Are you a full time or part time host?

[Rebecca]

One of the things I love about this community is how varied everyone’s hosting journeys are. For some, hosting is a full time focus, while for others it fits alongside other work and commitments. Both paths bring different experiences, challenges and rewards.

I’m curious to hear from you. Do you consider yourself a full time host, a part time host, or somewhere in between? Has that shaped the way you welcome guests and manage your space?

It would be great to share insights with one another, especially for those who might be considering a change in the way they host.

[Kate3076]

Hi @Rebecca, i want to consider myself as a full time host coz i got into this with the heart to meet the client’s desires having been exposed to being out there and wanting to feel at home 

[Rebecca]

That's such a wonderful angle @Kate3076 😍 Have you had any really interesting desires/requests from your guests? 

Is hosting your full time job? 

[Andrea6232]

Buongiorno @Rebecca ,

I'm a part-time host, but I'd like to be able to do it full-time... I have to say that I'm dedicating more and more time to it 😁

Andrea

[Rebecca]

Buongiorno @Andrea6232 👋 

It's lovely to see your name pop up here! How do you think you'd progress to a full time host? Is it one of those things that will be a gradual changeover do you think? 

[Andrea6232]

@Rebecca 

I'm afraid that will only happen when I retire from my main job 😂

[Rebecca]

Ah, yeah main jobs always get in the way don't they! 😂 @Andrea6232 

When you say you're dedicating more and more time to hosting lately, is that just a seasonal or are you finding demand for your property is increasing? 

[Andrea6232]

@Rebecca given that market demand is down this year, at least as far as Venice is concerned, it is becoming increasingly challenging to maintain a good level of occupancy 😉

[Rebecca]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that @Andrea6232 😕 Is that just a trend in Venice do you think, or globally? 

Do you do any extra marketing in these times? 

[Andrea6232]

@Rebecca global for Italy

[Rebecca]

That's really sad to hear @Andrea6232 . In the UK, we're seeing a lot more people 'stay-cationing' as the temperatures have rivalled those in Europe. Where I live, it's been super busy all summer! 

[Oksana127]

I’m a full-time host — hosting has grown from one apartment into a whole business and lifestyle for me. It definitely shapes how I manage things: I focus a lot on creating atmosphere and training my team so guests feel at home. But I really enjoy hearing from part-time hosts too, because they often have a fresh perspective!

[Rebecca]

That’s brilliant @Oksana127, you’ve built something solid! Do you think your approach has changed much since you started out with just one apartment? Was it just yourself managing at that point and when did you think "it's time to get more people on board"? 

[Oksana127]

Thank you! Yes, my approach has definitely evolved a lot. In the very beginning, with one apartment, I was doing everything myself — cleaning, welcoming guests, fixing little things, answering messages day and night. By the time I reached four apartments, I realized it was impossible to keep the same quality on my own. That’s when I decided it was time to get help.

Bringing other people on board completely changed my style of hosting: instead of just reacting to daily tasks, I started thinking more strategically — training my team, creating systems, and focusing on the guest experience and design. It’s still very hands-on, but in a different way. Now I can focus on atmosphere and growth, while knowing the day-to-day is under control.

[Rebecca]

It's wonderful to read about your insights from going from a lone host to having a team @Oksana127, thank you so much for sharing. It would make a great standalone post! Do you have any tips for someone who is struggling on their own and perhaps debating whether to take the leap into having a team?