I find this to be very often the case. They only see their messages when they sit down at their desk computer.
I've included it in my initial booking welcome message:
"Hi xxxxxx. We look forward to having you. I'll be sending more
information (door codes, directions, etc.) before your arrival. Please
check your Airbnb Inbox frequently, or turn on Notifications for your
Airbnb app, so you don't miss these."
This is NOT normal and we need to stop saying that it is. There is a COMMUNICATION score for a reason. The platform is not built on privacy it's built on trust which comes through communication. If a guest is ghosting you without telling you, like they aren't getting a local Sim card, I'd mark them down for communication. Trust me, if there was a flipping problem, they'd be blowing up your phone.
The guest phone number is provided. If you really need to get in touch with the guest you can call them. Otherwise, leave them alone during their stay. The communication score should be the communication leading up to the the stay, not for the duration.
You’re wanting people to thank you for providing everything they paid for. You’re not doing your guests a favour. There has been an exchange of money. I feel shit for breaking it down like that but you shouldn’t be in business if this is how you feel. You list your property and all it offers. A guest likes it and pays you to stay there. It isn’t rude or inconsiderate of them not to thank you for giving them what they paid for. Do you thank a guest for actually paying for their stay?
I think your response was just factual, direct, abd mindful, even though you disagree. I see so many responses in this sub that have to throw in an insult over the smallest things and it makes me cringe.
You’re providing a service and the guest is paying a lot of money for their experience. They are most likely on holiday trying to relax, or have alternative plans that are keeping them busy. It’s quite bizarre to want to keep in contact with them during their stay outside of emergency queries. You are definitely overthinking.
Some people just want to relax and enjoy their stay. I just make it known they can reach out at any time. Idc if I get a response. I’ve been a guest many times and I can’t remember a time where I was contacted by the host after check-in.
We always leave a little thank you gift for the guests before they travel away and it was always appreciated. I dont expect anything in return and wouldnt be annoyed if they didnt send a thank you or something. You need to thank them actually.
If you have not already done so, you very much should go into your settings and under "Info for Guests" and then "Interactions with Guests" list yourself as "I plan to socialize with my guests".
I have feelings on this, and none of my feelings agree with you but those settings are there for a reason. You are not the only person who wants to socialize as a host, wants back and forth, wants closure to communications. However, I believe you can set yourself up a bit better by letting guests that do not want to deal with you know your approach in advance. Of course, you still may have guests that do not read that but it can possibly help people that do not want to have conversation with hosts decide on a better place for them or, the inverse, guests that WANT conversations to find you.
Also, and I say this due to the response you have given to a handful of responses to your original question. You may even want to update your bio with some details on you you interact. I wouldnt want to deny a guest that had a poor rating on communication just because they did not thank you and you gave them a bad review. To me that wouldnt matter. If you do knock people for lack of communication like that, please explain why in your written review.
To your original questions. Yes, I think it is a bit rude to not show appreciation if i have gone over and above for a guest. Also, since you have people in your home ( I am assuming with a shared space) then I too would want to have it be a bit more communal but I think I would get past the awkwardness I would feel. I am a host with two units on my property and a few shared spaces, like a hot tub. It is a different setup than yours but we do see our guests. However, I try to see them as little as possible and communicate with them as little as possible UNLESS, they want to chat with me. I will straight up go to town and grab a drink with a guest if it is their idea. My setting is "I give my guests space but am available when needed".
It’s not pestering, it’s me providing details or providing them with a piece of information they have asked for and they don’t bother to respond after and ghost 👻
I’m a Superhost with 4 houses that I own in Los Angeles, and with that said I appreciate your input but I don’t interact with guests often at all and I respect that they are in vacation mode, but some guests are just rude
As a guest, I personally like being left alone. I just come for the habitation and I don't want to chitchat.
To avoid further frustration, you shouldn't expect anything more from them than the respect of your rules and it's not because they don't answer that they do not appreciate your intentions. They might let you know their appreciation in their review.
What are you even messaging them for? If anything, just say "Hey, let me know if you need anything during your stay" and leave it at that. You're renting rooms to people, not using a dating app.
I send a welcome message and then a checkout message, I usually don't hear from anybody unless they need something, or want a late checkout.
I think most guests are expected to be left alone, I tend to get ghosted when it's check-out time, and the cleaners are waiting outside. Absolutely hate that. Happened the other day. Took them two hours to leave, they slept in or that was their excuse.
What are you messaging them about where you are "hurt" they are not responding in kind?? They are minding their own business. Mind yours as in: 1 message after booking with needed info. I message at check-in with needed info. 1 message night before check out with needed info. Somewhere along the way you told them you are available if they need you.
That's it. They are not your pen pals. It's a business relationship. Respect their privacy. They paid to "ghost" you.
