#050 The Unexpected Guest

In today’s episode, Neil shares a compelling story about the challenges of accepting bookings from guests who are not the original bookers. Drawing from his extensive experience of over nine years and 2,000 guests, Neil recounts two recent bookings that tested his instincts and decision-making skills. He discusses the importance of adhering to Airbnb's policies, the potential risks involved, and the emotional complexities of hosting. Through a unique encounter with a guest named Steve, who arrived under questionable circumstances, Neil reflects on themes of compassion, trust, and the consequences of choices made in the moment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hosts are not required to accept guests who are not the person who made the reservation, as per Airbnb's policies. This is crucial for security, safety, and insurance reasons. If a guest arrives who is not the booker, politely explain the situation and contact Airbnb support for guidance. It's important to document the issue in case of future disputes. When faced with a decision about accepting a booking from a stranger, rely on your instincts. If something feels off, it’s better to turn them away. While showing compassion to guests in need is admirable, it’s essential to balance that with caution and awareness of potential risks, especially when the booking process has not been followed correctly. When it comes to leaving reviews, consider the long-term implications. Choose a review option that accurately reflects the experience while also protecting your reputation as a host. BEST MOMENTS "The hard and fast rule with Airbnb is, as an Airbnb host, you are not required to accept a booking if the person who made the reservation is not staying.” "If your instinct tells you that there could be a problem, then just turn them away." "I had to make an instant decision. Do I accept this booking or not?” "I concluded that he just wanted to be heard." "Always go with your gut feeling. When you know what the stakes are, it's your choice what you do." CONTACT DETAILS Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil Email: [e-mail]  ABOUT THE HOST Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera. Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.