Post by High Priestess on May 27, 2016 5:24:51 GMT
Alexis shared on SEattle HOsts Dec 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100489
New to being a host
Hi all! So I've been using AirBnB as a guest for a while and love it. I am now a host and feel I have a pretty good grip on everything, but just wanted to ask if any of you have any tips or suggestions for me to keep in mind? Thanks!
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Brenda
Brendaa year ago
Hi Alexis!
Welcome to hosting! Here are a few tips! Apologies if some are quite obvious:
1. Encourage guests to provide a complete profile with as many verifications as possible to develop trust, and require photo of guest, phone, email and ID verifications. Also ask them what brings them to your area - especially if they do not have references.
2. Consider a two night minimum - may reduce undesired guests. I also love the new settings feature that blocks a day before and after each reservation- so you have time to clean, restock. If you Instant Book - require positive reviews and give yourself a three day lead time.
3. Ask for names & phone numbers of all guests. I have many adult children reserving for visiting parents and it can be awkward and unsafe to not know who is staying and not be able to contact guests.
4. Be clear about expectations. For example we share laundry facilities that are in the guest suite, so warm guests in house manual that we will need to make arrangements to do our laundry. Also we have a dog, so let them know they may hear her bark occasionally or see her in the yard.
5. Provide a little something to get them started in case they arrive hungry: soup, pasta and sauce, instant oatmeal, water, fresh ground coffee, filters, cream and sugar, yogurt, fruit, breakfast bars are good options. Basic spices if you have cooking facilities. I ask if they prefer beer or wine (if they drink) and add a few local brews/wine.
6. Welcome guests in person if you can, gives you a chance to answer last minute questions, show them around and see if there are any surprises - like unexpected (unregistered) children or other guests.
7. Be sure to state in your House Rules that only registered guests may stay in the suite. Children should be included in guest count!
8. Pop by or check in with guests the day after check in to see how they are doing - if they need anything.
9. Make yourself scarce, yet available should they want to chat or ask questions. I cannot tell you how much fun we've had with impromptu get-togethers with guests - one reason I love hosting.
10. The devil is in the details. Keep the guest space cleaner than your own home, and look around with a critical eye. I try to imagine what would be off-putting to guests - and fix the issue.
11. Ask for feedback before guests leave. I have discovered problems I would have never known about and our suite is a better place due to candid feedback and suggestions. I thank guests for their honesty.
12. Create and sell the dream. No matter how humble, we provide a retreat, a respite and a nest. Make your space special, nice linens/dishes/furnishings, thoughtful personal items (blow dryer, make-up mirror, nice but practical lotions/soap/shampoo, a small collection of feminine products, art on the wall, books and info about the Seattle area and events in your area. Over the three years we have hosted, we continually reinvested our profits into our property, making improvements like new doors, gas fireplace, new patio and BBQ for guests. It has more than paid off
I wish you the best - and hope to meet you at a Seattle host gathering!
Brenda
Like
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Any suggestions for cleaning for longer stays?
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100489
New to being a host
Hi all! So I've been using AirBnB as a guest for a while and love it. I am now a host and feel I have a pretty good grip on everything, but just wanted to ask if any of you have any tips or suggestions for me to keep in mind? Thanks!
2 comments
Follow
Like
Brenda
Brendaa year ago
Hi Alexis!
Welcome to hosting! Here are a few tips! Apologies if some are quite obvious:
1. Encourage guests to provide a complete profile with as many verifications as possible to develop trust, and require photo of guest, phone, email and ID verifications. Also ask them what brings them to your area - especially if they do not have references.
2. Consider a two night minimum - may reduce undesired guests. I also love the new settings feature that blocks a day before and after each reservation- so you have time to clean, restock. If you Instant Book - require positive reviews and give yourself a three day lead time.
3. Ask for names & phone numbers of all guests. I have many adult children reserving for visiting parents and it can be awkward and unsafe to not know who is staying and not be able to contact guests.
4. Be clear about expectations. For example we share laundry facilities that are in the guest suite, so warm guests in house manual that we will need to make arrangements to do our laundry. Also we have a dog, so let them know they may hear her bark occasionally or see her in the yard.
5. Provide a little something to get them started in case they arrive hungry: soup, pasta and sauce, instant oatmeal, water, fresh ground coffee, filters, cream and sugar, yogurt, fruit, breakfast bars are good options. Basic spices if you have cooking facilities. I ask if they prefer beer or wine (if they drink) and add a few local brews/wine.
6. Welcome guests in person if you can, gives you a chance to answer last minute questions, show them around and see if there are any surprises - like unexpected (unregistered) children or other guests.
7. Be sure to state in your House Rules that only registered guests may stay in the suite. Children should be included in guest count!
8. Pop by or check in with guests the day after check in to see how they are doing - if they need anything.
9. Make yourself scarce, yet available should they want to chat or ask questions. I cannot tell you how much fun we've had with impromptu get-togethers with guests - one reason I love hosting.
10. The devil is in the details. Keep the guest space cleaner than your own home, and look around with a critical eye. I try to imagine what would be off-putting to guests - and fix the issue.
11. Ask for feedback before guests leave. I have discovered problems I would have never known about and our suite is a better place due to candid feedback and suggestions. I thank guests for their honesty.
12. Create and sell the dream. No matter how humble, we provide a retreat, a respite and a nest. Make your space special, nice linens/dishes/furnishings, thoughtful personal items (blow dryer, make-up mirror, nice but practical lotions/soap/shampoo, a small collection of feminine products, art on the wall, books and info about the Seattle area and events in your area. Over the three years we have hosted, we continually reinvested our profits into our property, making improvements like new doors, gas fireplace, new patio and BBQ for guests. It has more than paid off
I wish you the best - and hope to meet you at a Seattle host gathering!
Brenda
Like
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Any suggestions for cleaning for longer stays?