Describe the year 2025 as a host in one word

[Rebecca]

Hi everyone 👋 

We’re almost at the end of another hosting year, and I thought it would be fun to reflect on how it’s been for you. 

If you had to describe your 2025 as a host in just one word, what would it be? 

Whatever your word, I’d love it if you could share it below and tell me a little about why you chose it. 

I can’t wait to read your words and stories. ✨

[Katalin75]

Rewarding

We put a lot of work into our house; we felt it could be good. But when we started, we got powerful feedback from bookings and great guests, which made it worth it.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Katalin75! Thanks so much for sharing. Feedback is super important for growth. If you don't mind me asking, what was the feedback that you had, and how did it help you? 

[Matteo1331]

A successful experiment.

We started on Airbnb last July to make some use of our garden room that was sitting empty most of the time. We since met lovely guests and received very nice reviews. 

We are taking some time off now to make little improvements and start 2026 with great energy!

[Rebecca]

Thanks so much for sharing @Matteo1331! Dublin and Ireland in general is a wonderful place. What improvements are you making to your garden room? 

[Marion1405]

Pivotal

[Rebecca]

Oh another good word @Marion1405 - what has been pivotal for you?

[Jue0]

@Rebecca 

Transformative ✨

This year has truly transformed me — not just as a host, but as a human being. From welcoming guests in my little corner of Nairobi to serving my final year on the Host Advisory Board, I’ve grown in ways I never expected.

2025 has stretched me, inspired me, and deepened my love for hospitality. I’m so grateful for the people, the stories, and the moments that made this year truly transformative.

Looking forward to reading everyone’s words. 

Jue, Nairobi, Kenya 

[Rebecca]

You've had a packed year @Jue0 ! Following your hosting journey in Nairobi has brought some brilliant stories and people through your door - thank you so much for sharing these with us here on the Community Center. 

What’s one unexpected lesson you’ve learned from your guests this year?

[Roberta980]

Heartwarming

Because the season was filled with wonderful guests who showed me great affection. I felt truly appreciated,

ans this made the whole hosting experience incredibly positive.

[Rebecca]

That’s lovely to hear @Roberta980. It’s always nice when guests make you feel valued. Sometimes it’s the little things they do or say that stick with you, isn’t it?

Do you have a favourite memory from hosting this season?

[Roberta980]

@Rebecca One of the most beautiful memories of the season comes from some guests who asked me for various recommendations during their stay. In the end, they really appreciated my support and told me (and even wrote in their review) that they felt as if they were staying at an old friend’s home — and that this made all the difference for them. This really moved me; it’s the part of this job that I love the most.

[Rebecca]

This is so beautiful @Roberta980 (apologies for my slow response). That feeling of being at a friends home is such a lovely one to emulate. 😍 Was there something in particular that stood out to make them feel that way, do you think? 

[Jay2697]

Hosting a memorial stay while being impressed upon by your guests in return is the ultimate goal. We are creating memories for our companies and assisting the members being created for every single guest that we gracefully encounter. 

[Abi29]

exponential!

[Rebecca]

That’s quite a word @Abi29! Sounds like things have changed a lot for you lately. Was there a moment this year when you really noticed things starting to pick up?