StellarStay

StellarStay We are the StellarStay - a Professional Property Management Company that frees you from all the hassle of managing your Airbnb home.

We’re a Superhost Again — Thanks to You! 🌟We’re beyond excited to share some incredible news — we’ve officially earned A...
10/06/2025

We’re a Superhost Again — Thanks to You! 🌟

We’re beyond excited to share some incredible news — we’ve officially earned Airbnb Superhost status once again! 🎉

This recognition isn’t just about badges and ratings; it’s a reflection of the trust, respect, and connection we’ve built with every single guest who’s walked through our doors. Your positive energy, thoughtful feedback, and kind words have helped us reach new heights — and we couldn’t be more grateful. 💛

🌍 What It Means to Be a Superhost

Becoming a Superhost isn’t automatic — it takes consistent excellence in hospitality. Airbnb evaluates hosts every quarter across key metrics like guest satisfaction, reliability, and communication. To earn the badge, a host must maintain:

A 4.8+ overall rating (we’re proud to hold a 4.9 ⭐ average)

At least 10 completed stays (we’ve hosted 1434 stays this past year!)

A 0% cancellation rate, ensuring every booking is honored

A 100% response rate, showing that every guest message matters

These numbers represent more than performance — they represent people. Families reuniting, friends celebrating, travelers exploring, and memories being made in the spaces we’ve lovingly prepared.

💫 Our Promise: Stellar Hospitality Every Stay

Whether it’s a cozy mountain retreat or a sunny lakefront getaway, we believe in offering stellar stays that feel like home — clean, comfortable, and cared for in every detail. Our cleaning and support teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each space shines with warmth, comfort, and character.

And when you message us — whether to ask for local recommendations or to double-check check-in times — you’re always speaking with a real person who genuinely cares about your experience.

🏡 The Journey Ahead

Earning Superhost status reminds us why we started in the first place: to create spaces that inspire rest, connection, and joy. As we continue to grow, we’re expanding our StellarStay™ signature standards across new properties and cities — ensuring that wherever you stay with us, you’ll always experience the same level of hospitality and trust.

To our amazing guests: thank you for choosing us, for your kind reviews, and for helping us achieve this milestone once again. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another 5-star experience. 🌠

With gratitude,

The StellarStay Team ✨

We’re beyond excited to share some incredible news — we’ve officially earned Airbnb Superhost status once again! 🎉 This recognition isn’t just about badges and ratings; it’s a reflection of the trust, respect, and connection we’ve built with every single guest who’s walked through o...

When Airbnb Support Falls Short: Why Hosts Must Advocate for ThemselvesAs professional hosts, we put a lot of trust in A...
07/08/2025

When Airbnb Support Falls Short: Why Hosts Must Advocate for Themselves

As professional hosts, we put a lot of trust in Airbnb—not just in their platform, but also in the Support team that’s supposed to back us up when things go wrong. Unfortunately, that trust doesn’t always hold.

Recently, we experienced a situation that highlights a difficult truth: Airbnb’s conduct is not always consistent, and some of their representatives lack the training or experience needed to properly apply the platform’s own policies.

The Situation

We had a guest whose profile included a review mentioning “damaged property” and a 4.7 cleanliness rating. According to our House Rule #5, this met the criteria for a fully refundable $500 security deposit—a policy clearly stated in our listing and aligned with Airbnb’s rules for hosts, especially those managing high-value homes.

However, the guest declined to pay the deposit and contacted Airbnb. Instead of standing by their own policy and honoring our Strict Cancellation Policy, Airbnb canceled the reservation, refunded the guest in full, and left our calendar blocked with no payout.

The Problem

Despite being a software-connected host—which allows us to collect deposits off-platform—multiple Airbnb representatives failed to recognize that we had followed every rule. Worse, our objection was ignored, and the original issue was marked as “resolved” without our input.