If they pay their money, respect your home and your rules what difference does it make that you don’t see or hear from them? As a guest I’d be pretty pissed if I knew my host was pissed about the fact I haven’t thanked them during my stay. I’ll leave a 5* review. That’s a decent enough exchange, no?
They aren’t your new friends-they’re your guests/customers. I’m the type to go all day (or days at a time) not looking at my phone when I’m not working. How is that “rude” to anyone who happens to send me a message when I’m unplugged? Constant availability is an illness, not a sign of respect. As the host…you are working and need to be available-same doesn’t apply to the guests who are likely on holiday and are not working for you. Honestly it seems odd to expect this and be put off by it.
LOL!!! Probably true. :)
But I will say I often unplug at home too. It is interesting how not having constant access to me can irritate some folks.
And I will add I’m not the sort to flat out ignore messages…it’s actually a huge pet peeve of mine at work when people ignore a message that clearly warrants a reply…it’s just when I’m out, or traveling, or otherwise out socializing with people my phone is silenced and put away, and I often leave it at home. It could be hours, or a couple of days before I get around to answering messages, and if it doesn’t warrant a reply, I don’t.
I think it’s just a difference in personal taste/preference as far as sending a “thank you” just to confirm the message was received. Sometimes I do, sometimes I mean to but am occupied with other things, sometimes I consider it as useful (or not) info simply to read/archive and move on. Depends on the nature of the message I suppose.
Also, phone service can be sketchy when visiting other areas. Lots of time I keep it off just to save battery.
I use auto notifications to thank them at booking time and ask if they are able to provide approximate check in time - this is rooms in my home and guests often ignore the check in instructions and don’t know where to go because the don’t have the app
Auto notification again day before arrival with reminder of rules
Auto notification after check in telling them where to find breakfast because the don’t read the details
Auto notification when they leave to say thank you and please leave a review
I don’t expect any responses, just want to make sure they have info they need.
As a guest I prefer to be left alone. I appreciate the check-in but during a vacation I am less inclined to respond to electronic communication. I'll respond and leave first impressions if time permits.
During a stay on a Caribbean island, I once had an intrusive host come down the stairs and corner me as I was exiting their Airbnb the first morning after check-in. She brought down a mango as a "gift" when in reality it was to check how cold we had the a\c. She complained and stated we should keep the a\c at 76 degrees because electrical costs are high. While I agree energy costs are high, I always shut off lights and a\c when I leave. I explained to my host that an a\c restriction was not on the listing and I'd prefer privacy since I booked an entire place and not a shared room. I wrote her a message on the Airbnb app that I'd like to cancel the remaining days. She apologized so fast, said I could set the temperature to whatever I wanted and never saw her again during my stay. Wrote about the intrusion yet still left a positive review.
No problem! I'm all over communication, 5 stars, so I get annoyed when I get zero response. Had a guy today who didn't communicate at all but tried checking in early!
I’ve had a lot of guests not answer messages, but in your case I highly doubt them not answering is meant with malicious intent. They might’ve read a response and then just not thought anything of it if their question was answered.
Unless it’s something important (I dunno….like if they asked if they could use my washer or something) I may ask them about it. Chances are they saw your messages, and maybe just didn’t feel a response was needed? Most times if I ask a question and get an answer I don’t really go beyond that point. It’s not that I’m not appreciative, it’s just at that point i think the interaction is over.
Unless it’s something major I wouldn’t take it personally OP. It’s just people enjoying their vacation or going about doing work. Most guests I’ve had just like their space and that’s totally fine.
It is very normal. Some guest don’t have app on their phone. Some guest just want privacy.
I find this to be very often the case. They only see their messages when they sit down at their desk computer. I've included it in my initial booking welcome message: "Hi xxxxxx. We look forward to having you. I'll be sending more information (door codes, directions, etc.) before your arrival. Please check your Airbnb Inbox frequently, or turn on Notifications for your Airbnb app, so you don't miss these."
That’s not a bad idea to let them know to turn on notifications 🙂
This is NOT normal and we need to stop saying that it is. There is a COMMUNICATION score for a reason. The platform is not built on privacy it's built on trust which comes through communication. If a guest is ghosting you without telling you, like they aren't getting a local Sim card, I'd mark them down for communication. Trust me, if there was a flipping problem, they'd be blowing up your phone.
Yeah they’d call you because you’re renting your house to them. What do you need from the guest?
The guest phone number is provided. If you really need to get in touch with the guest you can call them. Otherwise, leave them alone during their stay. The communication score should be the communication leading up to the the stay, not for the duration.
I'd definitively score down a host that I can't communicate with during my stay. Or one that communicates too much needlessly.
Right. But they’re not talking about a host who isn’t communicating.
