First of all, it is most important to communicate properly with guests before they arrive, I find, finding out exactly what they need from their stay with me and, I in turn, expect them to ask me any questions before making a firm booking. This helps to dispel any misunderstandings when they arrive.
As I provide breakfast and even the odd evening meal with me if they so desire, I like to know of any food allergies or intolerances beforehand. This helps for a relaxed stay. Also, I like to know if they want to use my kitchen to do their own cooking, of course. In this respect, I have had lovely Chinese, Japanese and Turkish meals cooked for me.
It is also important that they know about all the transport links to various places they have to visit whilst with me, although I have been known to give them lifts in my car to local stations.
Living alone, as a senior Widow, I have to be very circumspect as to whom I have in my house, so the more information I can glean about their background before they book, the better.. I also expect them to ask me about anything they are not sure about also, as it saves a lot of confusion later on.
But, once here, I try to make their stay as comfortable and relaxing as can be and always ask them to point out any problems they may have so that I can sort them out there and then.
I like also to take my guests (single females ) out in the car to local beauty spots which they would not normally know about. To date, I have taken them to Hampstead, St. Albans and other interesting places. This gets us both out of the house, especially, if they are around the house during the daytime either studying or working on their laptops. I know this is not part of the deal, but, I enjoy doing this as part of the whole airbnb experience.
Yes, being an Airbnb host is not just about making money for me, but, about meeting other cultures from around the world, and I have already made two Videos for Airbnb in this respect. My motto is "If I cannot travel the world then the world can come to me."
At the moment, am hosting a lovely Turkish girl, so am experiencing many "Turkish delights" from her, and I in turn am helping her with her English studies, helped by a visit to a famous historic pub in Hampstead.
But, a final warning to other potential hosts! One must be very flexible and patient in this "game."
So long live Airbnb Hosting!
