I have tried it–let the guests self check in late while I’m sleeping.
To clarify, when I say tour, I mean a simple "Hi, so to get to your room, we go through the living room and up the stairs, there is a light switch here at the bottom of the stairs, and one at the top so you can always have the stairway lit up. Here is your bathroom, if for some reason the plethora of towels I’ve left for your stay are not enough, there are more in this hall closet. And here is your room, feel free to use the right side of the closet to store your luggage and hang your clothes, as I’ve cleared that space for you."
Then I get to answer any questions on what to do, where to eat etc.
So, yes, I have tried letting people check in on their own, by leaving keys outside for them. Every single time, I’ve gotten dinged on stars for check in. AND it’s just awkward all the way around, for them, for me, to meet in the morning.
Not to mention the safety issue…I share this space with them. I want a good look at who is coming in my home.
Oh, and one time, I allowed an early check in (noon) with the self check in option. Was contacted by the guest a few hours later and informed the boyfriend had an “allergy”, and they needed to leave. I arrive home to find they have taken the keys to the home, the bedroom looked like an orgy had taken place (used condoms and wrappers on floor rather than either of the wastebaskets, bedding pulled apart), and they had taken showers leaving a total of 4 wet towels on the floor.
So, these people, who I never even met or set eyes on, used my home and took my house keys!!
I honestly can’t remember if ABB refunded them or not.
Edited to add: Just checked my transaction history…I did NOT get paid for that reservation, yet had to do all the clean up as if they had stayed, AND had the extra worry of them having keys to my home.
So no…I won’t do self check in anymore.