Post by High Priestess on May 27, 2016 6:15:42 GMT
Maggie shared on New Hosts Forum Jan 2015
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100678
Coming "home" late
We live in the snowy mountains of British Columbia about a 15 minute drive from our small town and a 30 minute drive from an acclaimed ski resort. We just listed our independent two bedroom self-contained apartment a few weeks back and within days were fully booked up over the Christmas/New Year's holidays.
The "wild" and the mountains are all around us and we know that is the attraction... a winter retreat. As folks who have lived here now for a number of years we also know that in the winter in the mountains "stuff" happens - especially for folks who are uninitiated to the ways of mountain life. For the first two bookings our guests were "home" early in the evening. Last night, though, being Saturday night our young female guests ( the age of our own children) had stayed in town after skiing. We got a text just after 11pm saying their car was stuck on the driveway. My husband went out and drove their car up to the house and then ferried them back to the house. They were quite sweet and very grateful.
Throughout the evening we wondered about them being OK. Our feelings were of worry for them and what can happen on the roads in the dark in a mountain winter. So, when the text came at least there was something we could do to help.
We're wondering how we have that discussion with folks about staying out late. We didn't have to stay up to let them in or anything... our suite is fully independent of our house. It was like a feeling of staying up for your own kids to make sure they get home OK. We're glad we did because we could help them ... wondering how others might have handled this or how to have that conversation with future guests?
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Leah
Leaha year ago
Maybe in bold near the top, mention that during the winter, road conditions for snow make driving a car without all wheel drive or chains, more difficult. Or something to the effect that they need to be aware of bad road conditions. I know you mention it down on the bottom of your listing but guests don't always read everything and if they are in a rental, may not have chains, in which case, recommend AAA or rental roadside assistance.
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Andrew
Andrewa year ago
11 PM is considered late??? Wow...here in Berlin it's when we just start thinking about going out.
It's fortunate that you were awake and able to help the guests get into the driveway. Sounds like you are very kind and caring hosts. But generally I'd expect that tourists from many other places will have different ideas about what constitutes a late night. I'd only get worried if guests were out more than an hour past the time that the local bars are all shut down (or possibly driving drunk on icy roads).
Usually during check-in I try to get a general feel for my guests' plans, including which facilities they plan to use (kitchen, etc) and what kind of hours they like to keep. Being in a 24-hour city I always make it clear that they can come and go whenever they please, but it is useful to know whether my guests are night owls or early risers, to make sure they have quiet times and shower access at the right time. I'm sure you could have the same conversation without any trouble!
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Maggie
Maggiea year ago
We've lived our whole lives in the big city and wouldn't think twice about guests coming in late in the city. But, as Heather mentions, after we moved here a dozen years ago, as city slickers we soon came to appreciate a different (respectful) relationship with nature and the elements. Andrew I appreciate your comment about getting a sense beforehand what their plans are for their stay... not in a nosey way but in a way to help them have a better experience, giving feedback on options they might not have thought of, and offering some local lore, what to watch out for. I guess there's no harm also in asking whether they plan on being out "late" and letting them know what their options are if anything goes wrong. Thanks.
Heather
Heathera year ago
Hi Maggie, gorgeous listing! We're in Whitefish, MT so I'm sympathetic to the challenges of bad roads. In fact our guest who was to arrive yesterday was unable to make it, she was okay but was in a car wreck. I was just relieved to hear she was okay, we had a significant winter storm move through yesterday.
Perhaps a little chat with your guests about the potential consequences of being stranded in a remote area after dark would be helpful. Not saying your guests have to be home before dark or anything, but its a whole different ball game out here! Tomorrow our forecasted low temp is NEGATIVE 8. There are many areas here in NW Montana without cell service, and if you got stuck in an area without much traffic (also many areas) and ran out of gas, you could die of exposure if you weren't equipped to spend a night outside (as many with rental cars are not). Of course you don't want to scare people but that's the reality of winter around here! Thank goodness they were able to reach you and you gave them a hand!
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Heather
Heathera year ago
P.s. Your listing just joined my wish list!
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Maggie
Maggiea year ago
Thanks Heather.... getting them out wasn't a big deal and they could have walked up the driveway in the dark (little moon last night) and then they would have had an even better story to tell...
Leah
Leaha year ago
I wonder, if it makes sense for your areas, to have an emergency tote filled with tow truck numbers, emergency blanket, salt or litter, chains, or some other quick essentials that guests could keep in their car during their stay. If they don't return it, charge their security deposit, but then, it may help keep them prepared for any road conditions a basic car may encounter. Or maybe check out from you with deposit. Anyway, it was just a thought.
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Leah
Leaha year ago
This is assuming it was a rental car
Allen
Allena year ago
I'm actually skiing at Big White near Kelowna, BC this week and we helped people that were flipped over in the ditch after spinning out on the road. Mountain driving in the winter is very serious around Washington (where I live) or in BC. I would quiz people a little about their experience in the mountains to see if they have a clue. Do they have snow tires on their car? Do they have survival gear in the car. A shovel, flares, etc. There are certain precautions one needs to take in the mountains. Perhaps you can point people to the BCAA site that talks about winter safety?