The Resolution (Finally)

It wasn’t until we escalated the matter and reached a Senior Case Manager that someone finally took the time to properly review our listing, understand our policies, and advocate on our behalf. The payout was reinstated and the issue resolved—but it took three support cases and multiple follow-ups to get there.

The Bigger Picture

We’re sharing this not to discourage hosting on Airbnb, but to set clear expectations: Hosts must be their own best advocates. Airbnb is an incredible platform, but it isn’t perfect—and when the system fails, it’s up to you to protect your business.

That means:

Know Airbnb’s policies better than some of their support staff.

- Document all guest interactions.

- Don’t hesitate to escalate.

- Stay professional—but assertive.

- For Prospective Hosts and Partners

At StellarStay, we’re more than just a management company—we’re also a platform for hosts who manage multiple properties across different markets. Our proprietary software—one of the most advanced in the industry—makes short-term rental management, guest screening, and even navigating complex Airbnb support cases significantly easier.

We built StellarStay from the ground up to support hosts who care deeply about protecting their properties and maximizing their returns, without getting bogged down in platform red tape.

If you’re a host looking for a smarter, more resilient way to manage your listings, we’re here to help!

When Airbnb Support Falls Short: Why Hosts Must Advocate for Themselves As professional hosts, we put a lot of trust in Airbnb—not just in their platform, but also in the Support team that’s supposed to back us up when things go wrong. Unfortunately, that trust doesn’t always hold.

Why Hosts Sometimes Can’t Change Reservation Dates — A Real-Life ExampleAt StellarStay, we’re passionate about creating ...
05/26/2025

Why Hosts Sometimes Can’t Change Reservation Dates — A Real-Life Example

At StellarStay, we’re passionate about creating amazing experiences for our guests, and we truly enjoy going the extra mile whenever we can. We love seeing families and friends come together, and we know that plans sometimes shift. However, there are moments when we have to gently say “no”—not because we want to, but because we’re bound by platform policies and the responsibility we carry as stewards of someone’s home.

Let us share a real example to help explain why hosts sometimes can’t change reservation dates—even when we’d love to be flexible.

Back in early February, a guest named Jacky booked one of our homes for a weekend stay at the end of May. Everything was confirmed under Airbnb’s strict cancellation policy, which is outlined in the listing and includes limited refund eligibility. It gives guests a full refund only if they cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before check-in. After that window, partial refunds—or none at all—may apply.

Fast forward to just a few days before check-in, and Jacky reached out asking to change the reservation to November. While on the surface that might seem like a simple scheduling update, it actually raised a few concerns. In reality, shifting the dates that far into the future—so close to the original check-in—would be a way to bypass the strict cancellation policy that was agreed to back in February.

Why Date Changes Aren’t Always Possible

So why didn’t we just approve the change? Here are a few important reasons:

- The reservation is a contract: When a guest books under specific cancellation terms, that blocks the host’s calendar. The home is taken off the market for those days, and potential bookings are lost. A last-minute change to distant dates often means we can’t rebook the original dates.

- Airbnb’s system restricts this: Hosts can’t override platform logic. Airbnb limits how and when reservation changes can be made—especially under strict cancellation policies. It’s not just about willingness; sometimes, it’s not even technically possible.

- It has to be fair for everyone: If one guest is allowed to change terms to avoid cancellation fees, others may expect the same, creating inconsistency and unfairness. We treat every guest equally and honor the same policies across the board.

What We Offered Instead

In Jacky’s case, we offered an option we believe is as fair as it gets: if she decides to cancel and the dates get rebooked, we’ll refund those rebooked nights in full. It’s a win-win if someone else takes the spot.

We also want to gently remind all guests to take time before booking to review:

- The listing details

- The cancellation policy

- The house rules

These are all part of the rental agreement and are key to avoiding surprises later on.

The Bigger Picture

We completely understand the desire to adjust plans—especially when life throws a curveball. But vacation homes are not hotel rooms. Most are privately owned properties in quiet neighborhoods, and hosting comes with real responsibilities: to neighbors, to local laws, and to the homeowners themselves.

