Describe your hosting style in one word!

[Elisa]

 
Hello everyone,

I hope you’re having a great week!

Hosting styles vary widely among hosts, but many share a common goal of making guests feel welcome and at ease. Some hosts are very hands-on. Others prefer a more independent approach. 

Many find a balance between the two, stepping in when needed while allowing space. 

What would you describe your hosting style in one word?

I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Elisa

[Tomás-Abarzúa---Smart-Suites-Chile-SpA0]

Thanks so much for your comment, @Bhumika !

Yes, I actually have a fairly structured checklist that I’ve developed over time. Every time the apartment is prepared, it’s reviewed point by point, signed off and dated. That way we keep a proper record and can later compare it directly with guest reviews.

On top of that, we align the team’s incentives: our cleaning staff, alongside their base pay, receive a bonus when we achieve 5-star ratings for cleanliness and attention to detail. It keeps everyone focused on the same standard — not just meeting expectations, but going beyond them.

In the end, it’s more than just a process, it’s a very clear way of working.

[Bhumika]

@Tomás-Abarzúa---Smart-Suites-Chile-SpA0 ,this makes sense! I like how you incentivize your cleaning staff and make them feel like a part of your vision 🌟 

When you have a moment, can you share more about this check-list and what all have you included in it? It will be helpful for new hosts looking for similar ideas to create a cleaning and maintenance checklist 💯

[Tomás-Abarzúa---Smart-Suites-Chile-SpA0]

It’s essentially a simple checklist, but it has to be done properly and with care. It must be signed off with the date and the apartment number, if it’s signed, it means everything is genuinely OK and up to standard.

They always attach photos of everything as well, so we can keep a proper record and have full traceability that everything was done right.

I genuinely enjoy this process, and the people who work with me do too, because they can see real results, not only through guest feedback and appreciation, but also financially.

That’s what makes it rewarding for me: happy guests and a happy team.

[Laurelle3]

@Elisa my one word is "Welcoming" 

I try to make our Guest feel welcome to our "Hidden Gem Cottage" We try to make them feel at ease when we first meet. We don’t just offer accommodation; we share local knowledge and try to offer genuine hospitality. We enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and our motto is "Caring is Sharing".

[Bhumika]

@Laurelle3 , "welcoming" is such a special word! I know you've had quite a few guests who share a genuine and close bond with you after their stay. Is there any recent story that you'd like to share with us? 🤗

[Laurelle3]

@Bhumika 

One recent booking that comes to mind was a family who arrived after a tough year During their stay after a few days slowed down, enjoyed the beach, and reconnected as a family. By the time they left, it felt less like guests departing and more like friends heading off.

That’s something I’ve noticed often over the years, guests arrive as strangers, but many leave feeling connected to the place and to us as hosts in a small but genuine way. That’s what makes hosting so special.

[Bhumika]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story  @Laurelle3 💝 Heart warming moments like these truly capture the essence of hosting! Since your place left them with wonderful memories, have you found they've requested to book a stay with you soon?

[Laurelle3]

@Bhumika this is an interesting question.

Over the years we have been fortunate to welcome returning guests, and at times some have booked privately after first staying with us. This particular family haven’t rebooked yet, although guests have told me they tried to send an enquiry and found there are no vacancies.

We keep our pricing slightly above the suggested Smart Pricing rates, but we don’t use Smart Pricing itself. Instead, I like to check similar listings in our neighbourhood as a guide.

I think it is our reviews are what keeps us booked are our reviews and star ratings. We only open our calendar three months ahead and block dates when we are away. Over the past six years we have maintained 5-star ratings and are in the top 1% for our local area. Because of that, when we do have availability, we are often one of the first listings guests see and consider.

To maintain that standard takes ongoing effort. We do all the cleaning, gardening, laundry, and maintenance ourselves. It certainly keeps us busy in retirement, but we enjoy it. One day we may decide it is time to stop, but until then we continue because we love hosting. My motto has always been, Caring is Sharing.

[Priyanka102]

Attentive I give guests space but I’m always here if they need anything

[Elisa]

Hi @Priyanka102 😊, 

That’s a great point!

Do you live far from your listing?

[Kevin3890]

Effortless. 

Make it easy for your team, your guests and yourself.  

[Elisa]

Hi @Kevin3890 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this here.

How do you usually make things easier, and in which areas?

[Andrea9325]

WOW 

[Elisa]

Hi @Andrea9325 😊, 

Wow, that’s a great hosting style.

How do you surprise your guests?

[Oksana127]

If I had to describe my hosting style in one word, it would be “balanced.”

I like to be present and responsive when guests need support, but I also respect their space and independence. The goal is for guests to feel cared for without feeling “watched,” so their stay feels effortless and natural.