Carnival season is the biggest money-making opportunity for guest house owners in Trinidad. But many leave revenue on the table due to small but costly booking mistakes. If you want to stand out, fill your rooms early, and keep guests coming back year after year, here are 5 common pitfalls—and how to fix them—with real-world-style examples.
1. Not Updating Listings Early Enough
The Mistake:
Waiting until December or January to update your listing with Carnival rates and photos means you miss out on early international bookings.
The Fix:
Update your listings by August or September with:
- A title like “Carnival 2026 Guest House – 10 Min from Savannah”
- Carnival-themed images
- Minimum stay and house rules tailored to Carnival
Real Example:
Lisa from St. James updates her Airbnb by August every year. Her listing includes photos of Carnival bands and partygoers walking by. She was fully booked by October for Carnival 2025—and now takes 50% non-refundable deposits up front.
2. Ignoring Your Google Business Profile
The Mistake:
Potential guests Google your guest house name—but either nothing shows up, or they find an outdated listing.
The Fix:
- Claim your free Google Business Profile
- Upload clear photos of rooms and the neighborhood
- Ask past guests to leave reviews after Carnival
Real Example:
Ravi runs a guest house in Tunapuna. By optimizing his Google Business Profile and asking 2024 guests to leave reviews, his guest house now appears on the first page of search results for “Carnival guest house near UWI.”
3. Not Offering Group or Family-Friendly Options
The Mistake:
Only listing single rooms when groups or families are the majority during Carnival.
The Fix:
- Create a group listing (entire property or combo rooms)
- Highlight large kitchens, shared spaces, and extra beds
- Label your listing: “Great for Mas Bands, Families, and Friends”
Real Example:
June converted her 3-bedroom Arima property into a full Carnival rental package with airport pickup and breakfast. She made $6,500 in 5 nights, compared to $2,100 in the same time the year before.
4. Poor Communication with Potential Guests
The Mistake:
Slow or vague replies to booking questions lead to cancellations and missed reservations.
The Fix:
Set up quick-response templates for FAQs like:
- “How far to the parade route?”
- “Is there late check-in after J’ouvert?”
- “Can I check in early from my red-eye flight?”
Real Example:
Shanelle uses the Airbnb app’s Quick Replies feature. Her Carnival response time is under 5 minutes, which boosted her listing visibility and earned her Superhost status two years in a row.
5. Not Using Social Media to Drive Direct Bookings
The Mistake:
Relying 100% on Airbnb or Booking.com and missing out on no-fee, direct bookings through Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
The Fix:
- Showcase your space with Instagram Reels
- Post Carnival prep (banners, décor, room setups)
- Include a link to your WhatsApp or booking form
Real Example:
Devon made an Instagram Reel showing guests getting ready for J’ouvert in his backyard. The video went viral locally, and he booked 3 direct reservations in 48 hours—all with no platform fees.
Final Thoughts
Booking season for Carnival starts months in advance. If you want to earn more and stress less, avoid these common booking mistakes and apply the fixes now. With better prep and smarter marketing, your guest house can become a top choice for Carnival travelers.
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