Guests who become friends. Has this ever happened to you?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone 😊,

I hope you’re having a great week!

One of the most rewarding parts of hosting isn’t just providing a comfortable space or a seamless stay, it’s the connections you make along the way. Sometimes, guests walk through your door and leave more than just memories; they leave a lasting friendship.

It starts with small conversations: sharing local tips, swapping travel stories, or bonding over a mutual love for a hobby.  

When you host with openness and kindness, you never know who might cross your path and become more than a guest.

Has this ever happened to you?

I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Elisa 🌻

[Paula]

Hello @Casa-De-La-Tierra0, @Kelly333, @Margaret491, @Branko38, @Cindy1764, @Tariq52, @Supriya29 and @Naomi208 

When I saw Elisa’s topic, it really resonated with me. Living in someone else’s space can definitely help create a friendship or close relationship between host and guest. Sometimes, guests also bring us unforgettable memories 😊

I was wondering if you’ve ever had a similar experience. If so, would you like to share it with us?

I’m looking forward to reading about your experience 🌟

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Elisa 

I believe the trust was built through small but meaningful moments. There was one time when a guest told me they couldn’t stay after all due to a change in their travel dates and said there was no need for a refund since it was their fault. I thanked them and said I understood, but also told them that the unused night could be applied to a future stay whenever they traveled again. That simple gesture meant a lot to both of us, and from there, the relationship naturally grew into a friendship based on trust, fairness, and mutual respect.

 

[Paula]

Hello @Patricia2526 what a wonderful example, thank you for sharing! 😊

Empathy, kindness, and trust are truly at the core of building genuine and strong connections.

This is a beautiful hosting story 🌻

[Lisa9458]

No one family has ever become “friends” with us. However a few families have been repeat reservations. And only one family has reached out to us for a potential repeat discount

[Paula]

Thank you @Lisa9458 for sharing your story.

As a Superhost, you must be offering an incredible experience to your guests 😊

How long have you been a Superhost? What do you think has been the key to your success?

Regards,

[Victoria2212]

hi Elisa! 

Yes, this has happened for me—always in natural, unforced ways.

Over time, a few guests have returned again and again and gradually felt more like extended family. One young man has brought different members of his family on separate visits over the years—parents, siblings, and later his girlfriend. He jokingly calls me his “Myrtle Beach mom,” and while I always host professionally, the sense of familiarity and trust has grown through repeat stays.

Another example is a family from Canada who drive straight through each year with children, a grandparent, and even their dog. Despite language differences, they are warm, respectful, and gracious, and a genuine connection has formed over time.

I’ve also had returning couples where the connection is lighter—occasional dinners when they visit and friendly check-ins during the year.

One especially memorable moment involved a young couple celebrating a shared birthday. I rushed over after hearing excited shouting, only to discover I was witnessing a surprise engagement.

Not every guest becomes a friend, and that’s perfectly fine. But I try to offer a welcoming, peaceful home, and when connection grows naturally from that, it feels like one of the quiet gifts of hosting.  

[Paula]

Hello @Victoria2212,

I really enjoyed reading your story. As you mentioned, not every guest becomes a friend, and that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s wonderful to see how you create such an unforgettable experience that some guests choose to return many times, t’s like it becomes their second home.

Thank you so much, Victoria, for sharing this. Your story is very inspiring.

Regards,

[Vivian1468]

Elisa, 

That's the whole reason for us to offer our guest suite.  It's so fun to meet friendly travelers and to learn about their adventures.  I find individuals that travel the world to be the most interesting to talk with and hope we can become friends.  Life is too short to only focus on profits.  I find I am more alive when I create and share kindness.

[Elisa]

Hi @Vivian1468 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this here!

I love your approach.

When did it happen last time that you were able to create such a wonderful connection?

[Elaine701]

One of our first Airbnb bookings (ca. 2012) was a couple that we instantly became friends with and are today perhaps our best and closest friends. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Elaine701 😊, 

That’s so beautiful to hear!

Where are they living? Is it close to your listing?

[Fiona256]

We have several former and repeat guests who have become friends. Perhaps the most poignant is the American couple who stayed with us some years ago while exploring Europe, to find a country they could escape to as a result of the US political situation and Trump's appalling behaviour. I am pleased that they have now decided on a country and have achieved resident status.