corona virus and short term rentals: how are people dealing?

Question

likely a sensitive topic so a PM will work if not wanting to respond but we recently had a bunch of bookings for March after going live the last week of feb. our first guest came and went with zero q's or concerns about the virus. our second has come to us the night before with a concern though asking if we can "guarantee" the unit is "properly" cleaned with "appropriately strong products". also asking about recent guests etc.

my response was that our cleaning staff is aware and continue to thoroughly clean their units. i also suggest that they bring purell or similar product and follow guidelines on washing hands etc.

airbnb is only honoring cancellations from certain areas as is vrbo from what i have been able to gather. the bookings all came 10 days ago so it was still while the virus was a hot topic.

thoughts on what others are doing etc?? how would one approach this type of question?

again understanding the issue here a PM is totally fine ...

Bo

Leora Merrell · Answer

Bookings are still coming in for me. Two came in last night and one of them filled up my last two vacant nights for March. In the note the guest even said he’s bringing his grandma. Pretty sure she’s the one who shouldn’t be traveling....We’ll just have to ride it out and see! This can’t last forever.

John Underwood · Answer

Well I did get a cancellation because the baseball team players were told by their coach not to travel out of state. Those same dates got booked the next day. I did give the people a full refund even though they were past the refund time.I guess the cleaning questions may start coming up.So far bookings in March and April have been very active for me.

Jonathan Conaghan · Answer

@Bo A Vanecko this is pretty fast moving and people’s perceived severity of the situation is changing by the day. We have had two cancellations this month for March dates related to the virus. In both instances, we provided a 50% refund even though we didn’t need to in one of the bookings, but in both cases the dates were rebooked by a different guest albeit at a 45% lower rate than we normally listed at. Not so relevant, but one of the new bookings covers two additional nights, so technically it worked out. It’s hard to know where this is going in the short term (3-6 months?) but I am expecting more cancellations and higher vacancy unless we reduce our rates. With the just announced travel ban to the US and major events being cancelled left and right, I don’t see how it doesn’t have an impact on tourism including STRs.

Michael Baum · Answer

@Bo A Vanecko, seems reasonable. Everyone's policies are all over the board. Some are refunding and some are sticking to their guns as we have no control over the outbreak just like the weather.

Bo A Vanecko · Answer

@Michael BaumUnderstood I read two other posts. I get the cancellation fears but I find it interesting my group booked 8 days ago then night before raise concerns? I answered by stating our cleaners make every effort to clean thoroughly. I stated we recommend bringing Purell or similar product and follow guidelines on washing hands etc. About all I can doThx for following upBo

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Bo A Vanecko, I wasn't annoyed. I am trying to inject some levity into the constant flow of corona virus concerns. Check out the other threads and you should get your answers.

Bo A Vanecko · Answer

@Michael BaumI was rushed and posted then searched as they checkin tomorrow Again I get it and sorry this post has annoyed you. I will continue reading the other thread now. Enjoy your evening. Bo

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Bo A Vanecko, I am just expressing myself. There are at least 20 threads on this topic. Did you search? There is one that is 5 pages long covering this exact topic. How we are handling the questions of guests, how many cancellations due to the outbreak, etc. Take a minute to search the forum and you will find the various threads on Corona. Alot of what you want to know is covered by the various STR owners.

Bo A Vanecko · Answer

@michael baum thanks but not sure that has helped me here. of course its on here as it is on every single site or news station etc. its being driven by the media to great lengths and causing mass hysteria. totally get it... i am simply trying to see how others are dealing business wise as i am dealing with my first guests ever. believe me the buying up of TP and paper products etc is lunacy but thank the media for that one. any advice though still greatly appreciated.

Michael Baum · Answer

AHHHHHHHHH, the Corona!! It's infecting this forum!!!! Never ending new topics about Corona virus!!!!