their face. If they don't comply, you can contact Airbnb to cancel the booking. Be aware that you will not see the guest's profile photo until after they have booked:

Require a Profile Photo for Booking

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2377