So when we say we can’t make an exception, it’s not personal. It’s about protecting the trust placed in us, ensuring fairness, and keeping the booking process smooth and predictable for everyone.

If you ever have questions before booking, please reach out. We’re always happy to help you choose the right home for your plans, set the right expectations, and ensure your stay is absolutely stellar.

Warmly,

The StellarStay Team ✨

At StellarStay, we’re passionate about creating amazing experiences for our guests, and we truly enjoy going the extra mile whenever we can. We love seeing families and friends come together, and we know that plans sometimes shift. However, there are moments when we have to gently say “no”—n...

🧽 How to Fairly Rate Cleanliness on Airbnb: A Friendly Guide for Thoughtful GuestsWhen you walk into your Airbnb, there’...
05/12/2025

🧽 How to Fairly Rate Cleanliness on Airbnb: A Friendly Guide for Thoughtful Guests

When you walk into your Airbnb, there’s nothing quite like that fresh, clean feeling—beds made, floors shining, and everything in its place. Cleanliness matters. A lot. And trust us—your host cares just as much as you do. But sometimes, nature, weather, or regional quirks play a little role in how things look or feel. So let’s talk about how to keep your review fair, thoughtful, and helpful for everyone.

✨ First Things First: What Does Airbnb Expect?

According to Airbnb’s own standards, hosts are expected to:

- Keep the home clean and free of health hazards (no mold, pests, etc.)

- Provide a high standard of cleanliness—no visible dust, pet hair, food messes

- Thoroughly clean between each stay (wash linens, take out trash, sanitize surfaces, etc.)

StellarStay’s cleaning teams across all the states we serve are thoroughly trained to follow Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process with precision and consistency—sanitizing remotes, scrubbing tile grout, and yes, even fluffing the pillows to perfection.

🍃 Now Let’s Talk Nature (Because She’s Busy Too)

We all love a good breeze and the charm of staying in natural surroundings. But nature doesn’t always keep to our cleaning schedule. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

- Leaves on the patio? A gust of wind can undo an hour of sweeping in seconds.

- A spider on the bush out front? That’s just wildlife being… well, wild.

- A dead bug near the door—or even one that managed to sneak inside? Oddly enough, that usually means pest control is working as it should.

Insects exist—especially in warm places like Texas, Florida, or Arizona. Even in sparkling clean homes, the occasional critter might sneak in. It doesn’t mean the home is dirty—it just means it’s in the real world, not a vacuum-sealed spaceship.
🧐 Tips for Rating Cleanliness the Right Way

Want to be a responsible reviewer? You’re amazing. Here’s how:

Focus on what really matters:

- Were the bathrooms spotless? Kitchen wiped down? Floors vacuumed? Bedding fresh? These are the true markers of cleanliness.

Give nature a pass:

- A leaf on the patio chair or a bit of pollen on the deck rail doesn’t mean your host didn’t clean. It just means the outdoors is still doing its thing.

Say something if something’s off:

- If you arrive and something doesn’t feel right—tell your host. Most will bend over backwards to fix it on the spot. Feedback during your stay is gold.

Be constructive in your review:

- If there was a small issue, explain it kindly and with context. Reviews are for the whole community, and thoughtful ones go a long way.

💛 The Bottom Line

Your host's cleaning team probably spent hours making sure your place was sparkling, from scrubbing baseboards to triple-checking towels. But even the best efforts can’t hold off every leaf, bug, or breeze.

So next time you’re ready to rate, take a breath, think about the effort behind the scenes, and give credit where credit is due.

Let’s keep the Airbnb community strong, supportive, and fair—for guests, hosts, and all the little spiders just trying to live their lives outside your window.

When you walk into your Airbnb, there’s nothing quite like that fresh, clean feeling—beds made, floors shining, and everything in its place. Cleanliness matters. A lot. And trust us—your host cares just as much as you do. But sometimes, nature, weather, or regional quirks play a little role in...