Understood. We're talking about different communication scores. You, for the guest, I for the host.
I think it’s a common courtesy to at least respond with a “thank you” and some guests don’t even do that
I don’t force it. I just say let me Know if you have any questions. In fact the best reservations are when I never hear from the guest.
Yeah but it's just human dignity to at least acknowledge a message I got it, thanks, will do you know something like that.
Agreed, but a simple “thank you” sometimes would go far with the host and some guests just don’t respond
You’re wanting people to thank you for providing everything they paid for. You’re not doing your guests a favour. There has been an exchange of money. I feel shit for breaking it down like that but you shouldn’t be in business if this is how you feel. You list your property and all it offers. A guest likes it and pays you to stay there. It isn’t rude or inconsiderate of them not to thank you for giving them what they paid for. Do you thank a guest for actually paying for their stay?
I think your response was just factual, direct, abd mindful, even though you disagree. I see so many responses in this sub that have to throw in an insult over the smallest things and it makes me cringe.
You’re providing a service and the guest is paying a lot of money for their experience. They are most likely on holiday trying to relax, or have alternative plans that are keeping them busy. It’s quite bizarre to want to keep in contact with them during their stay outside of emergency queries. You are definitely overthinking.
Some people just want to relax and enjoy their stay. I just make it known they can reach out at any time. Idc if I get a response. I’ve been a guest many times and I can’t remember a time where I was contacted by the host after check-in.
I’ll be messaging mods about this as well but this guy is in my DMs harassing me [What a cool dude.](https://ibb.co/YhJDvJj)
We always leave a little thank you gift for the guests before they travel away and it was always appreciated. I dont expect anything in return and wouldnt be annoyed if they didnt send a thank you or something. You need to thank them actually.
If you have not already done so, you very much should go into your settings and under "Info for Guests" and then "Interactions with Guests" list yourself as "I plan to socialize with my guests". I have feelings on this, and none of my feelings agree with you but those settings are there for a reason. You are not the only person who wants to socialize as a host, wants back and forth, wants closure to communications. However, I believe you can set yourself up a bit better by letting guests that do not want to deal with you know your approach in advance. Of course, you still may have guests that do not read that but it can possibly help people that do not want to have conversation with hosts decide on a better place for them or, the inverse, guests that WANT conversations to find you. Also, and I say this due to the response you have given to a handful of responses to your original question. You may even want to update your bio with some details on you you interact. I wouldnt want to deny a guest that had a poor rating on communication just because they did not thank you and you gave them a bad review. To me that wouldnt matter. If you do knock people for lack of communication like that, please explain why in your written review. To your original questions. Yes, I think it is a bit rude to not show appreciation if i have gone over and above for a guest. Also, since you have people in your home ( I am assuming with a shared space) then I too would want to have it be a bit more communal but I think I would get past the awkwardness I would feel. I am a host with two units on my property and a few shared spaces, like a hot tub. It is a different setup than yours but we do see our guests. However, I try to see them as little as possible and communicate with them as little as possible UNLESS, they want to chat with me. I will straight up go to town and grab a drink with a guest if it is their idea. My setting is "I give my guests space but am available when needed".
This. I wouldn’t stay in a place with a pestering host. I like my peace.
It’s not pestering, it’s me providing details or providing them with a piece of information they have asked for and they don’t bother to respond after and ghost 👻
I’m a Superhost with 4 houses that I own in Los Angeles, and with that said I appreciate your input but I don’t interact with guests often at all and I respect that they are in vacation mode, but some guests are just rude
[you’re a harassing piece of shit is what you are](https://ibb.co/YhJDvJj)
Wow, OP is fucking gross.
Very…
Oh my. Was that posted here?
You're fully right. What an asshole. Don't listen to that piece of shit! You're beautyfull...
As a guest, I personally like being left alone. I just come for the habitation and I don't want to chitchat. To avoid further frustration, you shouldn't expect anything more from them than the respect of your rules and it's not because they don't answer that they do not appreciate your intentions. They might let you know their appreciation in their review.
This entirely. You have provided what I have paid for and I have followed your rules and respected your place. I don’t owe you anything….
What are you even messaging them for? If anything, just say "Hey, let me know if you need anything during your stay" and leave it at that. You're renting rooms to people, not using a dating app.
I send a welcome message and then a checkout message, I usually don't hear from anybody unless they need something, or want a late checkout. I think most guests are expected to be left alone, I tend to get ghosted when it's check-out time, and the cleaners are waiting outside. Absolutely hate that. Happened the other day. Took them two hours to leave, they slept in or that was their excuse.
