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? 😊

[Robin4]

@Kathy134 

They have returned back to their jobs in Finland now but the property is now habitable. They employed a plumber, tiler and an electrician to provide the services. The kitchen cupboards are in, bathroom tiled and ready for use, internally the studio is fully functional. Rainwater tank is connected

Just need to do external decking and pergolas and that will come later in the year.

Kathy, there is a certain psychology behind staying young! You don't realise it until you get to your 60's and retirement looms. All of a sudden encouragement doesn't come any more.....everyone tells you what you can't do, not promote what you can. You have outlived your usefulness. It's as though you are compelled to retire to a comfy chair and wait for that rainbow bridge to appear.

I encourage every 80 year old to do fortnightly Pilates, regular sessions with the physio, work on and maintain that level of fitness that you have. As an 80+ year old I can still balance of one foot or the other for 2 minutes or more. I can still lift 160 lbs (75Kgs) I feel comfortable where I am in life.

As dangerous as that roof work may have seemed, I did not at any time felt like I took an unnecessary risk. At no time did I think...."Sh*t, I shouldn't have done that"!

By embarking on that project, it did a lot for Chris and Laura, but Kathy, it did even more for me! It made me feel life a useful worthwhile human being!

Cheers.........Rob.

[Kathy134]

Rob, your story is truly inspiring! It’s amazing how staying active, both physically and mentally, can add so much purpose and fulfillment to life. The fact that you took on such a hands-on project at this stage is a testament to the power of mindset and determination.

I love what you said about society often focusing on what you *can’t* do as you get older rather than what you *can*. Your experience proves that age doesn’t define ability, and I hope more people embrace that perspective!

Also, what an incredible gift you’ve given Chris and Laura, not just a functional space but also the shared experience of building something meaningful together. That’s truly special!

Personally, my lifetime goal is to be a healthy old lady running a marathon or even tackling an Ironman! Stories like yours remind me that staying active and pushing our limits is always possible, no matter our age. Cheers to staying strong, active, and purpose-driven! 💪👏

[Robin4]

@Kathy134 

Kathy, an Ironman is way beyond me, age does come with limitations and we do need to accept them.

But I was registered to take part in the Huskisson Triathlon which was staged 3 weeks ago on Jervis bay on News South Wales South Coast.

I wasn't going to do the professional division, I felt that was a bridge too far, but I was going to do the Classic division, which is an 850 metre swim, a 50Km bike ride and a 10Km jog......I felt I had that comfortably in me.

However in October I picked up a dose of Influenza B and slight pneumonia, ended up in hospital. For almost 2 months I had substantial shortness of breath and had to abandon my training, I put on about 5 Kgs and I just haven't got back the level of fitness required to take part in an event like that. I had to abandon it much to my annoyance!

So, it's back in the pool and on the bike again now slowly building myself up and getting back ready for next year where I can take part as an 81 year old.....

My only concession Kathy......I am too old for Lycra!!!  

Cheers.........Rob.

[Kathy134]

Wow, that’s absolutely inspiring! The fact that you even set your sights on a triathlon at 80 is incredible, and I have no doubt you’ll come back even stronger for next year’s event. Influenza and pneumonia are no joke, but your determination to get back in the pool and on the bike speaks volumes about your resilience.

I love your mindset. Age might bring some limitations, but it also brings the wisdom to push forward while listening to your body. And hey, Lycra is optional, but your grit and dedication are what truly matter! Keep going, and I’ll be cheering you on for next year (February, right?)! 💪🚴🏊‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[Bhumika]

Hi @Kathy134  , thanks for sharing your comment with @Robin4  .

I will tag him for you, so that he can notice your follow up response. 😍

I'd also like to share a little Community Center Tip 💡 : If you'd like to tag members in your comments, for them to get a notification of your message — simply press on @ in your keyboard, and the name of the person you are trying to reach should pop up 😊 This will ensure they get notified of your comment!

Kind regards,

[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. 

[Kathy134]

That is such a beautiful and thoughtful gesture! What an incredible way to help them preserve such a special moment. Your lakefront cabin will always hold a special place in their hearts, and now they have a video to relive that memory forever. Moments like these truly highlight the emotional connections we get to be a part of as host. What a gift! 

[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