I feel amazing when my guests ______ (Fill in the blank) 🏡

[Alex]

Hello everyone! 👋

As a host, there are all kinds of experiences. Some are full of learning, some go incredibly well, and others may present a few challenges. But today, I really want to focus on the positive experiences! 🌟

So, I’d like to ask you: What makes you feel amazing when hosting your guests? Have there been any moments where a guest said something that truly brightened your day? Perhaps they complimented your beautiful decoration, praised your hosting skills, or even shared how much they loved their stay and expressed a desire to return... 🔙

There’s no right or wrong answer here! This is all about you sharing those uplifting moments that made your day. Who knows? Your stories can inspire other hosts to create magical experiences for their guests as well. 💭

I can't wait to read your heartwarming stories! ✨

Best, 

Alex

[Bhumika]

Hi @Serena587 , it must be so satisfying to hear guests appreciating and recognizing your hosting efforts! 

Do you have any favorite stories from other guests who made you feel appreciated? I'd love to hear more 🌻

[Miniba0]

Hey Alex, this is such a lovely thread — thanks for starting it! 🌟

I feel amazing when my guests tell me they felt at home.

One guest once wrote, “I actually slept better here than in my own bed,” and I don’t think they realized how much that meant to me.

It’s those quiet little moments — when someone leaves a note, waters a plant, or says they’ll be back — that remind me why I host in the first place. It’s not just hospitality, it’s connection. 🏡💛

[Bhumika]

Hi @Miniba0 , this must be such an exciting moment when guests appreciate the listing! 

If you could give one piece of advice to a new host about making their space feel truly "homey," what would it be?

[Lana1222]

Thanks for the question @Alex !

I  love when my guests are pleasantly surprised at my welcome basket of treats and the home-made card I individualise for each person.

It also feels like the effort I put in to make their room feel like home- pillows, white sheets, antique rocking chair, etc, and they all rave that the room and house look EXACTLY like the photos. I love my home and it feels good to know my guests feel at home too.

All the best!

Lana🌻

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lana1222 , I can only imagine how guests must be excited seeing you welcome baskets 😍 

What kind of treats and goodies do you leave in the welcome basket? 

[Geoff7]

Easy one. I feel amazing when guest send me pictures of their stay. Or when the booker guests rings me in the middle of the night to tell me his / her partner said "yes" to marrying them. And especially when guests have gone out of their way to buy something "nice" to leave in the house for further guests to enjoy.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Geoff7 , sorry for being late to the party 😝 

You've mentioned so many precious moments! I am in awe of it 😍 

What's that one thing or a guest's thoughtful gesture that touched you deeply during or after their stay? 

[Geoff7]

Great question. There have been several over the years, but the one that stands out the most to me was a family of 6 (mum, dad, 2 kids and grandparents) that came for 3 days during the school holidays about 2yrs ago. They had an intellectually disabled daughter who was turning 12 on the day they arrived and they asked if it was ok to bring their little puppy which was her support dog - of course the answer was a definite yes. But because i knew it was her birthday, I set up the dining area as a kids party - unicorn plates, hats, cups, lolly bags (with lollies in them) hooters and balloons. And I found a rainbow unicorn birthday cake in the local supermarket - which I popped into the fridge with a number 12 candle on it. (sounds a lot - but price wise it was roughly the same cost as the chocolates and champagne I would normally leave for a guest stay). The guests were so overwhelmed with the set up they could not stop thanking me for it - which was actually a little bit embarrassing. When they left, they left me a gift. They had gone into one of the local artisan shops in town and bought me a small bronze wind chime with 6 butterflies on it - that windchime now hangs off one of the wall lights next to the front door so every guest can enjoy it as they come and go.

[Bhumika]

What a heartwarming story @Geoff7 ! 

It's indeed so thoughtful of you , no wonder the guests couldn't stop thanking 💕 

Has that experience influenced how you welcome other guests since then? Have you introduced any new traditions or special touches inspired by that visit?

[Geoff7]

Yes, Since then I ask every guest if they are staying for a special occasion and always leave something special for them - I have had marriage proposals, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and even divorce celebrations!

But also its the return guests who just want some time away to reflect or for the last year I have run a special offer for women in our region who have been going through Breast cancer treatment - who just need some time away from their families to think about the journey they are on and their treatment - this is sometimes as simple as some flowers and chocolates or a recommendation to a dress shop in my local town that caters for women that have had to undergo invasive surgery. Its really about understanding my guests and why they want to stay. 95%+ just want a fun time away with family or friends or both and simply love the local recommendation of cafes, restaurants, things to see and do. The other 5% just want their time away to be special for them.

At the end of the day - like everywhere in the world at the moment, money is tight - so every guest deserves the respect and acknowledgement that they have chosen to give me some of their money to stay at my properties in a time when they might need to spend that money elsewhere.

[Bhumika]

Very well said @Geoff7 💯 , after all guests want to have a lovely escape and great time with their family and loved ones! 

Have you noticed that these additional touches and personalized care also reflects in the guest reviews? Do your guests often leave glowing reviews due to your kindness and generosity?

[Geoff7]

I have tended to find that guests do make reference to these things in their reviews more and more. And that in particular they are commenting more abut me personally - both in terms of what I did for them or recommended to them to do. Its actually really nice to see and just know that guests have appreciated what you do for them.

[Bhumika]

Beautiful @Geoff7 😍 , I am glad to read guests are not just happy with the listing, but they admire your hosting style as well! 

[Lorina14]

@Alex 

Love this thread!

- I feel amazing when my guests say they feel like it’s home.

-I feel amazing when guests say we touched their hearts, made them feel safe, made them feel cared for, supported their grieving process…

-I feel amazing when my guests leave sweet love notes we receive in our guestbooks. 
-I feel amazing when my guests appreciate our hospitality and that our space is cozy, functional, perfect for their stay.

-I feel amazing when my guests say we made their stay special and are grateful for the snacks, birthday treats, anniversary flowers, baby gift or more. I enjoy making their stay special with thoughtful touches if I know there is a special occasion. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lorina14 , sorry I am bit late to this thread 🙈

I love when hosts talk about guest books! Is there a specific note from a guest that made you emotional? Hosting can be fulfilling at times, so I would love to hear what keeps you going as a host 😍

Regards,