Going above and beyond to welcome your guests

[Airbnb]

Nothing makes guests feel more welcome than a handwritten note or a bouquet of fresh flowers. And when guests have a memorable stay, they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews, tell their friends and family about your space, and even come back for another visit.

Delighting your guests with a warm greeting can make them feel appreciated, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money. From thoughtful notes to freshly baked treats, here’s how some hosts around the world have gone above and beyond in welcoming their guests:

1. Write a friendly welcome note

When guests are traveling, a personalized welcome can be the difference between feeling homesick and feeling at home. “I have a little chalkboard in each room that welcomes the guests, and I include their names each time,” says host Huma of London. “It's such a small touch, but they really love this.”

You can leave the same sentiment in a handwritten note. “I recently decided to start to leave a welcome treat with a card,” says host Trude of Edsberg, Sweden. In your note, you might include your favorite place to get a coffee or a fun fact about your area.

2. Give your guests a taste of your town

One of the best ways to help your guests get settled is to introduce them to the top spots in your neighborhood. “We have a local bakery that makes a cinnamon cream cake that I happen to love, and I brought one to the first guest,” says host David of San Antonio, Texas, who now treats all of his guests to his favorite cake.

3. Put your own baking skills to work

If you’re a great baker, consider highlighting your hospitality skills by making your specialty for your guests. “I started leaving a few homemade cookies,” says host Beth of Roraima, Brazil. “I get a lot of return business, and the cookies have been commented on multiple times.”

4. Get your guests involved

In addition to offering a sweet treat, host David of San Antonio, Texas, leaves wine for his guests. “There’s a hashtag: #takeabottleleaveabottle,” says David, who encourages guests to replace the bottle they enjoyed with a new one. Over the years, the collection has grown: “We have a wall with five different types of wine,” he says. The one-in, one-out idea makes this an affordable option. You could also try this with books!

5. Create a snack basket

“We realize that people come to have a good time,” says host Jerry of Atlanta. “A lot of times they come back home, and they have the munchies.” So he now stocks his kitchen with a basket of snacks like microwave popcorn, cookies, potato chips, and pretzels.

6. Customize your treat

Get to know your guests, and be aware of their needs. “We leave a treat at check-in,” says host Laura of Frederick, Maryland. “Sometimes it’s local cheese, chocolate, or baked goods. Sometimes it’s local beer or a bottle of wine.” She messages her guests about any dietary restrictions first: “Not everyone drinks or can eat cheese, so I ask.“

If your guests have kids, a packet of stickers or a few juice boxes can be a thoughtful surprise. “If there are children, I leave a lollipop or small bag of candy and a small box of crayons [with a] coloring book,” says host Ann of New York City. And if your guests are traveling with pets, consider having dog treats on hand to share with their furry friends.

7. Show off your local culture

If there’s something inexpensive that your region is known for—such as leis in Hawaii—consider leaving something small to delight your guests at check-in. “One of the biggest things that we provide here is Mardi Gras beads,” says host Jordan of New Orleans. Guests appreciate these souvenirs, which can help them remember their stay long after checkout.

8. Get a little help from nature

From fresh flowers to homegrown vegetables, guests love the great outdoors. “I pick a sweet little bouquet for the guest room from my garden,” says host Sarah of Sayulita, Mexico. Fresh fruit or vegetables from a garden can also work well. Don’t have a garden? Inexpensive flowers from the grocery store or local market can be a colorful way to welcome your guests.

9. Save money by buying in bulk

Stocking up on supplies can save you time and money, but you can still add your special touch. Host Karen of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, buys her cookies wholesale, “which provides us with a super low-cost biscuit,” she says. She also found a quick way to personalize the treats: “We bought a sealer, and we package and seal the biscuits with our own label.”

10. Celebrate special occasions

Whether guests are visiting during a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, you can help make their stay even more memorable. “We had one couple staying for New Year's, so we got them a bottle of champagne,” says host Damon of Atlanta. Host Jennifer of Ontario, Canada, also keeps the occasion in mind. “If a guest is here for a specific celebration—birthday, honeymoon—I leave a little something appropriate to mark their celebration,” she says.

Going above and beyond to welcome your guests is always appreciated but remember: Hospitality doesn’t have to cost anything. A handwritten note can still show your guests you’re thinking of them, which can make all the difference when they’re far from home.

[LaRee0]

For our great guests I like to give them a personal offer of a free night with the reservation of 2 night minimum.  They have to check the calendar to make sure there is availability, book their 2 nights w/ Airbnb as usual and let me know if they want the night before or after their reservation.  It costs nothing to have them stay 1 extra night, if I don't have other guests coming in.

