This is long, sorry….!
We rent out a holiday apartment on elderly FILs behalf. It has two bedrooms- one double bed, one bunk bed in a small room. The bunk bed also has a pull out bed.
We rent out to max 4 people. We used to occasionally make exceptions and allow an extra person if the 5th person was a child. Not in UK so no max occupancy rules. We have since decided to be strict with the 4 person rule and do not make exceptions at all anymore.
We have a booking for next week. 3 adults and a child (14 years). They have written today to say there is a mistake, they are 4 adults and the child. It isn’t possible to book for 5 people, so they entered inaccurate info when they booked.
I replied to say the apartment is set up for 4 people and it is not possible to book for 5 people, but that we would be willing to find a solution. I didn’t offer one, because I wanted to
see what they would say first.
They have now responded to say they stayed here in January 2024 as a couple (I checked the calendar, this is true. I normally remember our guests names but annoyingly forgot these ones). Apparently they were told by us that they could come back in the future with their 3 children.
I don’t remember this, but it is entirely possible. However, as I said- we have changed our minds and don’t want 5 people in the apartment anymore.
We are willing to make an exception for them, on the condition that they pay an extra €20 per night. This will cover the extra bedding, water and cleaning. Plus the general annoyance- we need to get the spare mattress and duvet etc out of the attic. The bedding is from a laundrette and is €15 per set. The apartment is €150 per night.
I also feel that they were dishonest when booking and in their initial message. If they had booked for 4 people and messaged immediately to explain, it would have been ok. And if we’d decided against it, they could have cancelled free of charge.
Would you be happy to pay this extra charge? Do you think it is fair?