How to Host: Add Details Guests Love

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

How to Host: Add Details Guests Love

How a hospitality expert and former Creative Director with an eye for details transformed a 1970s beach bungalow into a space for guests to shine.

 

 

When guests enter the Beach Lodge, they immediately gain a sense of who Tiffany Caliva-Talledo is. Her thoughtfulness and love of design is felt through her choices in decor, the colors, the textures, and every personalized touch. As a former Creative Director, she’s always had an eye for details. Now, she’s started her own consulting business to help other hosts create memorable experiences. Her Hollywood Beach, California home has been featured in major design publications. Here, she shares with us her secrets to Airbnb success.

 

Tiffany 1.jpg

 

The Beach Lodge is Born

Before we fixed up The Beach Lodge, it was this ugly putrid green home. People called it the “Drug Den” and used to run by it when they passed! Neighbors thought we were crazy to buy it, but I saw something special in it—and I had this thought that if we could restore it, people would come. I saw the beauty in it and I wanted others to see it too. I’ve poured so much love into it—and I think guests come back for that very reason. Here are a few of my favorite hospitality tips to make your guest’s experience extra special.

 

Tiffany’s Tips to Go the Extra (S)mile

  1. Craft a vibe
  2. Create mini-escapes
  3. Make it personal
  4. Give ‘em a take-home treat
  5. Put on your cruise director hat

 

Tiffany 2.jpg

 

  1. Craft a vibe

Creating unforgettable experiences always starts with setting the right tone. When designing a space, I tell my clients to start with a feeling rather than a theme. What do you want your guests to feel when they step into your home—comfort, joy, serenity? For the Beach Lodge, rather than go with a literal seaside theme, I thought holistically about the colors, textures, and details I wanted to bring in and how they could create a heightened sense of relaxation and belonging: patterns that pop against airy neutrals, textures that evoke the sand, and plenty of plants to bring the outdoors in.

 

Also, decorating doesn’t have to be expensive! Flea markets and thrift stores are filled with inexpensive treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like they have a story attached to them. You just have to do a little hunting. I’ve especially been drawn to objects that represent my Filipino and Asian heritage. And you can’t always get that authentic, lived-in feel from a big box retailer. The items you choose for your space should say something, and together they’ll help tell the larger story of your home.

 

Tiffany 3 .jpg

 

Another piece of advice I share with my clients is to give yourself permission to play. Change up the decor. Try new things. Make refreshes each season. It’s the best way to discover what works for what you are trying to achieve and what doesn’t. Think of your space as a person with its own complexities and character. Like you, it should be shifting, changing, and evolving to be the best version of itself for the moment.

 

“Think of your space as a person with its own complexities and character.”

 

  1. Create mini-escapes

Additionally, I love to play with space and visual interest in unexpected ways. One tip that I recommend is to create mini-escapes around your home—little getaway areas where guests can get lost in a book. I might add some blankets, pillows, and a painting to a corner so that it invites people to just melt away. Think of how you can create these little nurturing nooks throughout.

 

Tiffany 4.jpg

 

  1. Make it personal

Where possible, help personalize your guests’ stay with extra special touches. For example, if someone mentions that they’re celebrating a birthday when they book a stay at the Beach Lodge, I’ll leave desserts or cupcakes from my favorite local bakeries. If they’re vegan, I’ll create a restaurant list in the city and nearby areas. If it’s a family with kids, I’ll switch out the pillows and linens and replace them with more durable ones. These thoughtful touches really stand out to guests. You’ll see them reflected in your reviews and repeat bookings.

 

Tiffany 5.jpg

 

  1. Give ‘em a take-home treat

I recommend giving guests a momento or a keepsake when they arrive as a simple gesture that feels special and welcoming, like gift cards to businesses nearby or postcards from local artists. To take that idea even further, I also allow guests to shop the items I stock at The Beach Lodge directly, including the eco-conscious robes, linens, and vintage items I’ve collected. I also created an online store so anyone can shop it. I love the thought that guests can purchase an item they encounter and bring it home with them—to extend their experience and take back something special.f I’ve also been featuring women-owned and local brands, which are important to me. I don’t take any profits. It’s all about connecting people to these brands. It’s so much more than just a getaway to me. I want people to be inspired from within and to leave with a new way of living—however big or small.

 

“I want my guests to be inspired from within and to leave with a new way of living—however big or small.”

