What’s the Most Memorable Way You’ve Gone the Extra Mile for a Guest?

[Kathy134]

One of the things I love about hosting is creating special moments for my guests. Sometimes, it’s the little unexpected touches that leave the biggest impact—whether it’s surprising a honeymoon couple with a small gift, helping a guest celebrate a birthday, or simply offering a local recommendation that turns into the highlight of their trip.

I try to go the extra mile when I can, whether by adding special kitchen staples, offering local insights, or being available for any extra requests since I live nearby. It’s always rewarding to see how small gestures can make a big difference.

I’d love to hear from other hosts—what’s the most memorable thing you’ve done (or seen another host do) to make a guest’s stay extra special?

[Jamie1223]

@Kathy134 New Year's Eve balloons and Valentine's Day candy so far.  Looking for more opportunities to add special touches!

[Kathy134]

@Jamie1223 That’s awesome! 🎉🎈 Guests appreciate those little surprises.

I love the balloons for New Year! Any ideas for Easter? 🐣🌸

[Elisa]

Hi @Kathy134  😊, 

Thank you for starting this conversation, it's really interesting!

When did you start hosting?

I'm tagging a few hosts in case they'd like to share their opinions on this topic: @Tara0, @Shannon1151, @Hayley185, @Juan63, @Oksana127,@Dave-and-Deb0, @Rose422 and @Andrea6232.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards 🌻

[Kathy134]

Hi! 😊 Thanks for joining the conversation! @Elisa 

I first started hosting about seven years ago when I rented out my apartment in Bogotá while moving to Los Angeles. It was such a rewarding experience! After a long break, I’m now back to hosting in Miami, and I’m excited to fine-tune my space and connect with this amazing community.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts! Thanks for tagging other hosts! 

[Elisa]

Hi @Kathy134 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know!

I saw your listing in Miami, it looks gorgeous! 😍 Did you design it yourself?

My pleasure to tag other hosts, it’s nice to connect with each other!

Warm regards, 🌻

[Andrea6232]

Buongiorno @Kathy134 and @Elisa ,

I personally helped foreign guests to celebrate Carnival in Venice at their best, not only by telling them which were the best parties but also by giving them the address of a shop where they could rent their carnival costume!

They were very, very happy and sent me a photo with their costumes! 😊

Andrea

[Robin4]

@Kathy134 

In 2017 we hosted a a young couple from Helsinki in Finland, they loved it so much they came back again later in the year. Next year they returned and they bought a block of land at a place called American River on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia and have been back to stay with us a couple of times each year ever since. Ade and I have become like parents to them and when they announced they were going to build a studio on their newly acquired block, I volunteered to help them. 

In January 2024 plans had been approved and all the materials ordered and delivered to site so I took my building equipment across to the island, and between the 3 of us, we got to work building this studio. When I say we, they were professors from the Helsinki University and not particularly well versed in the physicality of house construction, but they were keen to do as much physical work as possible.

Decking and pergolas are still to come but that will be for their next trip out here later this year. They have asked me to put my hand up again but, I will see how we go!

If there is an award for going the extra mile for guests.......I think I deserve it Kathy!

Cheers.......Rob.

[Laurelle3]

Great photos @Robin4 of the progress. I think you should have your safety harness on when you are on the roof. Is this a working holiday for you?

I love your "Sharing and Caring"

Take care Robin.

Laurelle your mate from another state.

[Pete-and-MJ0]

We had a couple visit our lakefront cabin a couple of times. On their last visit they messaged us that they got engaged on our deck that overlooks the water. We have a couple of outdoor security cameras (no we don’t monitor them while guests are in the cabin) and I asked if they wanted me to give them access so they can go back and look for video of the engagement. 
They found the video of their special moment and I was able to clip it and send it to them, so now they have that memory forever on video.

[Jonathan2725]

Hi  Kathey134,

This is a great thread.

We begin by keeping the house and kitchen stocked with items that make their stay effortless. Also, when a guest books, I like to find out what their interests are and curate suggestions on activities in the area that they might enjoy. I've gotten really nice feedback from doing so. 

Regards,

Jonathan

[Mia1090]

The most extra mile we’ve ever gone was accommodating all the requests of a guest who had just given birth. From an additional refrigerator and wardrobe to a crib, a Nespresso machine, and more tables and chairs. It was a bit frustrating at first, as we had never encountered such a demanding guest before. But thankfully, once her family settled in, they kept extending their stay and have now been with us for over two months. Since then, we haven’t had any additional requests. 😊

[Fatima645]

I offer special mints to all my guests as a welcome. But mostly, I try to accommodate any requests they may have like checking-in early, or anything else, only if I comfortably can. 

Most look for earlier check-ins than what a hotel would offer. It's one of the reasons why people choose Airbnb. 

[Sussy0]

Hi @Kathy134! I love the topic! I've been hosting for awhile! but the first thing that popped in my mind was an occasion that I had to play interpreter over the phone for one of my guests. I felt so bad that this group of girls visited my country without knowing the language. It was just an adventure for them and I wanted them to feel super welcome and at home! So I interpreted, helped them with car rentals, was a "remote tourist guide... anything they asked for I tried to helped with. 

[Dawn241]

Anniversaries get a card & bottle of champagne, birthday cards, welcome notes written on jumbo postcards of the area, repeat customers get a 20% discount, I ask everyone what their favorite Kcups are before arrival, everyone gets a bag of pretzels & other snacks, everyone gets toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, hand sanitizer, lip balm.