I’m trying to access my booking calendar so I can block out ...
I’m trying to access my booking calendar so I can block out dates that my home is not available
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once tried leaving some fruits (mandarins, oranges, apples, bananas), but guests didn’t touch them at all, so I stopped adding them.
What extras do you usually provide to make guests feel more comfortable?
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@Etmont0 That's a great question to get squared away on early, Etmont!
I guess it could be broken down into a few categories:
1) "In Case You Forget" items
2) Common household items
3) Misc conveniences
For the "in case you forgot basket," I've seen a broad diversity of items offered by different hosts. So I'll stick with some of the staples and then have yourself fun by including a couple of your own unique items. Always a toothbrush and miniature toothpaste tube, a couple make up wipes, Individually dental picks, vanity sized hand lotion, and some type of a feminine hygiene product. One of our more unique items offered is a miniature lint roller that we buy in bulk. We wanted there to be something that most people don't offer. Have yourself some fun choosing yours.
In regard to common household items, we stock at least 1/2 dozen different spices beyond salt and pepper. Our listing makes note that they can vary so no one gets twisted if we're suddenly out of garlic for instance. Garlic, onion powder, A generic Italian seasoning, a generic Mexican seasoning, a generic Asian seasoning, and a steak rub are a good start. Of course dish soap and laundry detergent. Back to the kitchen, we always ensure there's some cooking oil, some quartz sized zip lock bags, and both of aluminum foil as well as plastic wrap. No condiments or food stuffs.
Finally for the miscellaneous items, we include a bit of a kitchen junk drawer just like most people have at home. Included in there is a flashlight, rubber bands, a couple screwdrivers of each type as well as a pliers (not only handy for guests, but if a minor item around the house needs tightening, most guests are appreciative enough of having the option to just tighten it themselves). Our one unique item we keep in our junk drawer is both an Android and an iPhone charging cord with our name taped to it so they don't walk away too quickly (note - they still do, lol.)
Hope all this helps. Here for any other questions or co-hosting needs you may have.
Best,
Tom
PS - I didn't even get to the coffee bar!
@Paula We have a 3 day minimum and a 28 day max. Everyone gets the same benefits though perhaps a smaller selection of items in their treat bag.
I leave coffee pods and ground coffee, teas, snacks and two waters because many guests come late to Hawaii and may not choose to go to the stores before coming to the condo. If there is a special occasion I will leave a bottle of wine (if they respond to my question on the app and tell me they would like that) and sometimes a local sweet item.
Great to hear about your experience @Gloria53. What do your guests enjoy most? Do you notice they use up any one item you offer more than others?
I created a printed house guide that includes wifi access, house policies, recommended restaurants, and the nearest urgent care location. Guests appreciate having everything in one place which reduces after-hour messages.
This sounds super useful @Charisse35 thank you for sharing. Have you thought about adding a virtual guide that guests can access via a QR code?
@Etmont0 I offer to my guests some amenities like capsules of coffee, chocolate tea I may I made a playlist in Spotify and share with them just arrived at our space. I offer massage made by expert professional in a exclusive space in the building. I offer also concierge to book restaurant, offer wine, driver. Some like extras services. Hope have helped! You are welcome!
Wow @Angel-Moraes0, you’re putting so much effort into hosting, congratulations 😊. I hadn’t heard about a Spotify playlist before. How do you select the songs?
Hi there @Etmont0,
I've gotten consistent 5 star reviews across multiple properties without leaving anything perishable for guests besides the basics like cooking oil, spices, etc.
a good frame of reference is what would you expect at a nice hotel. leave things like soaps, towels, shampoo, extra linens, etc. and you'll be fine.
Thank you for sharing your experience, @Jeffrey897, it’s great to hear your approach. Do you also host long stays?
@Paula Yes we do both short and long stays.
For longer stays, we typically offer restocking but at a cost to the guest. For short term stays everything is included
Thank you
Most of the answers here already nailed the essentials—“in case you forget” kits with toothbrush/toothpaste, and fully stocked kitchens with spices, coffee, creamers, toaster, etc.
For me, what really makes a difference is tailoring the stay to the guest. That’s why I always ask the purpose of their trip.
For example:
• I recently hosted a family that loves to cook, so I left out the air fryer, larger pots, and added a handwritten note.
• For my golfers, I’ll turn the TV to the Golf Channel 😂 and leave a small goodie bag with sunscreen, after-sun, and a few snacks (pretzels, candy).
Nothing over the top—the goodie bag is literally a simple ziplock with 2–3 thoughtful items.
How I manage it: I prep these ahead of time, labeled with guest names and dates. If I’m busy, my cleaner places them out for me.
Hello @Blessing61, you come across as very detail-oriented, and I really enjoyed your story, especially switching the TV to a golf channel; that was a clever, creative touch.
What’s the most memorable situation where a guest pushed your creativity to the limit, something you never expected to do or come up with?
From our experience hosting in Japan, we focus on small, thoughtful items that are easy to enjoy and don’t become a burden for guests.
We used to try fresh fruits too, but had the same experience many guests didn’t touch them. I think it’s because of timing, preferences, or not wanting to deal with leftovers.
Instead, we now provide things like:
The idea is to offer something “very Japanese” but also light and easy something they can try without thinking too much.
We also think about the guest’s arrival moment. After a long trip, people often just want something quick and comforting, so having a drink or snack ready makes a big difference.
In our case, these small touches have been much more appreciated than perishable items like fruit.
Thank you