I have never been an Airbnb host before, but as an avid user, there are some things I would recommend every host keep in mind before hosting a guest:
- If you have a shower with no curtain or glass, get something to prevent the shower water from spraying all over the floor. This will keep your floor from getting wet and your walls from growing mold.
- If you have something that doesn’t work like it is supposed to, fix it. This could range from a door handle to the toilet room that is known to fall off, thus locking the poor unfortunate soul into that room until they are able to figure out how to get out to a washing machine you advertise as being an amenity in your home that is broken. If you don’t have time to fix it before your guests arrive, be open and honest with them about the issue and apologize.
- If your guest has a question, respond.
- Mattresses…there are good ones and there are terrible ones and there are few that are just ok. If you have mattresses that are stained and gross, figure out a way to clean them or get new ones.
- Tea, coffee and spices. It is so nice to be able to arrive at a place and see that there is coffee, tea, spices, toilet paper, laundry soap, and dish soap and I don’t have to go out and purchase those. To be honest, my favorite Airbnb’s have gone far and above the staples and even go so far as to provide milk, fruit, bread, eggs and even some wine for us. Traveling can be draining, and to be able to walk into a place, drop our things and know that we don’t have to turn around and find a store to find something to eat right away is really helpful.
- Curtains, blinds, shades…something. I will be honest, it is nice to be able to get dressed in a room with a window where I don’t feel the whole world is watching me.
- Call ahead. If you need to come by or have a friend that picks up their mail from your house, tell your guest. Guests don’t want to look up to see you or especially some stranger walking into the house to get something you or they forgot. Email, text, phone, ring the doorbell, or as a last resort, knocking is a good way to get your guest’s attention. If they don’t answer, try to get ahold of them later.
- Cleaning supplies. As a guest, it is nice to have some cleaning supplies lying around. It doesn’t have to be a lot–but a broom and dust pan really are appreciated.
- Utensils, cups & plates. Honestly, unless you are priced and advertised as a luxurious accommodation, I don’t know too many people who really care if your utensils, cups, and plates match. That being said, if you only have 2 cups, yet you advertise that more than 2 people can be at your place, it might be a good idea to invest in some more cups. Same goes for utensils and plates.
- Towels. Usually an Airbnb host will supply 1 towel per guest in the booking unless they specify that you have to bring your own towels. As a guest with children, I have found it convenient to have access to a couple more towels than the standard one-per-guest rule.
- Kitchen towels. It is nice to have access to a kitchen towel–paper towels are a good second.
- Wifi. If you advertise that there is free access to wifi in your listing, make sure it has a good strong connection, otherwise provide a back-up plan for your guest.
- Dressers and/or closets. It really is nice to have a place to put clothes away. If you are thinking about becoming a host and using your own home, think about setting aside closet space and dresser space so that your guest can feel a bit more at home in your home.
- Coat hangers and shoe racks. If you would like to have your guests take their shoes off while they are in your house, provide a place for them to place their shoes. Also, a place for them to hang their jackets, bags, or purses is also a nice touch.
15. I’m adding this one because it just happened to us. Please don’t ask your guests to give you a good review unless you have given them a good review. It is really irritating to get a message from a host asking you to give them a good review because they are just starting out and then you do it–just to find out that they gave you a bad review.
The Nomad Family 