When a Texas Airbnb Host’s Chores List Goes Viral: A Lesson in Guest Care

By: Brad Greiner, CEO of Open Air Homes and OpenAiRE Brokerage

Why This Controversial Approach is Exactly What We Advise Against at Open Air Homes

In the ever-evolving world of vacation rentals, an unexpected incident recently rippled across social media, shedding light on a pressing hospitality concern. An Airbnb host in San Antonio, Texas, raised eyebrows and ire when they handed their guests an extensive ‘checkout instructions’ list, despite having charged them a $150 cleaning fee.

This incident was not just a one-off. The guest, taken aback by this exhaustive list – which included tasks like stripping beds, doing laundry, washing dishes, and even cleaning floors – voiced their frustrations on social media. Their post struck a chord, gaining significant traction and drawing widespread criticism. One poignant remark from a netizen read, “Charging an absurd cleaning fee and then expecting the guest to clean is beyond reason.” Many began to reflect on the growing allure of traditional hotels, given the spiraling fees and demands of some Airbnb listings.

Airbnb’s response was swift and decisive. Highlighting their commitment to enhancing guest experiences, Susan Wheeldon, their Country Manager, stated that guests shouldn’t be burdened with chores like bed stripping, laundry, or vacuuming. While Airbnb encourages guests to exercise basic courtesies like switching off lights or locking doors, it stands against excessive checkout demands. In a bid to ensure continued guest satisfaction, Airbnb introduced a new feature allowing guests to provide feedback on checkout instructions. Hosts with consistently unreasonable demands risk having their listings removed.

What’s Our Take on This?

With a 4.91+ star rating over 10 years and 50+ homes under management, we have spent the past 10 years respecting the time of our guests.  Respecting their time is what this is all about. 

Our philosophy at Open Air Homes is simple yet profound: vacations are moments of respite. Be it a leisurely holiday or a business trip where a guest is working in some downtime, our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience is unwavering. Every guest who steps into our homes should find a meticulously prepared space, radiating warmth and welcome.

We are steadfast in our belief that guests should not be burdened with additional tasks other than “turn off the lights and AC, and lock the doors.” The fees paid ensure that cleaning and maintenance are our responsibility. Our mission is to allow you to truly immerse in the experience and create lasting memories.  

Granted, it goes without saying that we still want guests to be respectful to our neighbors and cleaners, and if they have an excessive amount of trash, or say decided to have a confetti/glitter throwing party, they will either need to clean it up prior to leaving or face an additional cleaning fee charge (this rarely happens, but does occasionally come up, and it typically involves guests who already are breaking our “no parties allowed” rule).  

In conclusion, Open Air Homes cherishes its guests’ comfort and trust. We strive to maintain an ambiance where guests feel valued and pampered. After all, vacations should be about relaxation and rejuvenation, not chores. Choose us for a hassle-free stay where you are the priority!