What really drives occupancy & reviews?

[Angel10141]

One thing I’ve learned from hosting is that guest experience really comes down to the small touches and responsiveness. Curious to hear...what’s one thing that has made the biggest difference in your hosting success?

[Paula]

Hello @Angel10141,  This is a great question, thank you for sharing it with the community. 😊

I’d love to invite some of our amazing hosts to join the conversation and share their thoughts: @Livia120 @Jonathan2650 @Helen471 @Denise1657 and @Andrea9241 

In the meantime, would you like to share, what has made the biggest difference in your success as a host so far? 🌻

[Angel10141]

Hi @Paula, thank you for your reply.

I like to focus on thoughtful, personal touches. For example, I prepare a simple breakfast with fresh croissants for my guests. I also make sure I’m always available and responsive, so they feel cared for and supported throughout their stay.

[Denise1657]

This is exactly the key.   Many of my guests are here for a special event or even a staycation.  I want this to be a home away from home for them.  

We live on property, so that makes the special touch easier.  

80% of the time, I meet them when they arrive to walk them through the "quirks" of our place.  Of course, it's all written down as well.  Just that alone makes them feel like they are welcomed and it's not a hotel.  

always a personal touch.  I leave protein bars and coffee.  If I know what they are here for I often make a more personal touch.  It can be SIMPLE too.  

My Touch for Guests has been:

- guest came for a glass blowing workshop - I turned the TV on to "blown away" a glass blowing competition

- A marathoner - I left protein skakes

- a 21 birthday - that was a coordinated effort with the guests to get a bunch of stuff together (local beer!)

- New Years eve birthday - bottle of champagne

We also have standard things available for all at no extra costs (mostly because it's just easier for me) - All streaming channels are logged in and ready.  Our laundry supplies are available to all.  

Always be available and check in with them beginning, middle and end.  

ALL THAT = 5 star rating (no way can they leave a bad rating to someone that treated them like family - or maybe better than family)  LOL

[Angel10141]

I love reading your story, thank you for sharing your fun experiences as a host...Fab!!!!!

[Helen471]

I believe the most significant impact in my success as a host has been my hospitality. I always put myself in my guest's shoes and offer them things that I feel are very important and makes my listing stand out from the average hotel stay. My listing is a room in my home, but it is private and not really a "home sharing" experience. So, I like to compare it to a hotel room with added amenities ☺️.

I think many guests book my listing because of the "little extras" that I offer, ie. continental breakfast. I offer them fresh yogurt, fruit, homemade muffins or bread, protein bars, instant oatmeal, and a variety of gourmet coffee pods and teas. I always ask why they are coming to town and if they tell me they are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, I make sure to include something "extra special" like a small cake or champagne. 

[Andrea9241]

@Angel10141 I think another thing that make my properties more occupancy it s the fact that i suggest them a lot of different activities for them in order to experience a wonderful little stay.

For activities i mean that i redirect them to suggestions about wine tasting, boat tours companies ( i come from a little village in italian Riviera) holistic massages and every recommendations about the best restaurants and coffe bars in Town.

This Is very much appreciated and go way beyond the definition of " a place to sleep" , It s an all different experience 

[Sylvia946]

Being welcoming with a  happy smile and open arms.  Introductions are huge, and than remembering the guests names and using them several times.  Asking questions about they and their trip and their intention of being in the city.

I show them around the space and explain everything, pausing everytime if they have questions, and making sure they are good and comfortable. 

I than leave them to get unpacked and get used to the space.  I leave them with a reach out if you need anything.

[Angel10141]

How amazing that you're able to greet your guest in person. I think this is one of the best welcoming experiences the guest can have. I really enjoyed reading your story 🙂

[Carlos-Manuel22]

Totally agree that the little things matter and seeing around the corner to attenuate for people’s personal needs, and I would say, of course, location location location drives a lot

[Allison873]

I'm inspired reading these posts. So many great ideas! Our unit is open to month-long stays or longer only, so the needs and desires of our guests are a bit different, as is our ability to refresh the unit between stays. We provide new towels and dishtowels to all of our guests, and replace the bed linens at least once/year. Our listing is accurate, but does not attempt to oversell, and a common comment from guests is that it exceeded expectations. We truly care if our guests have any sort of issue and work to resolve it immediately, which is always appreciated. We have been really fortunate in that all of our guests so far (knock on wood!) have been great. 

[Angel10141]

Yeah, me too. I enjoyed reading their stories so much, and I've learned so much.

[Cam4488]

Hello from Canada 🇨🇦,

I couldn't agree more, it is definitely the little things that often make a lasting positive memory.

One of the things several of my Guests comment on is the fleece blanket on the bed. 

I smooth the blanket in one direction and then place and gently wiggle a metal Dragonfly in the other direction to give it a unique pattern.

Cam

 

[Brian-Luu0]

Hi Angel

Your question is asking about occupancy and reviews. From my point of view, it's are 2 difference topics and I would like to suggest and share my experience as below:

-  Related to reviews, it actually comes from the truth and extra feeling beyond the truth. Guests come to your listing with the expectation of what u show and describe in your listing. So if it's exactly as the description including photos, and information. I believe when u satisfy guests' expectation, u already desever a 5stars review. And the extra feeling when u could provide more than their expectation, u definitely deserve 5stars review. But it has pros and cons, because sometime u could wrong.

- In term of occupancy, I would suggest u to look at the customer journey from reach to engagement, and conversion. Each stage got plenty of actions to enhance performance. For example: in order to increase first page appearance, u could consider about absolute price per night, price/room, your listing name (keyword and number of characters), your description (number of characters, details), number of photos, request of minimum night, cancelation policy, review rate, guest favorite/super host badge...etc. For the engagement and conversion, u should monitor the indicators like search to listing, and listing to conversion. Another indicator impacts to occupancy is seasonal like summer/winter, festival season, greeting season. Understanding and monitoring those indicators, and researching surrounding listings will support u to have a good occupancy rate.

Wish u all the best.

Brian Luu.

[Angel10141]

Hi Brian, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I couldn't help but check out your listing. I absolutely love it!!