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Can I require guests to make a booking request?

This article explains how to enable the booking request feature for single-unit homes, allowing you to review each reservation before accepting. You’ll find guidance on setting up the process and responding to requests. Using this option gives you more control over bookings and helps ensure your property is a good fit for each guest.

Last updated: today | 6 min read time

Request to book allows hosts 24 hours to review and respond to each booking request. This feature is only available for single-unit homes. Learn more about property types here.

Why choose Request to book?

Request to book allows you to manually review and respond to each booking request within 24 hours. This option can be helpful if:

You need time to review booking details, such as the length of stay or group size.
You want to ensure your property is a good fit for the guest’s needs.
Your property has specific rules or requirements that may need clarification before confirming a booking.

Request to book offers more time to manage bookings thoughtfully, but it’s worth noting that it may result in fewer bookings, as some guests prefer the convenience of instant confirmation. Also, your property will not be available for booking on any dates pending your response to a booking request.

How to require guests to make booking requests

Sign in to YCS. If you manage multiple properties, select it from Listings.
Go to Rates and availability >>Booking settings.
Change how guests can book your property to Request to book.
Confirm the change, then click Save.

Responding to booking requests

An email notification will be sent to you once a guest requests to make a booking. You can review and respond through the email or on YCS within 24 hours of receiving the request. Always respond to reservation requests promptly. If you can’t accept a request, decline it quickly and consider including a polite message to the guest explaining why. This ensures a smooth experience and keeps the door open for future bookings.

Respond through Inbox

Sign in to YCS. If you manage multiple properties, select it from Listings.
Go to Inbox.
Select the message with the status Booking request.
Click to accept or decline the booking. Declined requests will show as Cancelled.

Respond through Reservations

Sign in to YCS. If you manage multiple properties, select it from Listings.
Go to Bookings.
Under Booking requests, click to accept or decline each request. Declined requests will show as Cancelled.