How to Fairly Rate the Accuracy of an Airbnb Listing: A Friendly Guide for GuestsLeaving a review after your stay is one...
05/11/2025

How to Fairly Rate the Accuracy of an Airbnb Listing: A Friendly Guide for Guests

Leaving a review after your stay is one of the most helpful things you can do — both for fellow travelers and for the hosts who put their heart into creating memorable experiences. But when it comes to Airbnb’s Accuracy category, many guests aren’t quite sure what they’re really being asked to rate.

Sometimes, guests rate 4 stars (or even lower) for Accuracy because they were surprised by something… that was actually clearly stated in the listing description. We get it — it’s easy to skim a listing or miss a detail, especially when you’re booking in a hurry. But unfortunately, that kind of rating can have serious consequences for hosts — even if they did everything right.

Let’s take a moment to unpack what Accuracy really means on Airbnb — and how to rate it fairly.
📌 What Does “Accuracy” Really Mean?

According to Airbnb, Accuracy refers to how well the listing description and photos reflect the actual space.

Here’s what you should ask yourself:

✅ Was the space exactly as described in the listing?

✅ Were the photos recent and representative of what you saw in person?

✅ Were any of your surprises due to missing or misleading information — or just from not reading closely?

If a host discloses something clearly — such as the fact that the rental is a basement unit, that the owner lives upstairs, or that a friendly dog lives on the property — and you still felt surprised upon arrival, it’s not an issue of accuracy. It’s a case of expectations not being aligned — often because of skimming over the details.
🏡 Hosts Can’t Fix What You Don’t Read

Let’s be honest — Airbnb listings can be long. But hosts aren’t writing novels for fun. They’re trying to give you all the facts up front so you can make an informed decision.

Examples of clear disclosures in an accurate listing:

“This cozy basement retreat offers the perfect home base for exploring everything the Mile High City has to offer.”

“Owners live upstairs with their friendly dog.”

“Some sound transfer between units is possible.”

“Backyard is a shared space.”

If those facts are in the listing, in plain language, and confirmed by the photos — then the listing is accurate. If you missed them and were caught off guard, we totally understand — but that’s not the host’s fault. It wouldn’t be fair to rate them down for something they transparently disclosed.
⭐ Why Accuracy Ratings Matter So Much

It might feel like 4 stars is still a “good” rating, but on Airbnb, anything less than 5 stars signals that something went wrong. Hosts can lose Superhost status or fall in search rankings — even when they’ve done nothing wrong — just because of a misunderstood rating.

Imagine if someone left a restaurant a 3-star review saying “food was great, service was fast, but I didn’t realize it would be this spicy”… when the menu clearly said “spicy.” That wouldn’t be fair to the chef, right?

It’s the same for hosts.
📋 Tips to Be a More Empowered (and Kind) Guest

Before booking:

- Read the entire description. Especially sections like “The Space”, “Other Things to Note”, and “Guest Access”.

- Check the photos carefully. Are there stairs? Shared spaces? Basement windows?

- Message the host if you’re unsure about something! They’ll be happy to clarify.

After your stay:

- Rate based on what was promised vs. what was delivered.

- Avoid docking stars for your own misunderstandings or missed details.

- Use private feedback to gently suggest ways the host could improve clarity — if something really wasn’t clear.

🎯 The Bottom Line

If a listing said it was a rental unit, and you got a rental unit — that’s accurate.

If it disclosed that the host lives upstairs and you heard footsteps — that’s accurate.

If it said a friendly dog lives on the property and you met a wagging tail — that’s accurate.

Hosts can’t control your preferences — but they can control what they disclose. And if they disclosed everything clearly and honestly, they’ve done their job.

So next time you leave a review, take a moment to check: Was it truly inaccurate — or just unexpected? If it was the latter, you might be doing a great host a favor by giving that well-deserved fifth star.

♻️ Posted Too Soon? Here’s What You Can Do

If you happened to read this page after posting a subpar review, we strongly encourage you to consider removing it. Life is short — let’s not complicate the lives of the many hard-working people behind each stay: owners, hosts, housekeepers, cleaners, IT specialists — everyone who makes Responsible Hosting possible. Your thoughtful action can make a big difference.

