What's Your Best Tip for First-Time Host?

[Zesty1]

Hi everyone! I’m new to the Airbnb Community Forum and excited to connect with fellow hosts. I’ve been involved in the short-term rental industry for a while, mainly handling turnovers for clients, and recently started co-hosting and managing properties. It’s been a great learning experience, but I know there’s always more to pick up along the way!

For those of you who’ve been hosting for a while, what’s the one piece of advice you wish you had when you first started? Whether it’s about guest communication, pricing strategies, or handling unexpected challenges, I’d love to hear your insights! Looking forward to learning from you all.

Cheers

Ana

[Lorina14]

@Zesty1 

Hi Ana! Welcome to the CC! Excited to have you here 😊

Here’s a few for you:

1) I’d say having stove protectors (under the burners - we have a gas stove) and ones in the oven were a game changer for me and help with clean up being much faster. Most people don’t clean up spills or burned food in the oven or on the stove so this really helps.💛

2) Duplicates of mattress protectors, minimum of 3 sets of bedding for both sheets and duvet covers. Stains sometimes can’t come out and perfume or cologne can saturate the fibers being difficult to remove with a few washes, blood, body fluids and coffee can be problematic too. 👍

3) Scheduled messages are a life saver once they are set up correctly for each listing (welcome message - upon booking with some general questions about purpose, all guests must be added to the reservation or will not be allowed on premises per our insurance guidelines, is this a special occasion, self check or meet and greet, general instructions and guidebook/neighborhood info - 5 days out, house manual/location instructions - 2 days out, one day before - a general check in reminder with please download the app and turn on notifications, day of check in - highlights in case they didn’t read the manual or arrival guide for parking or entry instructions) . 💫

4) A detailed house manual, arrival guide (with pictures and captions) and guestbook (with some blurb from the hosts to make it more personable why they recommend this restaurant, park or attraction along with tips for parking, a discount, or must see things) are key to smooth check ins and outs. You can’t help it if a guest doesn’t read the instructions or house manual though 🤷‍

I’m sure there are more but that’s a good start! 🦋

[Prasanna34]

Hi Lorina, Welcome to the community! Hosting is a journey, and the key is to find your own rhythm—everyone has their own style, and it evolves with experience.

Each guest is different, so focus on giving your best. 5-star ratings should be your target, but if you don’t achieve them every time, don’t be discouraged. Learn, adapt, and over time, you’ll master the art of hosting.

Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Set Clear Expectations – A well-detailed listing and upfront communication prevent misunderstandings.
2. Personalized Guest Experience – Small touches like a welcome note or local recommendations can make a big difference.

3.Stay Calm with Challenges – Not every stay will be perfect, but how you handle issues matters more than the issue itself. 
4.Pricing Adjustments – Keep an eye on market trends and adjust your rates accordingly to maximize bookings.
5.Keep Improving – Every stay is a learning experience—take feedback positively and refine your hosting style. Always keep tuning your listing rom the feedbacks you receive from guests. 

Find your flow, keep improving, and happy hosting!

[Lorina14]

@Prasanna34 thanks for the warm welcome and tips but 
I think you meant to say welcome to Ana, who I was replying to. 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Zesty1 

One piece of advice I wish I had when I first started hosting on Airbnb is to personally stay in my property for at least one to two nights and experience it just like a guest would.

This allows you to test everything firsthand how comfortable the bed and pillows are, whether the shower heater maintains a steady temperature, and if the kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary utensils and appliances. You’ll also notice small details that could make a big difference, like the lighting, water pressure, noise levels, or even how intuitive it is to find things like extra towels, Wi-Fi details, or the remote control.

By doing this, you can identify and fix any inconveniences before guests do, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable stay for them and fewer complaints or negative reviews for you!

Happy Hosting! 

[Zesty1]

@Patricia2526 love this tip!  

[Patricia2526]

@Zesty1  ❤️ Great to hear! 

Best regards! 

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

Hello @Zesty1 

I welcome all property owners to explore the world of Airbnb hosting. As a science professional, I believe that while hospitality comes from the heart, it must also be well-structured and thoughtfully executed. Hosting is an enticing, challenging, and rewarding journey—but preparation is key.

Here are my top tips for first-time hosts:

1. Start with a plan. Before listing your space, establish clear protocols and workflows. A well-thought-out approach ensures a smooth and professional hosting experience.

2. Understand the essence of Airbnb. Airbnb is about renting homes, not hotel units. Your space should feel like a home—not just a temporary stay.

3. Assess your home from a guest’s perspective. While your home is built for your convenience and sentiments, consider how it works for guests from diverse backgrounds. Stay in it yourself for a few days to evaluate its functionality, comfort, and accessibility. Layout is key—design it to be intuitive and welcoming for strangers from across the globe.

4. Prioritize comfort and completeness. Before you list, ensure everything is in order. While you can refine details over time, your initial setup should include all essential comforts. Set clear standards for your amenities—provide more than you promise rather than overstating and underdelivering.

5. Balance authority with warmth. As a host, you set the rules, but communicate them subtly. A welcoming environment with clear guidelines enhances guest satisfaction.

6. Genuine hospitality makes the difference. Your guests are walking into your home—treat them as personal friends or family. A heartfelt approach creates memorable experiences and lasting connections.

7. Emphasize uniqueness over scale. While Airbnb arbitrage and commercialized units are gaining popularity, I personally advocate for hosting in real homes rather than multiple units in a skyscraper. Unique spaces with character and thoughtful utilities make for the most enriching guest experiences.

Hosting is a continuous learning journey, and each stay is an opportunity to improve. Welcome to the world of Airbnb, where thoughtful preparation and genuine hospitality lead to success