Avoid 3 Big Mistakes When Hosting Guests!

I enjoy traveling. It is fun to see new places, new people and just relax. The one thing I know is that no matter where I travel or where I stay, I don’t want “it” to feel like home. Home is where I am bombarded with things to do (and not in a good way.) What one of us hasn’t wanted to relax but, felt the looming need to do chores around the house? Thoughts just hang over our heads. Name one person that you know that doesn’t wrestle with the day-to-day tasks of life? Home is where I have to change the toilet paper “every time” I go in to the bathroom. Even when I cleverly set aside time for a glorious moment on my deck, I hear thoughts in my head of how I should touch up trim or mow the lawn. So yes, when I travel I want to feel like I am anywhere but home. I don’t want to stare at an outdated television or a room that needs a fresh coat of paint. And I certainly don’t want to change the toilet paper roll. It is for this same reason that I make every effort to NOT give my Airbnb guests the experience of feeling like they are home. This doesn't mean that I don't want them to feel comfortable or cozy. I just want their experience to exceed “home” in every way.

Mistake # 1

The Rental Requires Maintenance or Cleaning.

I learned a long time ago that you simply can not overlook the important of maintenance. The busier your business is then the more important it becomes. No one wants to relax on the Airbnb sofa at the end of a busy day to stare at chipped woodwork, scuffed paint or a dusty ceiling fan. And, no one wants to go to the bathroom only to find out they have to change the toilet paper roll! All of those thing just puts me right back at home! The interesting thing is that I have found that there is a correlation between maintenance and cleanliness. If everything is spotlessly clean, then it is easier to forgive a few small maintenance issues (as long as things are in working order). But, if everything isn’t spotlessly clean then the two issues work together to create dissatisfaction. For example, someone may overlook an outdated light switch when the Airbnb is crazy clean. If the room isn’t clean then the wall switch seems even more dingy. By keeping a regular maintenance check-list and cleaning list your guests will appreciate a well-maintained and clean environment.

Mistake # 2

Guests Do Not Feel “Treated.”

Being “treated” makes a guest feel welcome, special and pampered. Let’s face it - we all like feeling treated. Who doesn't feel special when someone goes out of their way for them? And who doesn't like receiving something unexpected? It can be so simple, but going above and beyond to offer something special has a huge impact on your guests perceived value and experience. For example, we choose to offer 2 bottled water, 2 orange juices and breakfast pastries, as well as, coffee and tea for each stay. Even though every guest does not take advantage of these treats, every guest is “wowed” by the unexpected value. You may want to offer candles in the bathroom, an essential oil pillow spray by the bed-side or the latest books and magazines for guests to enjoy. Feeling “treated” and special leads to great reviews.

Mistake # 3

Technology is out of date.

For most guests, technology is a huge part of their lives. We live in a day and age of streaming, smart tvs, wifi, keurigs and so much more. I don’t have to tell you how fast technology is changing. As a result, a television a few years old may be completely obsolete. The speed of your router, your speakers and even your coffee pot may no longer be adequate. Ask yourself the following questions… Does the technology that I offer compare to the technology that someone has at home? Can I make the technology I offer better than what they get at home? Does the technology I offer feel current and exciting to my guests? Do my guests feel “treated” with the technology I offer? Do I give the appearance of offering “leftover” technology that I no longer personally use? Unless you host a specialty rental (a tree house, boat, etc…) that boasts NO technology then budgeting for technology upgrades can be essential to satisfaction.

As a host, don’t forget…your guests are giving you the opportunity to impact their experience, memories and more. Giving a guest “above and beyond” what they get at home not only adds value to their stay but, makes the guest feel valued.