What's that one thing new hosts don't know about hosting? 🧠

[Alex]

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! 😊

I hope your week is going well so far. We often chat in the Community about tips and advice that new hosts can use to improve their bookings, learn something new, or simply expand their knowledge. Today, I’d like to focus on things you should know before hosting. 🏡

What’s one thing that new hosts don’t usually know about hosting? Is there something you wish you had known before you started welcoming guests? Share with us what you consider crucial but was never mentioned to you! 🤗

Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

Best, 

Alex

[Aisha227]

Funny!!  It's not the spoons or even the tissue for me...it's paper towels!  Like, really an entire role in 2 nights.  Like what y'all doing!!! lol

[Oksana127]

Oh yes, I can relate! Spoons, paper towels, tissues… every host has their own disappearing champion. After a while, you just learn to stock up and roll with it—it’s all part of the hosting adventure! @Aisha227 

[عاصم0]

I thought that having more than one nationality in a place might cause problems, but the fact that more than one different nationality is present for dinner or breakfast creates a wonderful environment for hosting. I happened to meet guests from China and South America, and they were extremely nice.

[Alex]

Hi @عاصم0! 

Thank you for participating in the conversation! That’s one of the beauties of hosting—sharing and discovering cultures from all around the world. Did they share any local recipes? 🍽️

[عاصم0]

في الأكل لم يشاركو ولكن تحدثنا سويا عن ثقافتنا النوبيه في الزواج وكان السؤال هل فعلا أهل النوبه هم اصل الشعب المصري وما هي العادات النوبيه المشتركه مع المسيحيه وامثله اخري 

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Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

@Alex They didn’t take part in eating, but we spoke together about our Nubian culture, especially regarding marriage. The question was whether Nubians truly are the original people of Egypt, and what Nubian customs are shared with Christianity, along with other examples.

[Alex]

That sounds like a very interesting conversation, @عاصم0! 🤗 I'm sure everyone learnt a lot during that conversation. Have you welcomed guests of other nationalities in your listing?

[C197]

@Alex @simi617 @عاصم0 

@Oksana127  @Patricia2526 @Rebecca @guy991 @Alejandro2196 @Akram67 @Elisa @John978 @James4819 @Kwansook0 @Danielle1997

 One of the biggest things new hosts don’t always realise is that hosting is less about property management and more about relationship management. The physical space sets the stage, but it’s the emotional experience that shapes reviews and return bookings.

Something I wish I had known earlier is that every guest interprets “value” differently: for some, it’s pristine cleanliness, for others, it’s thoughtful communication, and for others still, it’s a sense of local authenticity. The real skill lies in anticipating these varied expectations, balancing them with consistency, and creating an environment where guests feel seen rather than processed.

Another overlooked aspect is that hosting is a continuous learning cycle. Each stay teaches you something—from refining house rules, to streamlining check-in, to recognising cultural nuances in communication. Hosting is never static; it’s a craft that matures with every guest interaction.

In short: new hosts often focus on “what” to provide (towels, Wi-Fi, tea), but the deeper question is “how do I make a guest feel at home in a space that isn’t theirs?” Mastering that distinction transforms a listing from being just accommodation into being a meaningful experience.

Lastly, as a host, we're so good at looking after others, remember to remember yourself in all this and give yourself a treat, big or small - you deserve it!🥰

Peace ✌🏼 Cyn

[Rita3447]

Absolutely loved your view and advice. Taken every word as practice for future.

😊 Greatly appreciated

[Ann72]

@C197 - Perfectly and elegantly summed up!

[Tamar26]

I try to make sure new hosts think about the reality of having strangers in your home. Because of the by-laws in Toronto (as you know),  short-term rentals are limited to primary residences, so the hosts also live in the home when it's not being rented out.  Some people have more capacity for home sharing than others, and I prompt new hosts to really consider that before moving forward. 

[Rebecca]

Great points to share with a new host @Tamar26 and it's great that that they have you there to support them. 

Have you noticed any common worries or questions that new hosts have when you chat with them?

[Tamar26]

Definitely concerns around privacy regarding their personal items, damage to their personal property, and how and when insurance covers any damage that might occur.

[Rebecca]

Yes, it's one of our most common questions about personal belongings. What would your advice be for a new host @Tamar26? 

[Sharon1192]

@Alex I read "Unreasonable Hospitality" and that really changed my mindset in regards to my guests and how I viewed them. A simple handwritten Welcome card with their name and treat upon greeting makes a world of difference

[Elisa]

Hi @Sharon1192 😊, 

Thank you for sharing, this is so inspiring!

How has it changed your mindset? Which new practices are you implementing with your guests?