cassid
History graduate, set up a charity, worked in a university and did 40 hours plus of voluntary work, while raising a family, I thought I was superwoman and spent 8 years looking after everybody except me. I got sick, really sick and had to stop working, my body just gave out. Hosting has allowed me to pay the bills. As a teacher and chairperson of a charity, am used to dealing with the public , you never know what path is ahead of you, one door closes another one opens,
I am going back to the opt in function on booking.com so they will handle the payments. I had 2 credit cards decline this week. We pay adequate commission per reservation so let them deal with the hassle.
Even when you refund a guest, you then have to send a message which may or may not be dealt with and then if not if you have to go to the invoice and wait a few days to so finance can check. This is all work, that we don't get one cent for.
I like the freedom of getting paid immediately when I take a booking payment but sometimes there is too much trouble.
Heating is essential like water.
You can specifiy no extra heating appliances to be used in the property except for those provided by the owner.
It needs to be warm, I have central heating on each day, all beds have electric blankets and I have spare duvets/blankets and a portable heater and this is just for bedrooms.
In winter time, my heating bill is normally €600 plus per 6 weeks or so , I get a few of these during the cold seasons but it's just part of doing business.
For an apartment, I would have the heat on for a short period everyday just to keep it warm.
You can do that under minimum length of stay. It's under rates and availability. Spend a little time if you can understanding how the system works, it helps prevents mistakes or errors in the future
Hey Matt, a BnB can offer a room rate only just like a hotel.
I just stopped doing breakfasts. I never charged for them and it was free but found too many people were abusing it and taking food away to eat all day long. One particular couple just pushed me over the edge during the summer, they ate more than the cost of their booking.
I have learnt people don't appreciate what's free. So I have stopped doing breakfast but if guests want to order breakfast then it will be provided it will cost.
I have a selections of about 10 teas/coffees and brioche/croissants that I provide for guests now and its in the guest sitting room, they can have that.
My life is 10 times easier now. I wrote to about 20 guests and asked would they prefer breakfast or lower room rate and all 20 said lower room rate so for now, that's what I am doing. My days involved shopping, baking as well as running the cleaning/admin side, just too much for one.
Hey,
Leandri-Klopper
What is rate intelligence leandri it is not available in my country yet ?
You can close your room off and people can't book.
Booking is instant book, so you just need to sync your booking.com with other calendars and it would prevent double bookings.
Am a super guest Laura!!!
I strip the beds, tidy the room, recycle my waste ( i even take my rubbish with me ) and I leave a tip for staff. Even my children strip their linen, last month in a hotel, one left a home made thank you card for the cleaner. They appreciate the work that goes into a room.
I always make the effort to chat to staff and ask how their day is going, whether its reception staff, pool staff or the cleaner, a few minutes and some kind words always breaks the ice.
I would say nothing and when they arrive it will be nice surprise or put it in your email to guests.
I have gone to hotels with stayed in lodges and got a lovely welcome basket, I remember and appreciate that.