As the hosts of a nature-immersed private lodge, we are deeply committed to crafting each guest’s stay with care. Unlike hotels that operate on a 24/7 basis, our lodge is made ready upon reservation — with tailored preparations such as deep cleaning, decor adjustments, pool pre-heating, and sometimes even arranging tea ceremonies or music sessions. Each booking represents a real investment of time and resources.
Recently, we faced a disappointing experience on Booking.com: a guest reserved the entire property without any prepayment and never showed up. Booking.com did not collect payment in advance, and there was no compensation or support for the loss. For a lodge like ours, where preparation costs are high and booking means full commitment, this policy is simply unsustainable.
While such a model may suit large hotels, it is not fit for small-scale, experience-oriented lodges. Despite Booking offering a payment collection feature, it is neither the default nor clearly explained to hosts.
In contrast, Airbnb offers a more host-friendly structure: payments are collected upfront, and cancellation or no-show situations are governed by transparent policies. This allows hosts like us to confidently prepare for guests without the fear of being left with unrecoverable losses.
A lodge is not a standardized accommodation — it is a space infused with emotion and intention. We hope platforms will come to recognize this, and develop tools and systems designed for hosts, rather than applying one-size-fits-all rules borrowed from the hotel industry.
In a business built on care, time, and hospitality, what we value most is understanding — and respect.
— Lonny Long
Host of LONG Lodge
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