The problem guests had young kids … her primary point. Her International Guests, since she is in Canada would include Americans who don’t have kids. Presumably most (all?) of them were fine. I can’t imagine an American couple heading up to Whistler (or wherever) for a romantic getaway being much of a problem.
Huh? You should read more carefully: I’m in CANADA. When I say I prefer international guests who book lots of activities as opposed to local Canadians who bring young children to a surf town and stay in the suite most of the time, often leave a mess ….etc….I’m including Americans.
Actually Tofino and if you have never been it’s absolutely incredible……still an unspoiled paradise.
And thank you, that’s good advice!
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Never been but the photos look incredible.
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I’ve had similar experiences with toddlers and children. I’ve even considered removing the twin beds in one of my bedrooms to discourage bookings. But that would discourage singles as well. I have lowered my guest max from 6 to 4, and I think it’s helped a bit…
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I’m not sure about the laws in the US , but my cleaner who manages a four room boutique hotel just told me that they don’t allow pets or children — and they’ve never received a complaint, at least not yet! If I had known when I started hosting I would have just done the same.
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I had to remove my bunk beds. Apparently children used them like monkey bars, one on bottom kicked upper bunk & head/foot rails pestering other child and the child on top did same, ladder removed, .I wanted to scream, “where were the parents”.
Installing a queen bed was a good decision.
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This is so interesting to me. We are in a high traffic tourist area and we get families all the time and it’s completely the opposite for us. We love families. Yes kids break things here and there but so do adults. I’m sorry you sold your business over it.
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Yes, “Where were the parents”, indeed. Although I know it isn’t easy keeping an eye on toddlers and young children, I do feel that parents are responsible for not letting their children tear up rooms, draw with markers on the wall, drop food all over the house, and jump on furniture until it breaks. This isn’t the children’s fault; it’s the parents. I have had some luck with families with children, but in those cases it was clear that the children were being watched over and guided. Unfortunately, half the time, that’s not what happened.
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Yes—when I had both BR & BA open, I loved it when GMa came on vacation with adult children & Gkids.
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As a fellow host, I give you permission to never host other people’s kids again. You don’t have to host people who are not suited to your style of hosting, your property type and if they are not your ideal guest.
Just make sure you have your marketing all set to attract your ideal guest and have a way of gently and yet kindly turn away people who are not a good fit. It doesn’t mean they are bad people - just not people who are going to appreciate fully your style of hosting and your property.
I try to coach my hosting clients all the time this. You do NOT have to host people who are not your ideal guest. You are not selling cheap accommodation. Your product is more than a bed and a bathroom. Your products isn’t for everybody and that is OK.
But the guests who are a good fit will really appreciate everything you do and will have a great experience and leave you the best reviews. Trying to please everybody just means you are really diluting your product.
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I have never allowed children in my listing. There are a few boxes that allow you to check “not suitable for children.” My previous listing had a second floor and there was no way I was going to risk the liability with my insurance company of having children on my property. My new listing has a fireplace and a few small stairs so I just don’t want to risk it. I would consider it in a private request if the Guest had excellent reviews that commented on how the children behaved and how Guest left the property.
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I accepted kids and had the odd draining family every year — not enough to consider banning them but this summer I reached the end of my rope. Definitely makes sense to seek a niche.
Thanks for the advice !
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I wish the age range was customizable, otherwise it is not very useful. It is walking children under 6 or more that are the problem, with ages 2-3 being the worst. Therefore “under 2” is of no help, and “under 12” is too severe for us as most kids over 8 or so will not be wild or super messy.
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No one under 18 - our insurance doesn’t cover them.
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One of our listings is a well preserved historic house. This is how I try to make sure any children will be the kind who won’t destroy or damage things….
Text in the listing description says:
“Because of age of the house, some of the original, irreplaceable features of the house, some of the furniture, and the multitude of stairs, Dasher House may not the best choice for families with children from crawling age to age six or so.
Many families with small children have stayed at Dasher House and enjoyed their stay but, we would prefer, if you have children in this crawling to kindergarten age, that you discuss with us before booking so we can ensure your family is a good fit for the house and will be comfortable staying there.
Here are just a few things to consider:
- Some irreplaceable items, like the original 1913 glass light fixtures in the second floor bedrooms, are reachable by children who are standing on the beds.
- The large screen TV is placed on a low stand and is not secured to the wall (there is no way to do it).
- None of the tall furniture (china cabinet, chests of drawers) is secured to the wall.
*There are a few sharp edged end tables, and several end tables with glass or mirrored tops; some of these could easily be tipped over by a toddler pulling themselves up. - All the window blinds throughout the house have cords.
Chasing after little ones might not make for the most relaxing stay. We do our best by providing safety gates for the stairs, locks for some doors, etc., but it isn’t possible to completely childproof this home. If you have children in this age range, please discuss with us before booking, so we can make sure you’ll be happy staying here and your children will be safe.”
So far, (fingers crossed) so good! We’ve had children below the age of six but no damage.
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That is a perfectly worded description that makes it clear you are looking out for the safety of the little ones. Brilliant!
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JJD - I would escalate the bad review to Airbnb to have it deleted. If it is clear in your listing that you don’t have a kitchen you would have a good case for removal.
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