 

  1. Put on your cruise director hat

We named our home The Beach Lodge because, to us, a lodge is a cozy space for people to gather, be with their friends and family, and feel like they belong. I really wanted to create a destination for my guests—to elevate it beyond just a place to sleep—so I stock it with board games, yoga mats, crafts, art materials, a BBQ grill, beach towels, bikes, books to get lost in, and a record player. Travel is about expanding your horizons and these activities can help people create memories and new ways of being. Consider the possibilities of your own space and what amenities can help enhance their overall experience.

 

Remember that it’s all about the details, details, details!  Through these thoughtful touches, guests will truly feel the care that you’ve poured into your space—and they’ll continue coming back.

 

Happy hosting!

-Tiffany

 

Want to incorporate some of Tiffany’s tips in your own listing? Update your listing. Not a host? Become one today.

 

Check out the full #howtohost series here.

 

Book a stay with Tiffany at the Beach Lodge. Follow the Beach Lodge on Instagram. Shop the Beach Lodge store.  

83 Replies 83
Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

My go-tos are succulents. They make me look like I have somewhat of a green thumb. 😉

Stephanie1308
Level 1
England, United Kingdom

Completely agree about having plants around, they're good for the soul. I like the idea of creating more seating areas, that could really work.

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

Plants are so much more than visual candy -- so glad you agree! They help purify the air and improve your focus to enjoy a restful getaway. 🙂

 

And definitely try the seating area idea; guests are always so excited about having these pockets available for them to escape in.

 

I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram, TheBeachLodge. Come check me out there. 🙂

 

Best,

Tiffany

Summer89
Level 1
Sayulita, Mexico

Fantastic!!! Love these tips and your style, girl! I'm inspired!

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

Thanks Summer, so amazing of you to reach out! I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram feed, TheBeachLodge. Come say “Hi!”

 

best,

Tiffany

Mary1173
Level 3
Johannesburg, South Africa

Thanks Tiffany for your neat suggestions and sharing your lovely space. I have just completely refurbished our second cottage and added it into our Airbnb listing for the first time. (It had got very dated being used as a pied a terre by a business gent for 4 years ... since long before we joined Airbnb!). As much as it now looks sparkling new, I'm inspired to add more plants and a few extra finishing touches. I like the gift idea too ... we do welcome things like muffins and wine but hadn't thought of a take-away memento. Much appreciated!

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

Congrats on your second cottage, Mary! And so great that I've been able to inspire you in some way. I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram, TheBeachLodge. Come check me out there. 🙂

 

Best,

Tiffany

Diane759
Level 1
Arizona, United States

Hi Tiffany, Yes, good ideas. I keep a small library of books, novels, novellas, even children's books and tell guests they are welcome to take a book they are reading. I find these books at thrift stores for almost nothing. I also keep board games, movie CDs  and playing cards handy. 

Diane, Prescott, Arizona, USA 

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

That's a great idea Diane! I'm sure it's hard to finish a book for those who are staying for a shorter time. We also have guests who leave books for incoming guests who may enjoy the books they brought on their trip. Sharing is caring, right? 😉

Linda1213
Level 6
Vero Beach, FL

Fabulous style and tips! I do much of what you suggest...But the part I like the best (and have been trying to incorporate something like it) is the "shop your Airbnb!! I love to incorporate all of the local boutiques and artist friends things into the Airbnb. But LOVE your idea of shopping it!! Thank you!

LBR
Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

So glad I can inspire you! And your guests will love being able to bring home unique souvenirs bought right from your home!

 

I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram, TheBeachLodge. Come check me out there. 🙂

Susan468
Level 3
Toronto, Canada

Great suggestions.  I really like the idea of giving guests something to take home.  Susan

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

Thanks Susan,

 

So glad you were able to see some value in the suggestions. And the take-home can be very cost-friendly. It really is more about the gesture.

 

I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram, TheBeachLodge. Come check me out there. 🙂

 

Best,

Tiffany

Charlotte348
Level 2
Franschhoek, South Africa

The locally made take-away gifts are a brilliant idea. I'll definitely incorporate that. Thank you so much!

 

Tiffany204
Host Advisory Board Member
California, United States

So glad you think so, Charlotte. Nothing fancy or expensive needed. The gesture is the biggest take-away. 

 

I share more tips/thoughts on my Instagram feed, TheBeachLodge. Drop in and say “Hi!”

 

best,

Tiffany