What’s the Most Unexpected Thing You’ve Learned from Hosting? 💭 ⭐️

[Alex]

Hello everyone! 

Hosting can be a journey full of surprises, and sometimes the lessons we learn are the most unexpected ones. From special guest requests to amazing interactions that brighten our day, each experience adds a unique chapter to our hosting story! Whether it’s discovering the importance of a warm welcome, realizing the impact of thoughtful touches, or even learning about different cultures from your guests, we want to hear about it! 👂

What unexpected insights have you gained from your hosting experiences? Have you found something surprising that changed the way you manage your listing or interact with guests? 🤔💡

Let’s share our stories and tips to support one another in creating memorable experiences for our guests. Your insights could inspire someone else in the community! 😄

Looking forward to reading your responses! 💬

Best,

Alex

[Patricia2526]

Good Day! @Alex 

One of the biggest insights I’ve gained from hosting is how much guests value flexibility, especially with check-in and check-out times. Since my listing is just across an international airport, I often have travelers arriving at odd hours or dealing with flight delays. Early on, I stuck to strict check-in policies, but I noticed that guests who needed flexibility were especially grateful when I accommodated them. Now, I make an effort to allow early check-ins or late check-outs whenever possible, and it has significantly improved guest satisfaction and reviews. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference for travelers. 

[Gail1066]

You won't share this. Hosting in itself is a way to make money. It's not 'fun' it is work. If you share your home it can be invasive, a loss of privacy and the possibility of destruction/damage to your house.

Having said that we have had so many great interactions from all over the world and to 'come and visit them, even for an overnight' should we ever be in their country. Quite frankly the number of obnoxious , undesirable guests are few. We usually get one or two a season,

Having said all this is AIRBNB'S INABILITY TO HELP WITH PROBLEMS' Your help desk are a; not educated with your system, b many have an accent that is difficult to your ear if you are not accustomed to this 'particular' accent., punch out the usual " Sorry for the inconvenience, thank you for your patience" They just 'push' the button on a particular question  - same old, same old, answers

Airbnb are BIG on telling hosts How to Host,(this is not rocket science - clean sheets, friendly, good beds,  friendly chit chat upon entry where possible.  AND this sort of thing. Would that you pay more attention to how Airbnb treat their Hosts. Hosting EIGHT years, you have me hosting 3, You have me on a lake - no lake, you have my competition being charged $4.00 HST when it should be $30.00 - Can't get any of this fixed

AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU ASKED????????

[Gary1337]

I’m just a neighbor but completely agree.  It’s a full time job.  Depending on your property, rate and how your present it probably helps with obnoxious guests.  The property next to me is listed as a ‘place to entertain’ and it lives up to its name.  Haha. 

Bit the biggest thing I have seen is last minute bookings, bookings from deals, and one night stays are just a recipe for disaster.  The host also picked a property with a shared drive.  I wouldn’t recommend that.  Much harder to manage.  

[Abhay33]

Guests are normal people, and when u play by the rules, it all works out just fine. 

Also to disconnect and actively train staff. 

[Ranveer1]

Hello @Alex 

One of the most unexpected things I’ve learned from hosting is how important flexibility is, not just in scheduling but also in the level of interaction with guests. I used to think that being a great host meant always being present and available, but I’ve realized that the best experiences come from finding the right balance. Some guests love to chat and get local recommendations, while others prefer privacy and a more independent stay. Being adaptable to each guest’s needs creates a more comfortable and welcoming environment, making their stay truly enjoyable while keeping things easygoing for me as a host.