Leaving a review after your stay is one of the most helpful things you can do — both for fellow travelers and for the hosts who put their heart into creating memorable experiences. But when it comes to Airbnb’s Accuracy category, many guests aren’t quite sure what they’re really being asked ...

How to Avoid Surprises When Booking a Vacation Rental: A Friendly Guide for GuestsBooking a vacation rental on platforms...
05/08/2025

How to Avoid Surprises When Booking a Vacation Rental: A Friendly Guide for Guests

Booking a vacation rental on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can be exciting—you’re one step closer to your getaway! But we’ve seen time and time again how a little oversight at the booking stage can lead to big frustration later. Whether it’s confusion over the cancellation policy, surprise fees, or unexpected house rules, these issues often stem from skipping the fine print.

At StellarStay™, we want your travel experience to be smooth from start to finish. So here’s a friendly guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and book with confidence:

1. Find What’s Right for You

Every listing is different. Some are family-friendly homes with toys and cribs, while others cater to couples or solo travelers looking for peace and quiet. Filter your search based on your needs, and don’t settle for the first option that looks “nice.” A little extra browsing goes a long way!

2. Read the Ratings and Reviews

Reviews are gold. They tell you what past guests loved (or didn’t love) about a place. Hosts with consistently high ratings are usually a safe bet. And if a particular rule or quirk keeps coming up in reviews, take note—it’s probably important.

3. Carefully Read the Listing Description

The description isn’t just fluff—it’s your roadmap. This is where you’ll find info about amenities, sleeping arrangements, neighborhood details, check-in instructions, and more. It helps set the right expectations and prevents disappointment later.

4. Check the Cancellation Policy

This one’s big. Not every listing has a flexible cancellation policy. Some offer full refunds if you cancel well in advance, while others (like many we manage) have strict policies where refunds depend on rebooking. This is always visible before you confirm the reservation—so take a moment to check.

5. Read the House Rules

Yes, every listing has them—and yes, they matter. House rules aren’t just suggestions. They’re part of the contract you agree to when booking. Things like no smoking, quiet hours, guest limits, or security deposit requirements are outlined here. Ignoring them can lead to penalties or even removal from the platform.

6. Ask the Host If You’re Not Sure

Still have questions? Ask before you book! Good hosts (like our StellarStay team 😊) are happy to clarify anything—from parking logistics to pet policies or early check-in options. Asking early helps avoid misunderstandings later.

7. Do a Quick Check for Local Travel Alerts

Before you finalize your plans, it’s smart to look up any local advisories—like weather warnings, construction zones, or short-term rental restrictions in the area. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

8. We’re Here to Help

At StellarStay, we do everything we can to make your stay five-star worthy. But great communication goes both ways. The more informed you are as a guest, the better we can serve you. If something’s unclear, we’re always just a message away.

Bottom line: Booking a short-term rental isn’t the same as booking a hotel. Each home is unique, with its own rules, quirks, and policies. By doing a little homework upfront, you’ll save yourself time, stress, and money—and enjoy the kind of relaxing, memorable experience you were looking for in the first place.

Happy travels!

– The StellarStay™ Team ✨

Booking a vacation rental on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can be exciting—you’re one step closer to your getaway! But we’ve seen time and time again how a little oversight at the booking stage can lead to big frustration later. Whether it’s confusion over the cancellation policy, surprise f...

How to Fairly Rate Location on Airbnb: A Friendly Guide for Thoughtful GuestsWhen it comes to leaving a review after you...
05/05/2025

How to Fairly Rate Location on Airbnb: A Friendly Guide for Thoughtful Guests

When it comes to leaving a review after your Airbnb stay, every star counts. Your feedback not only helps future travelers, but also directly affects the host’s standing on the platform. While most of the rating categories are pretty straightforward, one often causes confusion: Location.