[Robert4649]

That's great. Have you built up a loyal following of return guests?

[Robert4649]

Yes, the first year I told really good return guests to send an inquiry and I'd give them the original price even when I raised the rate.

[Marilyn362]

I sympathise. On video call today to grand-daughter. Two months at home  in UK. expecting agency to find a job. Nearly 4 weeks now Brisbane, Queensland, Sydney looking for work - as no farm work owing to fires and floods. Now 4 day drive to Hughenden for promised bar job with friend- 3000 miles driving - floods stopped journey several days. Police sent them back to Brisbane to drive up East Coast- heavy rain. Do hope and pray your weather and guest bookings increase. We face sandy, fossil beach but heavy rain and gales have reduced bookings. Marilyn

[Marija46]

So true! The days of making great money are over. The competition is fierce especially from the 2800 illegal rentals in a city with only 150 legal permits. I wish something could be done to make it a fair playing field.

[Elena87]

Instead of hosts taking the hit here, as ever, why doesn't airbnb consider to send out a little welcome box each time to a host when a guest books, for guest enjoyment.

Next weeks propaganda - upgrade your listing with fresh decor and plush cushions to attract more guests, at no cost to airbnb! Trebles all round says Brian from Nob Hill.

[Susan17]

Ah you're way behind, @Elena87 - we've already had the "upgrade your space/Airbnb's inventory" lesson... 

"From easy, affordable upgrades to larger renovations, there are so many ways to give your space a refresh"

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Airbnb-Updates/10-ways-to-improve-your-space/td-p/1211862

[Giuliana142]

This is hilarious! All kind of upgrades are expected at no cost to Airbnb. And these suggestions from Airbnb are not too healthy because now guests do expect plush cushions and to be pampered for a low low price of $21/night. Not happening. There has to be a balance. Hostels don’t carry plush cushions, no one complains there. How about a tip jar?

[Stephen1012]

I love that loath of bread. 

[Rod45]

Totally agree with you all ...I had a guest arrive at short notice At a discounted rate I didn’t even realised I had activated ..tried to cancel but I was told I would lose my super host status ... She used everything I had !!!  She would send a text message in past tense  ...”I‘ve just used your washing machine “ or “ I had to take a bottle of wine to a party “ ...I was away on the day of her departure ( 11am checkout ) and found her still here at 9pm on my return  !! So I spent the night cleaning then found my beautiful super king size white thousand thread sheets all minutely folded up ...when I undid them I found them all smeared with charcoal eye make up that she always wore .

She became defensive and upset when I sent her messages asking her what the stain was. She replied it was the side of the bed she didn’t even sleep on even though I had only sent close-ups of the stain .

I  complained  to Airbnb and they paid out for the sheets ( They were on half yearly sale at 50% so I only claimed that )  I strangely lost my super host status  for the first time since listing ???? 
I actually lost money and valuable time ... it was not worth the effort ... 

[Mary960]

Airbnb are a business. A very slick business. Play the cosy family game. The upgrade is relentless on us, the hosts. The bullying re pricing is outrageous. Host if you will, but keep your home as you like it   and your prices at a level that gives you a profit, not just Airbnb. 

[Alison55]

Exactly,  I hate the constant nagging to drop prices. 

Mind you, they are good if there is an issue with damage etc.

[Dolores71]

Me too, I'm just annoyed.  I don't know how low mucher to go.  I've decided I'm the only one who knows when it's too low and I won't go any lower.

[Deanne45]

We charge a deferred security deposit. The guests do not pay unless we file a claim. I have had to file a claim. I had a guest invite friends who decided to card our supply room door, went in and took shock. Took it upon themselves to add shock to our hot tub. Thankfully it was our nephew who used the house and hot tub following. Unfortunately,  he received chemical burns. The group also broke the straps on the hot tub cover. It was $500 to replace the cover. We obtained an estimate. Provided the cost with contact information to the guest upon request that he pay to replace the hot tub cover. We could have charged to drain and refill the hot tub and cost for additional electricity to reheat the water on such short notice. I encourage charging a security deposit or requiring your guests purchase insurance to cover damage. In the event there is any damage, take photos and keep your receipts. After all you are running a business. Worst case you replace and write off the linens/bedding as an expense. Include rules for check-in and check-out times in your rental agreement. We have stated that we will charge a full extra day for late departure. Fortunately we do not have the issue as most of our reservations are back to back with just enough time for me or a hired cleaner to go in and clean prior to the next guest check-in. I have only had one guest go over the check-out time.  I had to push along to make sure I had enough time to clean. 

[Robert4649]

How do you charge a deferred security deposit?