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100678
Coming "home" late
We live in the snowy mountains of British Columbia about a 15 minute drive from our small town and a 30 minute drive from an acclaimed ski resort. We just listed our independent two bedroom self-contained apartment a few weeks back and within days were fully booked up over the Christmas/New Year's holidays.
The "wild" and the mountains are all around us and we know that is the attraction... a winter retreat. As folks who have lived here now for a number of years we also know that in the winter in the mountains "stuff" happens - especially for folks who are uninitiated to the ways of mountain life. For the first two bookings our guests were "home" early in the evening. Last night, though, being Saturday night our young female guests ( the age of our own children) had stayed in town after skiing. We got a text just after 11pm saying their car was stuck on the driveway. My husband went out and drove their car up to the house and then ferried them back to the house. They were quite sweet and very grateful.
Throughout the evening we wondered about them being OK. Our feelings were of worry for them and what can happen on the roads in the dark in a mountain winter. So, when the text came at least there was something we could do to help.
We're wondering how we have that discussion with folks about staying out late. We didn't have to stay up to let them in or anything... our suite is fully independent of our house. It was like a feeling of staying up for your own kids to make sure they get home OK. We're glad we did because we could help them ... wondering how others might have handled this or how to have that conversation with future guests?
6 comments•2 likes
Follow
Like
Lula and Larry
Nic and Rach
Delete
Hide
Leah
Leaha year ago
Maybe in bold near the top, mention that during the winter, road conditions for snow make driving a car without all wheel drive or chains, more difficult. Or something to the effect that they need to be aware of bad road conditions. I know you mention it down on the bottom of your listing but guests don't always read everything and if they are in a rental, may not have chains, in which case, recommend AAA or rental roadside assistance.
Reply Like Delete
Andrew
Andrewa year ago
11 PM is considered late??? Wow...here in Berlin it's when we just start thinking about going out.
It's fortunate that you were awake and able to help the guests get into the driveway. Sounds like you are very kind and caring hosts. But generally I'd expect that tourists from many other places will have different ideas about what constitutes a late night. I'd only get worried if guests were out more than an hour past the time that the local bars are all shut down (or possibly driving drunk on icy roads).
Usually during check-in I try to get a general feel for my guests' plans, including which facilities they plan to use (kitchen, etc) and what kind of hours they like to keep. Being in a 24-hour city I always make it clear that they can come and go whenever they please, but it is useful to know whether my guests are night owls or early risers, to make sure they have quiet times and shower access at the right time. I'm sure you could have the same conversation without any trouble!
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Maggie
Maggiea year ago
We've lived our whole lives in the big city and wouldn't think twice about guests coming in late in the city. But, as Heather mentions, after we moved here a dozen years ago, as city slickers we soon came to appreciate a different (respectful) relationship with nature and the elements. Andrew I appreciate your comment about getting a sense beforehand what their plans are for their stay... not in a nosey way but in a way to help them have a better experience, giving feedback on options they might not have thought of, and offering some local lore, what to watch out for. I guess there's no harm also in asking whether they plan on being out "late" and letting them know what their options are if anything goes wrong. Thanks.
Heather
Heathera year ago
Hi Maggie, gorgeous listing! We're in Whitefish, MT so I'm sympathetic to the challenges of bad roads. In fact our guest who was to arrive yesterday was unable to make it, she was okay but was in a car wreck. I was just relieved to hear she was okay, we had a significant winter storm move through yesterday.
Perhaps a little chat with your guests about the potential consequences of being stranded in a remote area after dark would be helpful. Not saying your guests have to be home before dark or anything, but its a whole different ball game out here! Tomorrow our forecasted low temp is NEGATIVE 8. There are many areas here in NW Montana without cell service, and if you got stuck in an area without much traffic (also many areas) and ran out of gas, you could die of exposure if you weren't equipped to spend a night outside (as many with rental cars are not). Of course you don't want to scare people but that's the reality of winter around here! Thank goodness they were able to reach you and you gave them a hand!
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Heather
Heathera year ago
P.s. Your listing just joined my wish list!
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Maggie
Maggiea year ago
Thanks Heather.... getting them out wasn't a big deal and they could have walked up the driveway in the dark (little moon last night) and then they would have had an even better story to tell...
Leah
Leaha year ago
I wonder, if it makes sense for your areas, to have an emergency tote filled with tow truck numbers, emergency blanket, salt or litter, chains, or some other quick essentials that guests could keep in their car during their stay. If they don't return it, charge their security deposit, but then, it may help keep them prepared for any road conditions a basic car may encounter. Or maybe check out from you with deposit. Anyway, it was just a thought.
Reply Like 1 reply•4 likes Delete
Leah
Leaha year ago
This is assuming it was a rental car
Allen
Allena year ago
I'm actually skiing at Big White near Kelowna, BC this week and we helped people that were flipped over in the ditch after spinning out on the road. Mountain driving in the winter is very serious around Washington (where I live) or in BC. I would quiz people a little about their experience in the mountains to see if they have a clue. Do they have snow tires on their car? Do they have survival gear in the car. A shovel, flares, etc. There are certain precautions one needs to take in the mountains. Perhaps you can point people to the BCAA site that talks about winter safety?