We’ve seen it time and again — a guest has a great stay, praises the host, and says everything was perfect… but then leaves 4 stars for Location. It may seem harmless, but on Airbnb, a 4-star rating is not considered “good” — it signals that there were several issues that need to be addressed. And that’s where things can get a little unfair.

Let’s break down what the Location category actually means — and how to approach it more thoughtfully.

🧭 What Location Really Means on Airbnb

Contrary to what many guests think, the Location rating is not about whether you personally loved the area or whether it was your dream neighborhood. Airbnb’s own community guidelines clarify that hosts cannot change their property’s location — it’s not something within their control.

What you are rating is:

✅ Did the listing accurately describe where the property is?

✅ Did the host help set the right expectations about what to expect nearby (noise, walkability, residential vs. commercial feel, etc.)?

✅ Did the check-in instructions clearly explain how to find the place?

If you booked a stay in a downtown neighborhood and were surprised by traffic or nightlife, that’s not necessarily a problem with the location — it’s likely that reading the listing more carefully might have helped set better expectations.

🏠 Remember: You Chose the Location

Guests choose where to stay — not hosts. It’s easy to forget that a host doesn’t pick the location of their property, nor can they move it closer to your favorite café or event venue. What they can do is describe the area as clearly and accurately as possible — and that’s what you’re really evaluating.

If the host gave a transparent description — like “this is a rental unit with the owner living upstairs,” or “it’s located in a lively, urban neighborhood near local bars” — then it’s on us, as guests, to decide if that matches our preferences.

🌟 Why a 5-Star Location Rating Matters

As one host put it perfectly:

5 stars = Nobody is perfect, but I enjoyed my stay.
4 stars = There were several issues that need to be corrected.

That’s right — Airbnb doesn’t interpret 4 stars as “good.” It lowers the listing’s visibility, reduces trust with future guests, and can even impact whether a host retains Superhost status — which they often work incredibly hard to earn.

So, if the host gave you honest, detailed info about the location, and you experienced no surprises — please consider giving 5 stars for Location. Even if the neighborhood wasn’t your favorite, that doesn’t mean the host did anything wrong.

🤔 But What If There Was an Issue?

Of course, if the listing was misleading — for example, if it said “quiet retreat” but you ended up next to a construction site, or it said “private unit” but turned out to be shared — then a lower rating is totally fair. Honest reviews help hold everyone to a higher standard.

Just be sure to distinguish between the host’s accuracy and your personal preferences.

📣 In Summary

Before hitting submit on that review, ask yourself:

Was the host transparent about the area?

Were the directions accurate?

Did I get what I expected based on the listing?

If yes — give 5 stars for Location. That simple gesture of fairness helps great hosts stay on the platform, rewards transparency, and supports future guests just like you.

Have you had a great Airbnb stay recently? Take a moment to celebrate your host with a thoughtful, fair review — it means more than you know. 💛

https://www.stellarstay.com/blog/how-to-fairly-rate-location-on-airbnb-a-friendly-guide-for-thoughtful-guests

🚀 HomieBees is now StellarStay™! New name, same passion — and an even brighter future ahead. We’re proud to unveil our f...
04/28/2025

🚀 HomieBees is now StellarStay™! New name, same passion — and an even brighter future ahead. We’re proud to unveil our fresh new look and logo, inspired by 5-star service and the incredible destinations we call home. Read more on https://www.stellarstay.com/blog/exciting-news-homiebees-is-now-stellarstaytm

Sun, 04/27/2025 - 5:53am by StellarStay Team Big news, big dreams, and a bold new chapter — we’re thrilled to announce that HomieBees is now officially StellarStay™! Since launching our website in September 2021, HomieBees has been on an incredible journey — built on heart, hustle, and a pas...

