Marketing tips
Last-minute bookings? How to turn spontaneous stays into 5-star reviews
22 Jul 2025
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By Amanda Sanders
From weekend getaways to unplanned work trips, last-minute bookings are on the rise. Guests often book hours before check-in and expect a smooth, stress-free experience when they arrive. While these bookings can help fill gaps in your calendar and boost your income, they can also be challenging if you're not set up to respond quickly. At Travelnest, we work with thousands of property owners to turn high-pressure bookings into high-impact results. Here's how to prepare your property, streamline your process, and wow spontaneous bookers, earning glowing reviews and repeat stays.
1. Set up seamless self-check-in
When a guest books at 4pm for a 6pm arrival, convenience is everything. Self-check-in isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must.
Tips to get this right:
Use a secure key safe or smart lock (with time-restricted codes)
Provide clear, step-by-step access instructions
Include photos or videos to show guests exactly what to expect
Travelnest Tip: Update your listing to include “self check-in” as an amenity. This boosts visibility on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
2. Build a “rapid reset” cleaning routine
Quick turnovers don’t have to mean chaos. By setting up a repeatable, efficient cleaning process, you’ll be ready for same-day departures and arrivals.
Actionable prep:
Create a cleaning checklist with high-priority areas
Keep a backup set of linens and towels ready to swap in
Store essential toiletries and extras in a labelled restock box
Maintain a network of local cleaners you can call on short notice
Travelnest Tip: Aim to provide “same-day turnaround” capability. This will ensure you have no unbookable dates in your calendar.
3. Keep communication fast and personal
A guest who books hours before arrival is likely nervous. Immediate, warm, and helpful communication can turn that anxiety into a 5-star review.
What works:
Set up automated pre-arrival messages with all key info
Send a personalised follow-up to check they’ve arrived safely
Offer your contact number or WhatsApp for quick answers
Travelnest Tip: Travelnest platform offers the ability to set up automated and scheduled messaging to your guests.
4. Go the extra mile with little touches
Even when time is tight, small details still matter. A bottle of water in the fridge, a welcome note, or a guide to local takeaways can turn a practical stay into a memorable one.
Ideas for high-impact extras:
QR code linking to your digital guest manual
Welcome message written on a chalkboard or card
A small gift or treat for same-day bookers
How Travelnest helps you win with last-minute guests
At Travelnest, we help property owners prepare for everything - from long-term holiday planners to last-minute bookers. Here's how we support you:
Global multi-platform exposure on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and more. This ensures your property is capturing all last minute demand in your area.
Real-time calendar syncing so you’re never double-booked
Smart pricing tools to adjust rates based on demand, ensuring your pricing is optimised for all scenarios.
Dedicated support: Your dedicated property expert can help you optimise your settings for last-minute stays.
Ready to turn spontaneous guests into superfans?
With the right setup, you can turn last-minute bookings into lasting impressions and increased revenue.
List your property with Travelnest today and we’ll help you prepare for every guest, every stay, every time.
