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Updated 5 months ago on . Most recent reply
Hurricane and incoming guests
We have a short term rental in Bradenton. We have guests coming in from England this Friday the 11th. Obviously the hurricane coming in could be devastating and we’re not sure what, how and when to communicate to the guests. They reached out last storm Helene and we survived with no damage. What would you all do in this case?
Most Popular Reply
I am in the same boat. I had a guest check in on Saturday 10/5 and another on Sunday 10/6 (two different units). I made sure they were both aware of the impending storm, particularly the folks checking in on the 6th since we already knew it would be bad by then. Both still decided to come and check in anyway. I told them I would bring them extra flashlights, batteries and water but they should get themselves perishables. Then I sent them local updates consistently. By last night and early this morning, I did suggest that they evacuate but that they could stay if they didn't have any other options (surge is my main concern, we are on the 18th floor so I don't think they will have an issue with that and we have Miami/Dade qualified hurricane protection)...BUT, I was very forthright that they would likely be without water and electricity and stuck on the 18th floor possible for some time. Suffice it to say, they both left today and I'm grateful.
Separately, I have people checking in this coming Saturday and Sunday. I told them I'd understand if they need to cancel but I'd prefer to play it by ear. Either way, they are past my cancellation policy so if things are fine, they should come, if they are not okay, then I will refund them because they really won't have an option. They both seemed fine with the wait and see approach.
On a separate note, they may still want to come (if the airports let them in) and find another place to stay even if it's on the other coast or further north, depending what make it through, if they use the wait and see approach. I picked up a few last minute bookings that were displaced from Helene.