Airbnb guest enquiries: The most common requests and how to handle them

Ever had a guest slide into your DMs with a cheeky “Hey mate, any chance of an early check-in?” or hit you up for a discount like it’s a Sunday markets haggle? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Fact is, nailing those pre-booking enquiries can mean the difference between a booked-out calendar and crickets. And let’s be real—Airbnb’s algorithm loves a host who’s quick on the reply. So, how do you ace the guest research phase without losing the plot?

We’re breaking down the top Airbnb guest requests and giving you the lowdown on how to handle ’em like a pro. Whether it’s turning a “no” into a “no worries, here’s a better option” or locking in those longer stays with savvy pricing, we’ve got your back.

Top Airbnb guest requests

Guest management begins even before you start getting bookings. When potential guests start looking at multiple listings, they’ll pick their favorites and start asking hosts a few questions before they book. Being ready for the “pre-booking” research phase is super important for your property because Airbnb rankings take into account how quickly you respond to guests.

Here are the top three Airbnb guest questions and our best tips for answering them.

Flexible check-in/out

Guests want to make the most of their stay. They might ask to check in early because of their flight, or request a late checkout so they can get a good night’s sleep before heading home.

It’s vital to respond to check-in and check-out requests ASAP. Your property might be one of many on their list, and your prompt response could make you the top pick!

• Ask guests their exact time of arrival so you can check if you can make flexible check-in and check-out available.
• Be prepared for unexpected guests arriving early. Politely inform them you can’t let them check in yet. Offer a nearby storage area for their bags or suggest a cool place to hang out until check-in.
• If you don’t prefer early check-ins, mention it in your listing policy. Airbnb will filter out mismatched guest inquiries. However, guests may not read descriptions fully, so you might still need to reply to some inquiries despite your policy.

Just like check-ins, guests often have late-night flights or want to avoid peak hour traffic when heading home.

Having a flexible check-in/out policy can be a game-changer. You might just get bookings that other properties would turn down because of their less flexible policies.

Discounts

Airbnb has been around for a while now. Guests have gotten used to renting homes and have higher expectations. Many of them aren’t afraid to ask for a discount on their stay. Hosts should think about this and how it might affect your rental returns.

Here are some of our best tips for giving guest discounts:

• Consider season and demand: Offer discounts during off-seasons when demand is low
• Discount for longer stays: Offer a discounted rate for guests who stay for longer periods of time to ensure stable income and occupancy
• Discount for repeat guests: Provide a discount to repeat guests to build customer loyalty and encourage return visits.

Parking

Another highly-desired feature that always comes up with Airbnb guest enquiries is parking space. A free parking spot in or close to the property is undoubtedly the most appealing amenity, followed by public parking within a walking distance of the property.

When it comes to parking, be as detailed as possible. If you say parking is free, make sure to clarify. Do you have a garage available? Is there a spot on the street? If you mention public parking, mention the distance and cost. Also, it’s a good idea to describe the type of vehicle the parking spot can accommodate. A small garage won’t fit a big van, so just saying ‘parking’ won’t cut it. Be specific.

Check-in flexibility, discounts and parking are certainly not the only things that guests value. Take a look at this infographic we created to get an idea of what really matters to guests. Property features, location, and extras should all be taken into consideration for having a successful listing.

Tips for dealing with Airbnb guest enquiries

Want to handle guest questions like a pro? Here’s how to stay sharp and keep those bookings rolling in:

• Mention if you have flexible check-in to rule out any misunderstanding from the start of your listing. Make it clear what your policy regarding check-in/out is.
• The location of the property in the listing might not be enough for newbies to the area. Give guests all the info they need, like where to park, where to find groceries, and how to get around.
• Decide if you are willing to offer discounts to guests.
• It’s always a good idea to have some info about the property, like if there’s a staircase, lift access, or a bathtub. If guests ask about it a lot, you might want to think about adding it to the listing in the future.
• Send guests the details about the key exchange a few days before their stay. Don’t wait until they arrive. By sending the details ahead, you make sure they’ll read them and get in touch if they have any questions.
• When a guest unexpectedly arrives early, offer a solution. Think about enjoyable local places they could visit between their arrival and check-in time.

Top Airbnb management with MadeComfy

Handling guest enquiries, nailing check-in flexibility, and juggling discount requests—sounds like a full-time job, right? That’s where MadeComfy comes in. We take the stress out of hosting so you can sit back, relax, and watch your bookings roll in.

Our 24/7 Guest Communication team handles every enquiry like clockwork, while our smart pricing and expert management keep your property booked and earning. No more late-night messages, no more haggling—just more bookings, happier guests, and better returns.

Ready to transform your Airbnb rental returns from measly to magical? Let MadeComfy handle it! CONTACT US today!