When Rich Locals Bargain Like Backpackers: Tales From a Game Reserve Guesthouse
Running a cozy B&B in a private game reserve sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Just you, your spouse, a handful of rooms, and the gentle lull of wildlife in the background. That’s the dream—until, that is, your local guests arrive. If you’ve ever wondered why some guesthouses are wary of local bookings, buckle up for a tale of sourdough bread, discount demands, and the surprising stinginess of well-heeled neighbors.
The B&B With Heart (and Rules)
Our story begins at a humble guesthouse nestled in a private game reserve, run by a couple who believe that experiencing wildlife shouldn’t require a trust fund. Their place is small—just three rooms in their own home—and they’re proud to offer affordable access to the wonders of the African bush. As artisans, they even host creative workshops, sharing their skills and love for the land.
One day, a local guest reaches out, eager to join a workshop for his birthday. He books a room, asks about self-catering (no, it’s not offered), and negotiates to bring his own sourdough bread. Sounds simple enough, right? But this, dear reader, is just the appetizer.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Buffet): When Frugality Becomes Farce
The guests arrive—not only with their precious sourdough, but with their entire weekend’s worth of groceries. While some might see this as quirky, seasoned hosts know it’s a red flag. As u/Poldaran quipped in the comments, “People who brag about their money truly are always the cheapest when it comes down to it.” And cheap, it turns out, was just the beginning.
After just one night, the guest sends an email (from the next room, no less) asking to cancel their last night and requesting a “discounted local rate” because, apparently, the price was too steep—especially compared to their next destination in a nearby town. The kicker? Throughout their stay, these guests boasted about their thriving business, their second home on the coast, and (wait for it) their own eight-bedroom guesthouse.
As the original poster, u/mma_ramotswe_252, wryly observed, “That’s how they get so much money, by being cheap.” And as another commenter, u/NocturnalMisanthrope, added, “And exploiting others.”
The Discount Dance: Hospitality’s Oldest (and Most Annoying) Tune
If you run a guesthouse, you know the pattern: The more someone brags about their wealth, the more likely they are to haggle, nickel-and-dime, and angle for “local” rates. As u/Bedbouncer recounted, this phenomenon isn’t unique to guesthouses—kids selling cookies soon learn the biggest homes are the least likely to buy.
While some businesses respond with strict policies (no modifications, no discounts, no locals), the reality is trickier. The OP confirmed they already had terms and conditions in place, but, “That’s the thing with our locals, they should know better but they always think it doesn’t apply to them.” It’s not about all locals, just a “specific subset” who see themselves as the exception.
Fellow innkeeper u/MightyManorMan weighed in: “We don’t do discounts. We direct people elsewhere. It’s a red flag, asking for a discount. Inevitably they will show up in a Mercedes S Class and/or leave you a bad review because they had lofty expectations.” The consensus? Sometimes, saying “No” (as u/ManicAscendant wisely put it) is the best—and only—response.
The Art of Saying “No” (and Keeping Your Sanity)
So what’s a small guesthouse owner to do? Apart from crafting a watertight set of rules (and enforcing them), sometimes it’s about having the confidence to stand firm. The OP shared that, in hindsight, responding to the discount request via email was a blessing: “I could indeed just reply with ‘No, we don’t have a local rate. Full stop.’”
Other commenters offered more creative (and devious) approaches. As u/TurtleToast2 suggested, “You should have said, ‘Oh dear, has your company fallen on hard times? I know how hard it can be to make ends meet.’ People like that can’t handle someone thinking they’re poor. It will hurt them in ways no blade could.” A tempting strategy for the next entitled entrepreneur who comes knocking.
And, for those new to the hospitality lingo, a brief aside from the comments: “DH” stands for “Dear Husband.” Not “Designated Hitter” or “Doogie Hauser,” as some guessed, though “Domestic Half” has a certain charm.
Conclusion: The Wildest Creatures Aren’t Always Outside
It’s a jungle out there—and not just beyond the guesthouse walls. For every delightful guest eager to soak up the sights and sounds of nature, there’s a local tycoon with an eight-bedroom manor, a suitcase full of groceries, and a knack for haggling over pennies. As one commenter put it, “Nope!” is sometimes the only answer you need.
If you’ve got a hospitality tale to share, a tip for dealing with discount-seekers, or theories on why the richest guests are so often the stingiest, drop a comment below! After all, the best stories are the ones we tell together.
Have you ever encountered a customer who wanted caviar service at instant noodle prices? Let’s hear your wildest tales!
Original Reddit Post: And they wonder why we're not a fan of local guests...