Air BnB - would we get turned away for bringing an extra person?

[Jahavagayxn]

Okay, I am prepared to be told AIBU

the situation is group of 7 of us, 3 couples and myself (single when it was booked) booked an Airbnb for a weekend away. We are all close friends

we booked an Airbnb that has space for 7 people - 3 doubles, one single bed.

between the time of booking and now, I have started a relationship with someone and I would really like him to come. however, this obviously throws up an issue in the max capacity of the air BnB is already reached so it's not like we can just add one more person in

he's very chill, I know he'd be fine sleeping on the sofa or squeezing in the single with me. If we ask the air BnB host if we can do that I imagine they will say no though, even if we offer to pay more for the extra person?

or is it super cheeky to just all 8 of us show up and hope they don't notice?

or do I just accept he can't come? I know it's not the end of the world but I'd really love him to come, I don't want to be 7th wheel (again!) and these are my closest friends, due to living all over the country we rarely get all together for a whole weekend, so I'd like them to meet him.

It's not about whether they're nice, it matters whether he is!

And, respectfully, it doesn't sound like they know him very well which, whether you like it/agree or not, will alter the dynamic of the holiday.

That's assuming that, once you meet him, you actually like him.

Personally, I wouldn't like my first meeting of someone to be on a holiday!

One of the OP’s friend still doesn’t know (anything to stop you pinging her a WhatsApp or…. Calling her Op?)

and the other two “have no issue” with new boyfriend (op hasn’t clarified how long been with him… so I’d read in to that, weeks!).

I don’t know about others but “no issue” with something doesn’t exactly mean “happy” “enthusiastic” about it!

and given the OP’s defensive cagey responses on this thread… I imagine they’d also have “no issue” if the op decided not to join in the end

There's no problem with this. We have stayed at places with table and chairs for more than the number of people who can stay, and have sometimes had friends or family nearby over for an evening / dinner etc.

Ask, and if the answer is no, accept it with a good grace.

I’m a host and i’d say yes if you asked. I also wouldn’t charge you extra.

If I owned a holiday let then I’d be much happier if you brought a camp bed and bedding than if he was sofa surfing on my sofa.

Hanging out at the Airbnb and not staying there is fine. Having someone stay who hasn’t paid isn’t fine especially if max capacity is breached.

First of all as an Airbnb host myself I would expect you to inform me that there will be an extra person. This is a requirement and essentially you are only meant to bring the number you’ve booked for. Avoid overcrowding.

Secondly, how long have you known this person for? Are your friends ok with an additional person on their holiday who they don’t know? I would be annoyed tbh. Ask him to book something nearby. Then meet up or invite him over.

Ask the host if it’s okay say you’ll bring extra bedding for the sofa that you know that it’s asking a lot on you’ll pay some extra, but you won’t do it unless they say so
host here, I don’t want people sleeping on my beautiful accommodation sofa tbh
but then feeling a bit wounded today by the most horrible guests I’ve ever had two adults and a four year-old child completely trashed my place vomit everywhere scratches on everything had to throw away beautiful white towels brand new tea towels etc
we are super hosts and have high standards as far as sofa sleeping goes actually it would probably be better than what’s just happened to our place.
It’s pushing me off being a host anymore to be honest these particular guests had a good rating but on arrival they said oh we weren’t getting our messages because we didn’t book it house work so hard to give you a good experience be respectful and ask.
do the right thing

Genuine question (I have never used air bnb) What is the difference between a guest who stays till midnight and then perhaps returns the next morning for breakfast when it comes to insurance? So the guest is only leaving the property to sleep elsewhere.
Also, I know pp have said they don’t want people sleeping on the sofa but I am a terrible insomniac and often end up falling asleep on the sofa when I rent a cottage to stay in - when I am looking to rent somewhere I look closely at the sofas because I know I will end up napping on them, I didn’t know that I was doing something wrong.

None of the information about what your friends would think or how long you have been with him or how close you all or if they have a ring door bell or where he will sleep are relevant in the slightest.

The property owner’s insurance is invalidated the moment the 8th person walks through the door with the intention of staying overnight. That’s a very serious concern for the property owner and for Airbnb …. should be for you, your six friends and your new bf too.

Of course you aren’t expecting anything to go wrong in the property, nobody ever does but things do go wrong and the minute it does, it all unravels and you will wish you hadn’t bothered to even think about it.

A family of four came to stay in our holiday property which sleeps five, for two weeks and invited another family of four to stay for the middle weekend.
I phoned my agency. They advised I should not be prepared to risk invalidating my insurance for extra money. I agreed and within two hours, the agency had sorted it and the extra family had left the property.

But aren’t accidents (or anything else likely needing to go through insurance) more likely to happen when people are awake not asleep? So would you not just so nobody else is allowed in the property apart from those on the original booking?

Still don't understand why you are asking on here instead of the owner.

I've booked with Air B & B before. You say how many people are staying. They say how many are allowed to stay. But you are asking information on mumsnet. Are you seeking attention?

I used to run an Airbnb at my former property. I’m not sure if there might not be health and safety issues here. Regulations that allow a maximum number of people at the property? Personally my accommodation was clearly for 2 people max but if a third person had turned up and was happy to sleep on the floor I wouldn’t have minded. I priced by the room, not the number of guests.

Message your host and explain . I’ve had this happen as a guest and as a host , I was never refused or refused anyone , was charged a small extra once but personally I think you should simply ask

As an airbnb host I would be fine with this, I would just explain the house is designed for 7 people but if they wished the bring their own blow up bed and duvet or wanted to sleep on the couch that would be fine. Just ask

Please don't. My sister runs an air BnB and she goes to a lot of trouble to cater for her customers. If you must, get in touch beforehand and ask if anything could be arranged. Dont forget that just as you will report back on your visit, the Air BnB owner will report back on you.

You need to ask the host. Is the booking in your name? Whoever has booked the property should have the final say. I say this because it is them who will get a negative review if the host finds out. This can then affect them being able to book other properties. As an Airbnb host I always check a guests feedback before allowing them to book. You are breaking the rules sneaking someone in and Airbnb would back the host to evict you all. Just ask the host first.

I can assure you they will notice an extra person, and it could result in you all being turned away. And they won’t want him sleeping on the sofa! Who wants someone drooling over their sofa.
but I feel certain that if you explain the situation and advise that your boyfriend will bring his own blow up bed (£20 to buy) and own duvet/pillows, they should be fine.

I am an Air BnB host there are specific T&Cs about over occupancy and even without cameras you can tell.
Yes I have additional crockery etc, but my dining table and sofas etc are set up for my occupancy rates. However, much you think you wouldn’t let it affect the rating it would because your memory would be that someone would have had to sit in a footstool or the floor so you would subconsciously change your opinion. My rating is my business I work incredibly hard to keep it.

ask and see what owners say

may be a no due to insurance

The real issue here is health and safety, not how the owner will feel or social dynamics. Many rental properties have the maximum number of guests and/or visitor policies for a reason. Ask the owner. To sneak someone is absolutely a no-no.

Will there be children on the holiday?