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.

[Barbara1240]

It would be against the law in Scotland to provide alcohol without a license- if left it is not regarded as ‘free’ .  I also believe there might be issues in relation to serving food to guests that you have made yourself 

[Juan63]

I have found doing the basics very well is what's needed to get great reviews. I think there is very little value in providing the extras. When I have tried this in the past, not once were they mentioned in the reviews. I believe your ability to provide a more memorable experience is much easier if it's a room rental because guests connect with the host. With guests unique dietary needs and quirks, it's a waste of money and resources to provide the extras in my estimation.

[Sandra3782]

You are absolutely right June.  Doing the basics well is what people appreciate.  

[Sandra3782]

Didn't have my glasses on Juan - mistake with your name - cardinal sin for an Airbnb host.

Obviously will have to improve my basics!

[Juan63]

No worries, I mess up all the time, and I don't use glasses...lol

[Kay924]

I also agree with Juan.   My basics start with the first response message to a potential guest, thanking them for booking, making it warm and friendly, personalizing it with a reference to their reason for visiting the city, answering their questions fully.    Providing an uncluttered house with comfortable couches and beds, fully equipped but not overly so, books and games in the living room, art on the walls, decor designed to create an atmosphere of walking into your own home.  One review said just that.   

I do not live in the same city so all those extra touches are impossible.   But even when I have left cookies, bottle of wine, welcome note in another vacation rental, very few guests commented on them.   What they do comment on is cleanliness, comfort and quick, helpful responses to their messages.  

I am often a guest too - cancelled a booking once recently because the hosts did not send any message at all!   It's good to check out what others are doing, as well as reading all the great suggestions from these message chains.

[Christine2519]

Very interesting comments.

[Kathryn169]

Hi fellow Airbnbers!

I have always provided a bottle of Prosecco, scones, jam, tea, sugars, wood etc which goes down well. However recently I’ve had a lot of “ what’s your best price”, “ can we have the 4th night free” etc. Bookings have taken a tumble as Airbnb has increased its % take I suspect.  I don’t do offers but a lot of people must do for people to be expecting them.

Any comments ?

[Fiona58]

I've noticed this, too, Kathryn.  Anyone asking me for discount is gently told that my price is my price ALL YEAR ROUND!  I won't charge people more at certain times of year in order to subsidise those coming at quieter times...  I know I could probably quadruple my price in August (Edinburgh Festival and Fringe) like many others, but I don't.  My Airbnb's still the same great place, no matter what time of year.
Desperately disappointing that Airbnb have increased commission, but giving NOTHING extra to the hosts, IMHO!

[Lynda270]

I agree with lots that's been said so far. Profit margins are being squeezed all the time, whether its our afternoon tea on arrival with fresh muffins or home baking in the rooms or just supplying shampoo and teeth harps to ear buds and conditioner. It all adds up for sure. I have always thought that to 'under state and over deliver' is the best policy. Then the customer is not expecting it, and any little things we do are a treat. On the whole we have some great guests that appreciate what we do, but given that there will always be customers that want more I don't think we should necessarily provide 'all' to everyone.  Keep up the good work Airbnb host team!

[Giuliana142]

I like your policy Lynda,  “under state and over deliver”. The smallest surprise makes the guest feel awesome (didn’t want to use the word ’special’). Any true Airbnb guest will be very grateful.

[Denis1687]

Discount, discount, discount, get more bookings, add more extras, who receives less profit and more wear & tear on the property after more guests to try & make up for for a steadily diminishing return?

What we have here is a reverse pyramid scheme, with more OTA's (On-line Travel Agents)  competing with the same  pool of hosts. Except in this circumstance it is the hosts that lose out!

[June155]

We always try to make our guests feel at home by greeting them warmly when they arrive and giving them treats for tea etc.  Airbnb price tip's  is  way too low.   I am sorry but I cannot host people at their price tip. Our price is R750 for two persons which I think is very reasonable as prices go.  Unfortunately there is nowhere on the AirnB site where I can indicate that the price is for 2 persons.

[Alison55]

It's in the booking settings under Pricing then Extra Charges. You can add an extra nightly price per person after the first 2.

[Rupert15]

Why is there so much negativity towards Airbnb on here?  We are going into our third season of hosting (exclusively on Airbnb, we have no other booking channels) and have nothing but praise for the system and the bookings. Yes the price tips are way below what we know we can obtain, so we ignore them. As the meerkat said, simples!  Airbnb make it clear that we as hosts are always in control of pricing, availability etc so ignore the "helpful" tips and get on with doing it your way.  Filter out the stress and take the money.  In my view, Airbnb do a great job - keep it up guys!