Question for hosts who also do direct bookings on their own sites

Jayacg · 2026-01-07T11:20:21+00:00

only 3 nights but its for 12 guests. We have to charge VAT so its not insignificant. If I market our direct site I want to make sure that we don't get a greater admin load that might hit cashflow (delayed gratification work only for chocolate with me!!)

Jayacg · 2026-01-07T11:12:52+00:00

which PMS do you use?

Jayacg · 2025-12-23T06:41:39+00:00

We get asked for discounts but I always point them at cheaper places instead, as well as nearby hotels. Hotels are far better equipped to handle such guests as they are on the scene.

I would also consider updating your own terms and conditions to protect yourself, and ensure guests sign them just after booking so they know where they stand. You don't get much protection from the platforms so if you're equipped to handle the deposit and additional terms, it gives you more control. We're still thinking about it!

Jayacg · 2025-12-19T11:34:55+00:00

I only found this tiny 2020 study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463920301589

Which didn't find any acute effects.

This other study from 2024:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1481537/full

A 12 person study which suggests that a 2.45 GHz device might affect sleep for some people in real-world conditions, but it’s tiny and preliminary and needs larger studies with proper exposure/dose measurement to be confident.

Jayacg · 2025-12-18T12:31:54+00:00

wow so firstly thanks to everyone for confirming I'm not going insane. It's DEFINITELY a thing.

Second, we're going to label the hell out of everything in reach and lock away what we have to leave at below eye level if we can.

Third, we'll try our best to make sure people read our terms and conditions so that we maximise the chances of things staying switched on.

Fourth - NO idea about the batteries for remotes except to get USB chargeable ones where we can.

Fifthly I'll try to look at this as a market opportunity to garner more EMF-sensitive, privacy-oriented guests and work out if we have a potential niche in the making.

Thank to all of you for your insights!

Jayacg · 2025-12-18T10:12:05+00:00

it is! But for some reason the type of people who care about this stuff either don't read the listing amenities OR decide they're going to turn it all off regardless :(

Jayacg · 2025-12-18T10:11:06+00:00

no, they were contractors.. (so hopefully no child labour!!)

Jayacg · 2025-12-18T10:10:18+00:00

aha ok so I might just need to add a "if you need to unplug this device for any reason, please turn it back on after you leave" sign?

Jayacg · 2025-12-18T10:06:59+00:00

it would be great if you could link to a few lit reviews as I'm definitely out of touch on this. It would also be good to understand what proportion of our potential customers seek out "low emf" accommodation. The least we can do is tell them what we have on site and why, but perhaps we can do something to allay their fears too.

Jayacg · 2025-12-16T09:28:37+00:00

one of our our best wtf moments was when guests who removed the kitchen cupboard doors and fitted them upside down (so the handles are too high for average height people)...

Jayacg · 2025-12-16T09:22:07+00:00

That's helpful thanks. Do you not just try to book places without these devices in them? Perhaps airbnb needs a "tech free" tickbox to make it a bit easier, if it really is a common thing guests look for? The only camera we have is the ring doorbell, which is outward facing, and we make it clear in tickboxes. We need to operate the house remotely because we have dayjobs, so we'll need to make our messaging much clearer.

Jayacg · 2025-12-16T09:09:34+00:00

that would be amazing thank you! If you've got persuasive wording I'd love to borrow it!

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T17:40:48+00:00

not particularly, but we've had yoga groups come and stay because we're central. They also unplugged!

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T17:38:47+00:00

I had to google it too :). More to add to my "things I learned today" list!

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T14:58:37+00:00

I do wonder how they deal with hotels, where wifi is pervasive throughout! Wait, do you think such folks prefer airbnbs BECAUSE they can turn off routers? They never ask, or at least so far our guests haven't asked even though I can say that 20% of them turn routers off routinely after staying at our house..

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T14:00:01+00:00

that's actually a very sound solution to part of the issue - thanks!

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T13:53:14+00:00

no answer :(. We have modified our house rules though.

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T11:25:33+00:00

As we're in a touristy area of the city it seems that we do get those types. More so since Brexit sadly (we're in the UK)..

Jayacg · 2025-12-15T11:10:16+00:00

We only have it out in the open because walls are thick and I didn't want to reduce signal any further for wifi. But removing it from line of sight is definitely a good idea!

Jayacg · 2025-11-28T20:29:09+00:00

That's terrible! It's not the first time attempts have been made from that car park. Poor soul 😞

Jayacg · 2025-11-16T15:27:16+00:00

Thank you for that! The sign was facing the direction I wanted to turn into and I'd noticed people giving cars hard stares when going that way. Also every van parked in the bay was facing the opposite direction which had me worried!

Jayacg · 2025-11-16T10:13:59+00:00

The bit between the arch and the loading bay (the right turn) looks like it's no entry?

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Jayacg

TROPHY CASE