Early Check-ins, Late Checkouts: The Superhost’s Guide to 5-Star Reviews

Every Sunday, I make it a point to browse social media for common issues and challenges that Airbnb hosts like me face. One recurring concern I notice is guests requesting early check-ins or late check-outs.

I remember a time during my first month of hosting when a guest requested a 1 pm check-in while I had back-to-back bookings. I had blocked the night before her check-in but, being a naive host, decided to allow the previous guests to extend another night, thinking I could get the place ready before 1 pm. To cut a long story short, she arrived while I was still freshly pressing the linens in the bedroom. Talk about a stressful situation!

Thankfully, that guest turned out to be considerate. She even extended her stay and left me a 5-star review. I consider it luck. But not everyone can be as lucky as I was. So if you're new to hosting, or considering becoming a host, it's important to have a clear policy for early check-in or late check-out requests upfront.

Also Read: Mastering Your Airbnb Inbox: Time-Saving Tips from a Superhost

This not only saves time and headaches but also prevents you from having to repeatedly write responses when guests inquire.

Since every host runs their property differently, I’ve gathered some valuable insights from fellow Airbnb hosts that might help you manage these situations more effectively.

1. Offer a Discount for Early Check-in/Late Check-out

One of the top contributors in the Philippines Airbnb Host Community suggested offering a 40-50% discount to guests who request an early check-in or late check-out. This approach minimizes back-and-forth negotiations and provides clarity. Some hosts even recommend including this information in your listing description. However, since many guests overlook this section, it's worth mentioning it directly in your messages.

The key here is to be proactive. Always ask for guests' arrival times in advance so you can better prepare your space. It’s included in my booking confirmation message to guests, and a few days before their arrival, I make sure I have their arrival times right. 

2. Charge by the Hour

Another strategy is to charge for early check-ins and late check-outs on an hourly basis, especially if you know the departure time of your previous guests or the arrival time of your next guests. This allows you to earn extra income without blocking off entire days on your calendar. However, this approach works best when your calendar is full and set for the month. If multiple guests request adjustments, it can be hard to manage, leading to unnecessary stress.

For example, I recently stayed at an Airbnb in Quezon City managed by a Superhost who charged P200 per hour for late checkouts. I gladly accepted the offer since I preferred to relax at the property, enjoy the pool, and use the clubhouse amenities, rather than spend the afternoon at the mall.

3. Block Extra Nights for Premium Stays

For guests booking three or more nights at premium rates, you may want to block off the night before their arrival and the night after their departure. This approach reduces stress since it gives you ample time to prepare the space without the pressure of back-to-back bookings. Many high-end properties use this strategy, and it’s a smart way to secure positive reviews, particularly when you’re just starting as a host.

In highly sought-after areas like BGC and Makati, this type of generous offer is rare. I recall staying at a Superhost’s place where she offered me the option of a late check-out. When I asked if she charged by the hour, she explained that she would need to charge for an entire extra night. It didn’t make sense to pay for a full night when I only needed an additional three hours, so I declined.

Additional Tips to Consider:

• If you've already offered a discount on your listing, it might be simpler to coordinate check-in/check-out times directly with your guests and charge an hourly rate for any adjustments needed.
• Of course, there are always exceptions! If you feel a genuine connection with a guest, consider offering a complimentary early check-in as a kind gesture. Most guests appreciate such flexibility and often express their thanks with a glowing review.
• While many guests are grateful for flexibility, it's also true that not everyone leaves a review, let alone a detailed one. Sometimes, even the most generous gestures go unnoticed.
• When a guest asks for a free early check-in or late check-out, especially when my rates are already competitive, I politely decline. Instead, I offer alternative solutions like:
  • Storing their luggage securely while the unit is being prepared.
  • Suggesting they relax in the common areas (pool, rooftop, gym) if available.
  • Recommending nearby restaurants or malls to pass the time comfortably.

Success in hosting is finding the balance between delighting your guests and sustaining your business.

How do you handle early check-in or late check-out requests? If you’re a host or an aspiring one, I’d love to hear your thoughts!