What to do when guest is a no-show?

[Bruce Woodruff]

Just looking for creative input....our guests that were supposed to arrive on Friday sent a literally last-minute message saying that she had gotten sick and couldn't make it. She said she noticed our cancellation policy and understood, but asked if there was anything I could do....

I offered two options: #1) Come stay a different weekend and it would be no charge, just contact me outside of VRBO to arrange it.... or #2) I would Venmo her back for 1 nights stay. I explained that the guest house was now sitting empty, unable to re-rent so I couldn't refund the entire stay....

After thinking about it, I really feel like the only option should be #1. If you book and can't make it, it's not my problem...trying to run a business here and all that.

Thoughts?