My secrets to successful hosting

[Riki7]

I believe the secret lies in the small details and the feeling guests get from the moment they arrive. For me, successful hosting isn't just about providing a clean and comfortable place to stay, but about making guests feel welcome, safe, and surrounded by warmth.

Here are my tips for hosting that's more than just excellent:

• A Warm and Personal Welcome: I greet every guest with a genuine smile. On the table, I leave them a personal letter, and in the kitchen, they find a fresh pastry, cold milk in the fridge, and bottles of water. These small gestures immediately create a feeling of home.

• Availability and a Personal Guide: In my letter, I let them know we are available for any question or problem, which is so important for their peace of mind. I also include my personal recommendations for the best local spots—from restaurants I love to hidden gems that tourists don't always know about.

• Coffee with Friends: Sometimes, if the atmosphere is right, I invite our guests for coffee or a light meal. This turns the hosting experience from a business transaction into a personal and memorable one, and it’s what guests remember the most.

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[Elisa]

Hi @Riki7 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this, it’s so interesting!

How long have you been hosting?

@Doan39, @Tariq52, @Cindy1764, @Branko38 and @Margaret491 What do you think about these tips? Would you add anything else?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Cindy1764]

@Elisa I don't greet my guests on site, but I do try to strike up a repore with them from the start of their inquiry until after check out. I leave muffins and coffee/cream and have several automated messages offering restaurant recommendations amd sich. If rain is expected, i suggest how to bring luggage inside most directly. I have found that communication is key. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Cindy1764 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know!

I love the way you welcome your guests.

Do you make your muffins yourself or do you get them from a bakery?

[Doan39]

Hi @Elisa , hi everyone,

I really enjoyed reading Riki’s tips — they highlight how much the little details matter. A personal letter, a welcome pastry, and local recommendations are exactly the touches that turn a stay into a memory.

If I were to add anything, it would be around anticipating guest needs before they even ask: for example, a small guidebook with transport options, or a note about Wi-Fi speed and workspace for business travellers. It’s those small, practical reassurances that give guests peace of mind right from the start.

Overall, I think warmth + preparedness is a powerful combination for successful hosting.

Best,
Doan

[Elisa]

Hi @Doan39 😊, 

Thank you so much for your kind reply!

You shared great tips. Did you also create a guidebook for your guests?

[Doan39]

Hi @Elisa  😊,

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, I’ve also created a simple guidebook for my guests with local recommendations and check-in tips—it really helps them feel more at home. I’d be happy to share a few ideas if that’s useful for the community. 🌟

[Elisa]

Hi @Doan39 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know!

That’s fantastic. 😍 Did you create it on paper or digitally?

[Doan39]

Hi Elisa 🌸,

I created it digitally so it’s easy to update and also share with guests. I sometimes print a version too for those who like having it on hand. ✨

[Branko38]

I completely agree with you. I will add making them feel like they are talking to a friend since the beginning of the communication until the end. Big genuine smile and having accessibility to host for whatever they might need is my way of getting 5 stars all the time.

In one word - having a free  concierge 

[Elisa]

Hi @Branko38 😊,

Thank you for helping our host.

This is a great approach, do your guests notice your friendly way of hosting?

[Donna1726]

I love these ideas, I leave little snacks and water in the fridge, I never thought of pastries and milk.  I also leave the most recent local newspaper for them.

[Emilie]

@Donna1726 Do you always leave the same little snacks or mix it up depending the guests coming?

[Donna1726]

@Emilie - usually the same, amount of course is depending on how many are renting.  I leave some little bags of different kinds of chips, instant oatmeal packets.  Inspired by @Riki7 this week I left local cheesecake snacks.  

[Emilie]

@Donna1726 A nice little selection! Do guest callout this lovely attention, either to you or in reviews?