[FESTIVAL] Your Presence Can be the Gift of Hosting…

[Lorina14]

 

Hello fellow Airbnb hosts and guests!

What Airbnb stays stand out most in your mind? It can vary from the beautiful surroundings (the majestic mountains, breathtaking ocean views, eclectic city vibes) to the amazing amenities (hello hot tubs and themed listings), to the warm interactions and memories of the people you meet during your stay. I can say that it’s great to have the former, and when I really think about it, it’s really the people I travel with and my experiences with the host/caretaker or listing that make a lasting impression.

One hosting experience that stands out in my mind was a guest that booked a stay with us not to visit the area but because their mother passed away and I provided the normal snacks, drinks, and handwritten card but went out of the way to purchase a beautiful lily bouquet as I got that it would be appreciated.

During their stay we were able to spend time talking, reminiscing over some memories and my son drew several things and gave them as little gifts, picked flowers and offered them, and just was his normal talkative, friendly self, making jokes with our guest. The guest’s review warmed my heart as they said that being around my son reminded them of the circle of life and his joyful vibrant energy sure was the special support they needed during this time of loss. Don’t underestimate the impact of your thoughtfulness, kind communication, or your presence/helpful tips. This is what sets us apart from a hotel or “just a place to stay” and is the heart of why most people host ~ the joy of interactions. We learn, support and grow with each and every interaction.

How has a host made your stay special? How did a guest warm your heart? What will you try to incorporate into a future visit? Could it just be mentioning to a guest or host the appreciation for their listing or hospitality? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts…

[Sharon1192]

@Lorina14 Ive been using airbnb for quite awhile. My best stays the hosts brought me fresh baked goods, I met their mother and father who lived on the farm also. I came back 2 other times and after the death of my Mom and the mother who felt like a grandma sat and talked to me about my Mom. One of my all time fave places I stayed. The other, was a log cabin, the couple built themselves, brought breakfast each am to me, there house victorian sat behind it and they gave me a house tour, we are old house lovers, and then their business in town and antique store, I came to the store twice and just sat and talked for an hour, they were very welcoming and I felt like a part of the little town. 

[Lorina14]

@Sharon1192,

Thanks for sharing your stories! I love that you were welcomed as part of the town and that the hosts felt like extended family during the times you needed them to just share memories. 💕

I love learning about the history of a space - I stayed with a host on Kalispell, MT and she lived on the property and had three spaces she hosted guests. She gave us a tour and told us how they salvaged and repurposed wood from another building, found metal to accent the room, and decorated with unique items local to the town and its history. It was quite fascinating! 

I also loved staying at a farmhouse suite in CA where they left their own eggs in the fridge as a gift and you could purchase frozen bacon/meats or jams from them. They even had a milk cow and other cows to visit, a kayak to use and the host shared stories about the area and how guests sometimes didn’t read instructions and ended up pounding on their door in the middle of the night trying to get into their house (their instructions were very clear if you only read them).

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

Cant express myself on your note @Lorina14 . You and your family have been a gift to your guests. Its so overwhelming to have thoughtful reviews from guests. Your days are made.

How ever I find a contrast situation in my case. I currently hold two listings- one in my residence with private access to guests and the other condo  in a residential complex 10 minutes away from my residence. I have similar amenities in both the listings. To my surprise and very unlikely of the airbnb model, I see a higher ratio of booking enquiries turning to booking confirmation on my independent condo rather than when I tell guests that I stay in the property. I have good reviews and my listings are a guest favourite. I stay well connected with my guests through the Airbnb App. For all the love, care and share we hosts are ready to provide is "privacy" a priority? I am confused, wish to know more from you. Lets celebrate hospitality. Happy hosting.

[Lorina14]

@Dr-Jayanthi1,

I feel that everything happens for a reason. Yes people do value privacy but for those that appreciate the interaction, I am sure they will find their way to you.

In your write up do you mention that while we live on the property and love to host guests we are mindful that you may just want to unplug and be on vacation so we are just a message away or you can at any time knock on our door if you have any questions?

I think sometimes people may be cautious of an overbearing host who may come over a lot and take up time (like a family member who means well but can talk on and on) so they like to have self check in and not interact with hosts? 

I follow my guest’s lead, some say they prefer self check in but they will talk a lot if you bump into them and others just pass like ships in the night. Some have commented that they really appreciate my interactions even if only through the app/website messaging system. 

It just may be a season of people wanting your condo experience and maybe the tides will turn soon 💫

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

100% @Lorina - I have it in the description- I always give them a self check in even though I live there. Yes I’m hoping for the tides to turn, this is obviously a recent listing and I may need to give in the time. Thank you for the insights. Love it 🥰 

[Paula]

What a beautiful story @Lorina14 🌻 It's incredible how interactions can truly make a stay memorable. Congratulations on building such strong and meaningful relationships with your guests. I was particularly touched by the example you shared about your son and how it reminded the guest of the life cycle—I'm sure it brought them some peace 🙏

I remember spending a Christmas at an Airbnb in Santa Marta, Colombia. Unexpectedly, at midnight during our celebration, someone knocked on the door, and we received a Christmas gift from the host—a delicious cake. Beyond the gift itself, their intention to join in our celebration and make it even more special made my experience truly unforgettable 😍

I believe these thoughtful details are incredibly powerful for us as human beings 💮

[Lorina14]

@Paula,

What a beautiful story… indeed it’s the people and their thoughtfulness that make our stays extra special ❤️

Were there any other stays that tug at your heart strings?