What's shaped your hosting style?

[Paula]

Hi everyone 👋

It’s great to read all the conversations in the community and see how each host brings a different experience and approach to hosting. Many of these hosting styles are shaped by personal or professional experiences from the past.

Some hosts began hosting after working in the hospitality industry, while others were inspired after having an amazing experience as a guest. Some even host experiences based on their personal talents and passions.

That got me thinking: what has shaped your hosting style? What experiences or people have influenced the way you host today?

Share your story in the comments 🙂

[Ghassan17]

Hi Paula! 👋

​This is such a thoughtful question. For me, my hosting style is deeply rooted in the concept of Lebanese hospitality—where the goal is always to make a guest feel less like a traveler and more like a member of the family.

​A few specific things have shaped how I approach my listing:

• ​The "Guest-First" Lens: Before hosting, I spent a lot of time as a guest. I realized that while a beautiful space is great, it’s the small, thoughtful touches—like a personalized guidebook or a seamless check-in—that actually remove the "travel stress" and allow someone to enjoy their stay.
• ​Creative Storytelling: I’m also a children’s book author (featuring a character named Soun!), and that creative background spills over into my hosting. I love thinking about the "narrative" of a stay—how a guest feels from the moment they see the listing to the moment they leave.
• ​Community Connection: Being a community leader here in Lebanon has also been a huge influence. Seeing how other hosts navigate challenges and share their local culture has taught me that hosting isn't just about providing a bed; it's about being an ambassador for your home and your country.

​At the end of the day, I’d say my style is a mix of cultural warmth and meticulous detail. I want my guests to feel the soul of Lebanon while enjoying the comforts of a professionally managed space.

​Can't wait to read how others' professional backgrounds have influenced their journey!

[Paula]

What a wonderful approach @Ghassan17,! Thank you so much for sharing your perspective 😊. I love how you blend Lebanese hospitality with your creative storytelling and community connection.

What’s one small touch or detail that you’ve found makes the biggest impact on your guests’ experience?

Regards,

[Goldys-33-LLc0]

“My hosting style is shaped by pride in our home and a genuine desire to make guests feel welcome. I believe the little details matter, and I want everyone who stays in our home in Islote to feel relaxed, cared for, and inspired by the beauty around them.”

[Paula]

Amazing @Goldys-33-LLc0 what a lovely approach! Which specific details do you focus on the most to make guests feel welcome? 😊

[Andrea6232]

Ciao @Paula ,

My hosting style is basically dictated by how I would like to be treated when I am a guest myself 😉

Andrea

[Paula]

Hello @Andrea6232 😊, that’s a core value, and it’s wonderful to hear you put it into practice! Is there anything in particular you do to go the extra mile for your guests?

[Andrea6232]

@Paula , no, just that 😍

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

Hi @Andrea6232

I completely agree with you — that’s a key foundation.

In my case, I take it even a step further… almost like an obsession 😄

For me, everything starts with truly spotless cleanliness, but also making sure that absolutely everything works exactly as it should.

I pay close attention to how the space feels that it smells good, that nothing is missing (not even a fork, plastic wrap, pencils, or games), and that there’s good music, strong internet, proper lighting, quiet when needed, and a perfect temperature.

At the end of the day, it’s about having everything so well thought out that the guest doesn’t have to worry about anything… and the stay becomes more than just accommodation  it becomes an experience.

Great to read you!

[Hoss133]

Hi,

I have not previously worked in the hospitality industry. I initially entered this field out of curiosity, as two rooms in my house were vacant and I thought it might be an opportunity to generate some supplementary income.

Over the past ten months, since I began hosting, I have learned a great deal about the diverse range of guests who travel and stay in short-term accommodations. I have had the opportunity to host people from many different backgrounds, each with unique expectations and needs.

Through this experience, I have grown personally and believe I have become a much better host than when I first started. One important lesson I have learned is that the more proactively I anticipate and accommodate my guests’ needs, the less additional communication they typically require during their stay.

I believe this approach has been a cornerstone of my success so far; ensuring that guests feel comfortable and well accommodated goes a long way toward creating a positive experience for everyone involved.

[Paula]

Thanks for sharing your story @Hoss133 ! It’s great to see how much you’ve grown as a host in just ten months. 😊

The approach of anticipating guests’ needs really makes such a difference. Are there any little touches or strategies you’ve found that work especially well?

[Grant359]

We pride ourselves on presenting our beautiful Pelican Boat Shed Urunga in pristine condition time in and time out 

to keep a 5 star rating it all comes down to being reliable on messaging presentation of our accommodation at a high standard above all nearby us.

also I always meet our guests on arrival with a big smile and make them welcome guests of ours 

also letting them know that we are always here to help if needed 

guests reviews always come back saying that they felt very welcomed and informed about the area due to there short meet and greet with us. 
we love meeting people from all around the world and her there amazing feed back about a beautiful space that we provide 

[Paula]

Wonderful @Grant359! Congratulations on offering such a great experience to your guests.😊

Have any of them stayed with you more than once? In other words, are you their top #1 choice when visiting your town multiple times?

Regards,

[Grant359]

Yes we have repeat guests often and guests from there recommendations as well 

[Paula]

That is wonderful @Grant359 congratulations 😊 Do your guests usually come from a specific area or from around the world?