A family is looking for a cottage by the sea for a week in August. They find one they like, but they have questions. Are the beds doubles or twins? Is there a dishwasher? Can they bring the dog? Is there space for two cars? How far is the beach? They message the owner. The owner replies the next day, and the family has already booked another cottage whose listing answered everything.
Pre-booking questions decide which rental guests choose.
What guests ask
Guests usually ask about the number and type of beds, the number of bathrooms, what the kitchen includes, whether there is a washing machine, whether there is parking and how many cars fit, whether there is Wi-Fi and how fast, whether pets are welcome, whether there is a garden, how far the beach, shops or pub are, what the check-in process is and whether cots or high chairs are available.
Example conversations
These scripts use information an owner might publish. Your answers should come from your own pages.
Guest: Can we bring our dog? Assistant: Yes. The property page explains that up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome, with a small charge per stay. The garden is fully enclosed.
Guest: How far is the beach? Assistant: The local area page explains that the beach is a ten-minute walk, and the nearest shop and pub are in the village about five minutes away.
Guest: Is there parking for two cars? Assistant: The page explains that there's off-street parking for two cars on the drive.
Details that decide bookings
Small details often decide where guests book: a dishwasher, an enclosed garden, fast Wi-Fi for remote work or a cot for a baby. Listing them clearly helps. Hotels face the same questions, as described in what guests ask before they book a hotel room.
Owners and agencies
Some owners manage their own rentals. Others use letting agencies. Questions owners ask agencies are covered in holiday let owners and the questions before they instruct.
Extras and local experiences
Guests sometimes ask about extras, such as welcome hampers, bike hire or local spa days. Non-resident spa questions are covered in spa and restaurant enquiries from non-resident guests. Beauty experiences nearby, as salons offer, are described in AI receptionist for beauty salons.
Guests from abroad
Many guests come from abroad and write in their own language. SpideyChat replies in the visitor's language.
House rules and deposits
Guests want to know about house rules, security deposits and cancellation terms before they commit. Explaining these plainly, including rules about parties, smoking and quiet hours, helps the right guests book and discourages the wrong ones. Owners who are clear about rules upfront have fewer problems during stays and fewer disputes afterwards.
Remote workers
More guests are combining holidays with remote work. They ask about Wi-Fi speed, a desk and quiet space. Listing these clearly attracts longer stays outside peak season.
Direct bookings
Answering questions on your own site keeps guests from going back to booking platforms. Direct bookings save commission.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for hotels and holiday rentals answers guest questions from your own pages at any hour and captures booking requests.
A property guide page
Publish beds, kitchen, parking, pets, Wi-Fi, local area and check-in details. Try SpideyChat on your own site, or read about capture on the features page.