What to Do if You Can’t Make It to Your Airbnb or VRBO ReservationRecently, one of our guests, Stephen, faced a challeng...
11/12/2024

What to Do if You Can’t Make It to Your Airbnb or VRBO Reservation

Recently, one of our guests, Stephen, faced a challenging situation. Due to severe weather, his flight was canceled, preventing him from reaching The Park House (https://www.homiebees.com/blog/the-park-house-hits-100-five-star-reviews-a-heartfelt-thank-you). Unfortunately, Airbnb determined that Stephen’s situation did not qualify for their Major Disruptive Events policy, which can sometimes provide compensation for extraordinary circumstances. Stephen also didn’t have travel insurance to cover his unexpected expenses and, despite our offer to cancel his reservation as soon as possible so we could try to rebook the dates, he chose to keep the booking active. Since his reservation wasn’t canceled, it was considered a standard booking, and we received the full payment as usual, even though Stephen never made it to the property.

We genuinely feel for Stephen and the frustration he must have experienced. This case highlights a few important things that every guest should know about booking short-term rentals, especially when unforeseen events might impact their travel.

1. Understanding the Property Owner’s Perspective

The properties we manage are not just homes; they are financial assets for the owners who entrust them to us. These owners have financial obligations—mortgages, utility bills, maintenance costs, and, of course, the expectation of earning some revenue from their properties. This is why they often choose strict cancellation policies, as they rely on consistent income to meet their obligations. For this reason, understanding that the owner has financial expectations for each reservation can help guests see why strict cancellation policies are sometimes necessary.

2. A Team Effort: How Cancellations Affect Everyone

When a reservation is canceled, it doesn’t just impact the property owner. At HomieBees, we have a whole team that relies on each booking to continue providing high-quality stays. From property managers and software engineers to cleaning crews and maintenance staff, everyone’s livelihood is tied to these reservations. For our fully stocked, well-maintained properties that delight our guests, every team member plays a role, and cancellations can impact each person.

3. Extenuating Circumstances Policies – Check with Airbnb or VRBO First

Both Airbnb and VRBO offer Major Disruptive Events or Extenuating Circumstances Policies, which cover certain situations outside a guest’s control. Only these platforms can decide if a reservation qualifies, and if they approve, compensation will come directly from them. This way, the owner’s income remains intact, and guests may be able to receive a refund.

4. Review Cancellation Policies and Consider Travel Insurance

Cancellation policies vary, and the closer you get to your check-in date, the less likely you are to be eligible for a refund. Because of this, we highly recommend travel insurance for all guests. Travel insurance can often cover unexpected events, helping you get compensated without impacting the financial interests of the property owner or the rental team. It’s a win-win solution in unforeseen circumstances.

5. Our “Best Alternative” for Guests Facing Last-Minute Cancellations

When guests reach out to us courteously and explain their situation, we offer a potential solution: canceling the reservation from their end to free up those dates on the calendar. This way, we can try to rebook the dates with a new reservation. The sooner the calendar is made available, the higher the chance we can secure another booking. If we successfully rebook any of the dates, we’ll gladly process a refund based on the new reservation amount.

Here’s how this might look in practice:

If you booked five nights at $349 per night, but we can only rebook three of those nights at a discounted rate of $299 to attract a last-minute guest, we’ll refund you $897 for those rebooked nights.

Please note that the refunded amount only applies to the nights we’re able to rebook, and any shortfall remains uncompensated.

It’s not a full refund, but it’s better than nothing—and we think it’s a fair option when cancellations happen. However, we do prioritize guests who approach us with respect and understanding.

A Friendly Reminder: Short-Term Rentals Are Not Hotels

Short-term rentals require a different approach than hotels. These are private properties, often run by owners who rely on the income. Understanding this difference and being mindful of how cancellations affect everyone involved can make a huge difference for both guests and hosts alike.

We hope Stephen’s case provides helpful insights for future travelers, and we’re here to support you however we can. Thank you for understanding the effort that goes into each and every stay with us.

https://www.homiebees.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-it-to-your-airbnb-or-vrbo-reservation

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7548 Preston Road, STE 141 PMB 1289
Frisco, TX
75034

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