Advice for a new Host and hosting challenges

[Walid99]

I live in Saudi Arabia and was born abroad. I have a lot of experience in the best places and the best options, but I am new to hospitality. What advice do you give me and the challenges?

[Title updated by Community Manager for relevancy]

[Lodge102]

@Walid99 

Launching your hospitality venture in Saudi Arabia with your rich local knowledge offers a unique edge. To succeed as a new host and navigate potential challenges, incorporating  these steps can be beneficial

Firstly, I'll say understand your audience. This will enable you tailor your offerings to meet travelers' needs, leveraging your local expertise to enhance their experience.

Secondly, ensure comfort and quality. This can achieved when you focus on high standards of cleanliness and amenities, using feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.

Thirdly, utilize effective communication channels for smooth guest interactions, facilitated by tools like Lodge Compliance’s Guest Registration for streamlined check-ins.

Fourthly and equally relevant, Stay informed and compliant with local short-term rental laws using  Regulations Manager, ensuring your operation adheres to all legal requirements.

Conclusively,  stand out in a competitive market by highlighting the unique aspects of your property and leveraging online platforms for visibility.

By focusing on these key areas to manage regulatory and operational aspects, you can build a successful hospitality business that offers memorable experiences to guests visiting Saudi Arabia.
[AI generated content]

[Walid99]

Thank you 

[Rising-Star0]

hi walid we are happy to recommend that you get ownerrez (channel manager) and open accounts with multiple channels if you havent already done so! **

**[Link removed - Community Center Guidelines ]

[Walid99]

How to do that 

[Moongaze-Stays0]

From the hospitality side, guests appreciate little surprises that show you care about delivering a personalized 5-star experience to them! We like to provide little snacks for their arrival alongside a note wishing them a wonderful stay. We also send a personalized video acknowledging their reason for arrival and thanking them for booking with us. All this goes a long way and our guests really seem to appreciate it and want to stay with us again in the future!

[Walid99]

Thanks I really love it 

[Niandong-and-Lingling0]

@Niandong-and-Lingling0 We've been Airbnb hosting for 10 years.  Although it did seem daunting and overwhelming in the very beginning, remember this:  treat your airbnb guests same as your friends (or distant relatives :-).  Treat them the same way you want to be treated: respect, active communication, and set your house rules clearly.

The challenges?  People are all very different.  Some of them might have unrealistic expectations from Airbnb hosts as they expect a hotel experience and at times, people treat the hosts as servants.  Not saying they are bad people with ill intentions from the beginning, but just the wrong mindset and mentality.   When it happens, you can be gentle and firm to tell them "hey, this is my home.  Not a hotel.  And I am not your servant or maid".

I have had a lot of fun moments with the Airbnb guests.  I love the hosting experience, and in return, that's how we become Superhosts with so many five-star reviews.  

You can do it!  

[Walid99]

Thanks 🙏 

[Mike628]

Read as much as you can on Airbnb's website about hosting. Try to do all they recommend. Read forums like this one. Watch Youtube videos about hosting, there is a TON of free info out there and you do NOT need to pay anyone to start.

[Walid99]

Ill do thanks 

[Monica2345]

@Walid99 

1. There is no better way to make a good impression than by giving each guest a meticulously cleaned accommodation .Your Airbnb should be absolutely clean for guests, every time. The bathroom should be spotless, wastebaskets should be empty, there should be no dust anywhere, and there should be no sign of previous guests.
2. Be responsive from the moment they inquire about the property until it’s time for them to check out.
3. Be flexible with check-in and check -out time.
4. Have basic necessities and kitchen supplies available.Some guests may want to cook so having the basics like salt, pepper and olive oil or other cooking essentials will help. Supplying enough different kinds of pots, pans, and utensils to allow guests to prepare a variety of meals; and stocking basic  items like paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, dishwasher soap, sponge ,oil, salt, sugar, and spices. Supply coffe and tea also.
5. In bathrooms make sure there are enough towels for the maximum group size, a good stock of toilet paper, and hair dryers in each bathroom.
6. Highlight parks, libraries, lakes,restaurants and  child-friendly spots that they can visit nearby.
7.   Send  to guests  a welcome letter 2 or 3 days before they arrive. Introduce them to your rental property, and provide them with some useful tips like the address , lockbox code and additional information for a smooth check in.
8. Send guests a reminder email the day before check out with your checkout time and instructions. You can also use a check-out message to ask your guests to leave you a review and let them know you would love to have them as guests again in the future.

[Walid99]

Thanks 😊 

[Olivier1414]

If you have a home for AirBnb the only advice I can give is to have enough bedsheets and towels for the guests. 

[Walid99]

Thanks noted I’ll be sure 👍