11-01-202112:21 AM
@Jeff1586 As a traveler, if I choose to save money by staying at a backpacker hostel, I expect that I'll be handed some linens and expected to make my own bunk bed. But if I've spent $300 per night to have a relaxing vacation at a beach house, it would not sit well with me that the host couldn't be bothered to make and strip the bed because he found it too time-consuming. I'd kick myself for not booking one of the many nice hotels that have room rates lower than yours.
If you're a host who personally meets your guests at check-in, one thing you learn quickly is that very few people are feeling relaxed when they first arrive at their destination. They're tired, maybe stressed from traffic or whatever issues in their home life that they're trying to take a break from, they desperately want to have a smooth check-in and immediately feel at home and comfortable. If their first impression is "oh great, now I have to make the bed," they'll start to see everything else in a more negative light. This is especially problematic with a beach listing, since you're already at the mercy of the whims of the weather. The few minutes it takes to present a nicely-made bed pay off hugely in helping your guests unwind quickly and enjoy their short break from the daily grind.
You've got an expensive listing with a $100 cleaning fee, the effort is well-compensated. But if you prefer to cut some corners with the changeovers, be sure that's reflected in prices that are well below those of your competitors.
