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?

[Guy991]

Hello @Andrea6232 @Bhumika,

That is lovely! I also enjoy providing my best guests with insider tips on national events and activities. We recently had a carnival (which I still insist on calling carnaval), and I actually invited my guest to join me—it was wonderful.

I would truly appreciate it if a host did the same for me when I visit a foreign place. For me, this is what makes Airbnb special.

[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.

[Rebecca]

@Robin4 I think this surpasses the roles of guest and host, this is friendship and community 😍

[Julie5882]

Bravo, Robin4! FANTASTIC!

Julie

[Kathy134]

Wow, what an incredible story! It’s amazing how hosting can lead to such deep and lasting connections. From welcoming them as guests to helping build their dream studio—that’s truly special! It must have been so rewarding to be part of their journey. How is the studio coming along now? 😊

[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.

[Rebecca]

Oh @Pete-and-MJ0 - that's so beautiful 💍  How very special that you also managed to get that recorded too! They'll have that special memory forever. I had to head to your listing to have a look and it's just the perfect setting. Are you able to go out on the lake? 

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. 

[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

[Rebecca]

What a wonderful unique approach @Jonathan2725 and a great way to get to know your guests on a deeper level. 

It's always tricky to find things to do, and who better to advise than the host! @Kathy134 what do you think to Jonathan's approach? Simple and a cost effective way of going that extra mile! 

[Kathy134]

I absolutely love Jonathan’s approach! It's such a thoughtful way to personalize the experience for guests. Helping them find activities based on their interests not only adds value to their stay, but also shows you’re genuinely invested in their experience.

Regarding cost-effectiveness, I think it depends on how much time you spend doing this and how many properties you manage or how often you do it. Since Airbnb is full of hosts who are renting out their homes and putting their hearts into it, I believe these gestures are more about making a meaningful connection with guests than focusing on cost. It’s the heartfelt touches that truly make a stay special! 😊

[Kathy134]

Hi @Jonathan2725,

I love your approach! It's so thoughtful to curate activity suggestions based on guests' interests—that personal touch really makes a difference and helps guests feel welcomed and valued.

I also make sure to stock the kitchen with basics and extras. Since guests are on vacation, they might want to prep something, and it’s nice for them to have everything on hand without needing to run out for basics. 😊

Thanks for sharing!

[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. 😊

[Rebecca]

How beautiful @Mia1090! Those times after having a baby are hard but it's lovely to hear how accommodating you were and that the guests extended their stay because of it! Did they leave a wonderful review? 

[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.