WHAT YOU PROVIDE FOR GUESTS

[Kim4860]

As a host, I am always disappointed when I stay in other Airbnb establishments.  I provide more than is necessary in my property.  It is a 6 sleeper, and I provide more than 6 pieces of cutlery, crockery, glasses, dish towels, etc.  Why do people only provide 4 knives and forks, 4 glasses and so on in a 2 sleeper establishment?  It looks mean.  You should be making your place feel luxurious and comfortable. There is more than enough dishwashing liquid; the soap containers in the bathroom are all full, not half full.  You should be making your guests feel welcome and it doesn’t cost much to do this. 

[Roberto3229]

Ciao @Quincy  ! Great question. The items we replace most often are the everyday kitchen essentials—wine glasses, drinking glasses, coffee mugs, plates, bowls, cutlery, and occasionally small appliances from normal wear and tear. Those are simply part of operating a vacation home, and we replace them at no cost to our guests.

For larger or accidental damage to furniture, windows, artwork, decorative pieces, or other home furnishings, guests are financially responsible. Villa Poggio Scalette is an artistically designed home with many unique and carefully selected pieces, so we do our best to preserve its character while keeping everything in excellent condition for future guests.

To ensure complete transparency, all of these policies are clearly outlined in our professional Guest Book, which every guest is required to read and acknowledge upon arrival. This helps set clear expectations and has worked very well for us over the years.

[Rachel3439]

Hi @Kim4860 - thanks for starting this conversation as it's something I've been thinking about as well because we have a small space. Ours is a 4 sleeper. What I decided to do is put a set of 4-6 plates, bowls, cups, etc in the main cupboard that guests are going to look for things. Then I put another whole set of 4 dishes (it looks different because I'm getting stuff at thrift stores) in a "display" open cabinet above the fridge. It looks cute, but because it is high up guests would need to use the step stool to get up there. Too much effort for most - but if needed it's there. 

I do that with everything - I put out what is reasonable for use and then have extras stashed for the maximalist guests: 2 dishtowels with 2-4 extras in a linen cupboard; 4 bath towels with 4 in a linen cupboard, etc.  I put the location of extras in my house manual. 

I've found that guests don't really access the "extras" which keeps flipping easier. And if they do its because they were having the thought that they needed it they can find it. 

[Michael10505]

Ciao @Kim4860 , io personalmente offro aperitivo di benvenuto, prodotti per la cucina, caramelle ecc ecc.

Ho notato che molti si sentono autorizzati a portare via delle cose,tipo le posate e cavatappi,o svuotare il barattolo delle caramelle.

Quando accade resto un po' amareggiato, quindi sto rivedendo qualche cosina sulle cose a disposizione nell'alloggio, una di queste è proprio la disponibilità delle posate.

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Hi @Kim4860, I personally provide a welcome drink, kitchen essentials, sweets and so on.

I’ve noticed that many people feel entitled to take things away – such as cutlery and corkscrews – or to empty the sweet jar.

When that happens, I feel a bit disheartened, so I’m reviewing a few things regarding what’s available in the accommodation; one of these is precisely the availability of cutlery.

[Google translation added by OCM]

[Kim4860]

@Michael10505 - thanks Michael.  I’m sorry you have had the experience of people taking things.  Thankfully I have not experienced this.  I guess it is a learning game as we go along!  Thanks for your message. 

[Lamika2]

It’s great to hear real testimonies about your experiences thank you all for sharing! 

[Lesslie0]

I offer snacks,  water, coffee, tea, wash clothes, towels, cutlery. cups, wine glasses, plates.  pots/pans. extra sheets/comforters, blender, popcorn machine, waffle maker. rice cooker, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel,  lotion, hand gel, dish soap. blow dryer, safe. iron, salt/pepper. wondering if I am offering too much? 

[Michele891]

@Lesslie0  I don’t think it can ever be too much. It just shows how considerate you are by anticipating the needs of your guests.  I’m sure you have very grateful guests 😊

[Corrina20]

I agree, we stayed in one last year and there wasn’t even a tea towel or anything to wash up with. I leave plenty of everything to ensure the guests have an easy comfortable stay. 

[Crystal824]

For the coffee bar and kitchen, I set up a premium beverage station with two types of coffee, several tea varieties, sugar, half-and-half, and two types of flavored coffee syrups. I also make sure the kitchen is fully functional by providing all dishes, cookware, cutlery, and utensils needed to cook and eat, alongside a filtered water pitcher, salt, pepper, olive oil, assorted condiments, and a robust rack of 12 to 15 different spices.

I give a snack pack of microwave popcorn and breakfast bars.

When it comes to bed and bath comfort, I provide four pillows on the bed with various firmness levels so guests can choose what suits them best, a couple of cozy throw blankets, a garment steamer instead of a traditional iron, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tissues, and plenty of extra bath towels. Note that I do not provide extra sheets.

Because we are right on the lake, our outdoor and wellness lineup includes full access to our on-site infrared sauna, so I provide extra dedicated sauna towels and robes, as well as guest kayaks, flotation devices, life vests, and a beach towel for each guest.

For guests traveling with pets, I set up a dog welcome kit with dedicated dog bowls and waste bags, plus a premium, waterproof protector blanket to keep the sofa clean and cozy. Finally, to make sure no one runs out of essentials, I stock the utility side with dish soap, extra dish towels, paper towels, extra trash bags, and plenty of extra toilet paper.