💬 How to Handle Discount Requests as an Airbnb Host
Why Guests Ask, Why Hosts Decline, and How to Respond Professionally
At Kenyan Furnished Rentals, we’ve hosted all types of guests — from those who ask thoughtful questions to those who push too hard for discounts. Over time, we’ve learned that how a guest negotiates reveals more about their mindset than their budget.
This guide will help you understand:
- Why guests ask for discounts (even when they shouldn’t)
- Why hosts often say no — and how that protects the experience
- How to decline requests with grace, not guilt
Let’s explore both sides of this common situation.
🎯 Why Guests Ask for Discounts
Not every guest who asks for a discount is trying to be difficult. In many cultures, negotiating is completely normal. Some guests may also be unfamiliar with Airbnb or midterm rental pricing models. However, discount requests can cause tension when they are unrealistic, entitled, or poorly communicated.
✅ Common Reasons Guests Ask for Discounts
- They want a higher-end space than their budget allows
- They compare your unit to lower-quality, cheaper listings
- They assume Airbnb is flexible like a garage sale
- They’ve been given discounts before and now expect the same
- They don’t understand how much time, care, and money goes into hosting
Guest tip: A discount won’t improve the quality of the space. If you value a property, consider that the price likely reflects its true worth.
🚫 Why Most Hosts Decline Discount Requests
Many guests don’t realize that hosting is a real business — not a casual side project. Hosts invest heavily in cleaning, repairs, staging, utilities, and compliance. Therefore, discount seekers often bring more issues than benefits.
🛑 Common Challenges Hosts Face with Discount Guests
- More cancellations or last-minute changes
- Extra guests or unapproved pets
- More time spent messaging and clarifying rules
- Disregard for check-out times, noise rules, or house etiquette
- Poor reviews despite accommodations or flexibility
As one host put it:
“The people who want the most for the least usually appreciate it the least.”
For this reason, many professional hosts choose to enforce pricing boundaries early, saving time and stress later.
📝 How to Say No — The Polite and Professional Way
You don’t need to feel bad for protecting your pricing. Saying no to discounts doesn’t make you rude — it makes you responsible. Below is a simple, respectful message you can send to guests who request lower rates.
Hi [Guest Name],
Thank you so much for your interest in our space! We understand that pricing is an important factor, and we truly appreciate guests who value what we offer.
We’ve carefully priced our rental based on the quality, care, and amenities provided. We work hard to ensure every guest feels they’ve received excellent value.
At this time, we are unable to offer any additional discounts beyond what’s already listed. We encourage you to continue exploring your options, and if your plans or budget change, we’d be happy to welcome you.
Warm regards,
[Insert your name and company name]
🙋🏽♀️ Learn How to Handle Guests Like a Pro
Dealing with boundaries like these is something we teach in all our training sessions. If you’re a host looking to build confidence and protect your space, we’ve got resources just for you.
🧠 Join Our Facebook Group and attend any of our seminars
Get access to:
- 200+ guest FAQs and pricing templates
- Real-life host scenarios and solutions
- Downloadable scripts and boundary checklists