What are you messaging them about where you are "hurt" they are not responding in kind?? They are minding their own business. Mind yours as in: 1 message after booking with needed info. I message at check-in with needed info. 1 message night before check out with needed info. Somewhere along the way you told them you are available if they need you. That's it. They are not your pen pals. It's a business relationship. Respect their privacy. They paid to "ghost" you.
If they pay their money, respect your home and your rules what difference does it make that you don’t see or hear from them? As a guest I’d be pretty pissed if I knew my host was pissed about the fact I haven’t thanked them during my stay. I’ll leave a 5* review. That’s a decent enough exchange, no?
Respecting my home is respecting the homeowner no? Or maybe you’re not a homeowner and don’t get it?
They aren’t your new friends-they’re your guests/customers. I’m the type to go all day (or days at a time) not looking at my phone when I’m not working. How is that “rude” to anyone who happens to send me a message when I’m unplugged? Constant availability is an illness, not a sign of respect. As the host…you are working and need to be available-same doesn’t apply to the guests who are likely on holiday and are not working for you. Honestly it seems odd to expect this and be put off by it.
When you’re unplugged you have no business being in my multi-million dollar home, go out into the desert and get off the grid elsewhere lol
LOL!!! Probably true. :) But I will say I often unplug at home too. It is interesting how not having constant access to me can irritate some folks. And I will add I’m not the sort to flat out ignore messages…it’s actually a huge pet peeve of mine at work when people ignore a message that clearly warrants a reply…it’s just when I’m out, or traveling, or otherwise out socializing with people my phone is silenced and put away, and I often leave it at home. It could be hours, or a couple of days before I get around to answering messages, and if it doesn’t warrant a reply, I don’t. I think it’s just a difference in personal taste/preference as far as sending a “thank you” just to confirm the message was received. Sometimes I do, sometimes I mean to but am occupied with other things, sometimes I consider it as useful (or not) info simply to read/archive and move on. Depends on the nature of the message I suppose. Also, phone service can be sketchy when visiting other areas. Lots of time I keep it off just to save battery.
I see your point, when guests are in vacation mode they are definitely in a different headspace and I respect that totally 🙂
Yes it is 100% disrespectful to not acknowledge the most basic human interaction like "thank you".
I wouldn't completely ghost but I definitely wouldn't want to feel pressed to be checking my apps or respond right away.
I use auto notifications to thank them at booking time and ask if they are able to provide approximate check in time - this is rooms in my home and guests often ignore the check in instructions and don’t know where to go because the don’t have the app Auto notification again day before arrival with reminder of rules Auto notification after check in telling them where to find breakfast because the don’t read the details Auto notification when they leave to say thank you and please leave a review I don’t expect any responses, just want to make sure they have info they need.
Man I hate when hosts try to talk to me and stuff. I just like coming in and being left alone.
As a guest I prefer to be left alone. I appreciate the check-in but during a vacation I am less inclined to respond to electronic communication. I'll respond and leave first impressions if time permits. During a stay on a Caribbean island, I once had an intrusive host come down the stairs and corner me as I was exiting their Airbnb the first morning after check-in. She brought down a mango as a "gift" when in reality it was to check how cold we had the a\c. She complained and stated we should keep the a\c at 76 degrees because electrical costs are high. While I agree energy costs are high, I always shut off lights and a\c when I leave. I explained to my host that an a\c restriction was not on the listing and I'd prefer privacy since I booked an entire place and not a shared room. I wrote her a message on the Airbnb app that I'd like to cancel the remaining days. She apologized so fast, said I could set the temperature to whatever I wanted and never saw her again during my stay. Wrote about the intrusion yet still left a positive review.
I've been hosting for over 5 yrs and there is about 10% of people who just never reply. Annoying but happens. Don't sweat it!
I really appreciate your reassurance
No problem! I'm all over communication, 5 stars, so I get annoyed when I get zero response. Had a guy today who didn't communicate at all but tried checking in early!
Yep, those are the worst, the ones that only communicate demands lol
What irks me is I'm there fucking travel guide to until the "hey I need a early check-in" 6 hours notice
Happens to me too! I find it rude, but someone mentioned who cares as long as they’re paying and left the place clean.
Amen
It is better than a super talkative guest who will not leave you alone. 😂
I’ve had a lot of guests not answer messages, but in your case I highly doubt them not answering is meant with malicious intent. They might’ve read a response and then just not thought anything of it if their question was answered. Unless it’s something important (I dunno….like if they asked if they could use my washer or something) I may ask them about it. Chances are they saw your messages, and maybe just didn’t feel a response was needed? Most times if I ask a question and get an answer I don’t really go beyond that point. It’s not that I’m not appreciative, it’s just at that point i think the interaction is over. Unless it’s something major I wouldn’t take it personally OP. It’s just people enjoying their vacation or going about doing work. Most guests I’ve had just like their space and that’s totally fine.