Hello my fellow hosts,
I am a host in the UK and I have three cottages in the Cotswolds. They are set in rural locations near to a small market town. I have been affected, like all of us, by the current Coronavirus crisis and I have had numerous cancellations for the next three months. Those cancellations via Airbnb have been refunded in full, we all know how we feel about that, but that is not what I am on here to discuss.
I understood the reason for the cancellations, but now there has been a new development that I am somewhat concerned about. I have had a number of requests for very last minute bookings and long term stay at my properties. The last request was asking to stay at least 38 days and these guests also ask for a discount. I am concerned about these requests as in this current climate would it not be more sensible to stay in a location where you are familiar and in the current financial upset, not incur the significant costs of staying at a holiday let?
Now, I know I sound like a very anxious and suspicious person, but I am hoping that you guys out there can give me some reassurance or tell me whether there is some kind of fraud going on that I need to know about. What are the pitfalls? Most of these bookings have come in last minute or are wanting almost immediate stays.
I would also like to hear from other cottage owners (jn rural UK) if you have had similar requests...what are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
Thanks in advance guys
xx