09/03/2026
A maintenance issue during a guest’s stay does not automatically lead to a bad review.
A guest recently contacted me about a toilet that was not working properly. He had already tried using the plunger and checking what he could—but the problem remained.
Here’s how we handled it:
🔧 Acknowledged the concern immediately
🚽 Confirmed that the second bathroom was available
📞 Arranged for a plumber to attend the following morning
🔑 Asked the guest for permission before providing access
💬 Kept the guest updated throughout the process
The guest remained understanding, continued enjoying his visit to Toronto, and ultimately left a five-star review.
He later sent a message telling us that we were five-star hosts and that he hoped to return.
The property was not perfect during his stay. Our response made the difference.
Guests generally understand that unexpected maintenance issues can happen. What frustrates them is being ignored, receiving vague answers, or having no clear plan for resolving the problem.
Strong hospitality is not about pretending that nothing ever goes wrong. It is about responding quickly, communicating clearly, respecting the guest’s time and privacy, and taking ownership of the solution.
A maintenance problem may be unavoidable.
A poor response usually isn’t.
Hosts and property managers: Have you ever turned a maintenance issue into a five-star guest experience?