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.

[Betty353]

I agree. I can spend $25 in a heart beat, it’s ridiculous to expect us to what raise prices to cover this expense. 🤷‍♀️

[Cindy80]

I feel the same way.  I have been fighting with my local government to get hem to regulate the Airbnb's.  Unfortunately for guests, they often pick the lowest priced room and when they arrive, realize you get what you pay for...

[Marija46]

I agree, Airbnb will recommend I rent a studio in Laguna Beach, California (walking distance to the beach) for $15 a night? That is ludicrous and I've learned the hard way; turn off their "smart pricing." Perhaps, this is the foibles of Artificial Intelligence.

[Jennifer959]

SMART PRICING IS THE ABSOLUTE WORSE AND DRAGS DOWN THE MARKET!  I AM IN A RESORT COMMUNITY AND THEY ARE ALWAYS INCORRECT.  I THINK WE AS HOST KNOW ARE MARKET AND SHOULD PRICE ACCORDINGLY!

[E-and-C0]

Amen ! “Dumb Pricing” only increase the number of booking for company while reducing or compromising our profits. 

Stick to the market prices and don’t reduce the value of your offer. 

[Jina13]

I have just recently learned this about the smart pricing. ... Turn it off!! It had my place priced low during our busiest time of year and high on our slow time. Makes no sense ago all. Thank you for saying this!! 

[E-and-C0]

Yep ! And make sure you keep checking your profile as “dumb pricing” tends to turn on by divine intervention every so often 

[Khim0]

ya similer here in nepal the price 15 per night for the studio or even less, i really dont know how to mention the stander, even not that the guest pick the lower prices and complain a lot as they were pay to 5* rate

[Dawnett1]

I’m not sure Airbnb understands many markets. I’m in Stillwater, OK. Home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. I have many guests that are here in relation to the university. I also have many guests that are here for other reasons. Some weekends are going to cost a lot more than others because college football in Oklahoma is kind of a big deal. They will suggest I lower my rate on home game weekends. Um no. I have a 700 square foot cottage on 7 acres. You can see the stars. I look at the Marriott brand hotels in town and their rates are more than mine for a basic room. Other weekends they often say I should reduce my rate but pretty much every weekend last year rented without me lowering my rate. 

[Lorraine124]

I don't think Airbnb understands the Barbados market either, lower your rates, yet the customers do not turn the A/C off we still have to pay for the water, electricity, gas, internet, what is the sense of it then you might as well give the guest the apartment for free. We are in this business to make money.

[Caitlin12]

So true, I find it annoying actually insulting since I am always booked. I also, never lower my price for someone because my price is fair. 

[Jan8508]

Yes we keep

getting messages that other places in our town are costing less and we should match them. 
We are one of the only places that is opposite the water, a walk to the shops and where guests can park their car and not need it again until they leave. 
We are a unique location and Airbnb are not recognizing that!!!!! 

[Ramon364]

No te preocupes, me pasó lo mismo pero pasados unos meses, cuando con sigues evaluaciones buenas, te sugieren subir el precio. Tu decides que precio quieres

[Brenda350]

Unfortunately doesn’t seem to be their concern.

[Rebecca1214]

I have found  all my"difficult" guest are ones who book the low prices. Airbnbs  pricing is bad. Ignore.

 I have a three bedroom house with fenced in yard and outdoor play area. Hotels here are 89 dollars a room at motel 6 where you don't even get a clock in your room.  My house is fully stocked even with food . Airbnb suggest lowering my price to $59. 

I would rather it be empty as well.