Guides

How to View Messages & Approve Bookings

ByGraham Beck

Last updated: April 30, 2026•3 min read

Article by

Graham Beck

Graham Beck is the Co-founder and CEO of DropDesk, a platform dedicated to a singular, transformative mission: unlocking the potential of underutilized spaces to foster human connection.

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Quick Answer

Your Inbox is where you manage all messages, booking requests, and important updates. Access it via the Menu > Inbox in the DropDesk Spaces mobile app or through your web portal dashboard. For Host Approved bookings, reply YES or NO via SMS within 24 hours to confirm or decline requests.

Why the Inbox Matters

Clear, timely communication is one of the most important parts of being a successful host. Your Inbox keeps all communication in one place, making it easy to manage both new and ongoing conversations.

Inside your Inbox, you'll find:

Conversations with users
Booking updates
Booking request notifications
Important system notifications

Everything is organized and accessible whenever you need it, whether you're using the mobile app or the web portal.

Where to Find Your Inbox

Accessing your Inbox is quick and simple:

Mobile App: Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top left corner and select Inbox.
Web Portal: Navigate to the Inbox section from your dashboard.

No matter where you log in, your messages will always be synced and up to date.

Understanding Your Inbox

The Inbox is divided into two main sections:

Section	What You'll Find
Messages	All conversations with users—questions, updates, and ongoing communication
Notifications	Booking requests, approval/rejection updates, confirmations, and system alerts

How Messaging Works

All messages sent through the platform are delivered instantly through:

In-app chat
SMS notifications

This ensures you never miss a booking inquiry or important update, even when you're on the go. Best of all, your personal contact information stays private—phone numbers are masked, so you can communicate without sharing personal details. Our messaging system is built to help hosts manage conversations efficiently.

Types of Messages You'll Receive

Pre-Booking Inquiries: Users may message you with questions about the package or your offerings.

DropDesk Inbox Messages tab showing conversation threads with users and a message detail view

The Messages tab shows all your conversations organized by package, with message details on the right.

Post-Booking Messages: Confirm details, coordinate arrival, or answer follow-ups.
Booking Requests (Host Approval): Requests that require your approval or rejection.
System Notifications: Automated updates about bookings and activity.

DropDesk Inbox Notifications tab showing unread and read notifications including booking confirmations

The Notifications tab displays booking confirmations, member messages, and system alerts with Mark All Read and Clear All options.

Accepting or Rejecting Booking Requests

If you turn off Instant Bookable during package creation, Host Approval is enabled—meaning you'll review and approve or decline each booking request before it's confirmed.

How It Works

You'll receive an SMS when a request is submitted
Reply YES to approve or NO to decline
The request appears as Pending in your Inbox and Activity Calendar

Timing Is Important:

After 30 minutes, you'll receive a reminder if you haven't responded
After 24 hours, the request is automatically declined

What Happens Next

Response	Result
YES	Booking confirmed and user is charged
NO	Request declined and no charge

Both you and the user will receive SMS updates throughout the process, so everyone stays informed in real time.

Why Fast Responses Matter

Responding quickly isn't just good practice; it directly impacts your success on the platform:

Faster replies increase your chances of securing bookings
Active, responsive hosts rank higher in search results
Clear communication leads to better user experiences (and better reviews)

Pro Tip: Aim to respond within one hour whenever possible.

Pro Tips for Managing Your Inbox

Keep your contact info updated so you don't miss alerts
Check your Inbox regularly throughout the day
Review Pending requests promptly to avoid auto-declines
Always communicate within the platform to keep everything secure and documented

Your Inbox isn't just for messages; it's a powerful tool for managing your business, building trust with users, and increasing bookings. By staying responsive and organized, you create a better experience for every user—and set yourself up for long-term success.

Need Help?

If you have questions about using your Inbox or managing booking requests, our support team is here to help. Visit the Help Center for more resources or to contact us directly.