10 Things Hosts Would Like Guests To Do

[Chris-And-Steve1]

I'm writing an article for an online magazine on the 10 things Airbnb hosts would like guests to do. As Superhosts, we've had our share of experiences but I'd love to get some more ideas.

What do you wish your guests would do in order to be better guests?

[Anonymous]

@Chris-And-Steve1  My tips would be:

Read the whole listing before you book.

Buy travel insurance that covers trip-cancellation, instead of asking for exceptions to the host's cancellation policy.

Communicate your scheduled arrival time well in advance of your stay.

Be completely honest about the number of people in your party, including children and non-overnight guests

If you have a problem during your stay, report it directly to your host and give them an opportunity to correct it.

[Chris-And-Steve1]

Great tips! Thank you! Why don't guests read the whole listing?!  Sheesh! We've had at least a few occasions when guests were surprised by our dogs even though we mention it in our listing and have pictures of the dogs there!

[Mike-And-Helen0]

@Chris-And-Steve1 

1. Read the listing

2. Respond to messages promptly

3. Be realistic about arrival time

4. Read the bloomin directions

5. Ask if they have a problem

6. Don't put cheese in the toaster!

7. Accept that our location has been the same for hundreds of years and is not something we can change

8. Call their own taxi

9. Have a happy stay

10. Come again

[Chris-And-Steve1]

Cheese in the toaster?! I'm going to use that example in my article, for sure! Hahaha!

Thank you!

[Mike-And-Helen0]

@Chris-And-Steve1 they shorted out the blessed thing, blew a fuse and complained that the leccy had gone off!

[Sarah977]

@Mike-And-Helen0  Ever see "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" My favorite part is where he makes grilled cheese sandwiches on the ironing board with an iron 🙂

[Yulianna0]

@Chris-And-Steve1, 

1. Read the title. If it is not for you, do not ask for exceptions. 

2. Read the description and the rules. Accept it both, not only the one who make the booking.

3. Do not complain that the flat is not near the  airport, Royal Palace, stadium and bus station at the same time. 

4. Do not open wardrobe, cupboards, shelves. Curiosity can kill not only the cat!

5. Do not make dishes. I’ll do it again anyway. 

6. If you are heavily snoring or too emotional in your relations, please, go to the hotel!

7. If you need something, just ask.

8. Respect check out time.

10. Your realistic feedback is important for me and for others! 

[Chris-And-Steve1]

We've had a few guests who were a bit "emotional in their relations". I understand.

Thank you so much!

[Sarah977]

Don't book a place in the tropics if you're terrified of insects 🙂

Or to cover all listings: Please research the climate, endemic wildlife, and culture of an area you are not familiar with. Travel magazines and pretty pictures only showcase the wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Yes! And for city visitors - inform yourself about the neighborhoods and locations before you choose a home..Every  listing's location is clearly displayed on the map, so there's no excuse for booking the "wrong" part of a city for your needs.

[Kaylee18]

*Shut the door and lock it when you check out!!  🙂

[Terri38]

@Kaylee18 
I hear you!!
After one <ahem> delightful guest checked out, leaving the door wide open with my keys still in the lock (in full view of anyone passing in the street), it is now explicitly stated in my House Rules.  I mentioned this of course and her reply: "Well, there was nothing in the rules to say that locking the door was important!"

[Kaylee18]

@Terri38   Some people eh? 

In the end all we can do is laugh and shake our heads lol! 

[Yadira22]

Hello @Chris-And-Steve1

great thread.

before arriving 

1. Read full listings and rules

2. Don’t ask for discounts (London is an expensive city- sorry)

3. Respect check in and out times

4. No luggage storage, use a local service

5. Inform arrival time (realistic time and if you don’t know just say this)

6. When booking, select correct party number

7. Have a detailed note informing about yourself, arrival and reason for trip. 

8. If listing says no children, respect no children.

9. Research your travel journey to the listing

10. Ensure listing is in your desired place of visit- use the map function. 

Check in date

1. Inform of any unexpected delays to journey

2. Follow check in instructions 

3. Follow directions (use google maps even- plan ahead if no data) 

4. Give host 20 mins notice before getting there is host greets you at check in

5. Follow instructions and re- read house manual 

6. Ask questions, don’t assume 

Stay

1. Ask any questions 

2. Express any concerns 

3. Don’t be adventurous and try to fix an issue*

4. Follow rules 

5. If you want to have a friend over, ask beforehand- we might even say yes. 

6. Clean up after yourself (wash your dishes etc)

+ had an ex heat installing professional but not traded in this profession in 35 years plus, traded in it for 2 years *SMH*. Our boiler was  acting up and he would literally go into it and fidget with it. Even almost damaging it- so frustrating.

Check out date

1. Follow instructions to the word

2. Respect check out time- 2 hours is not a lot for you but this time Can put a lot of stress on my own schedule. 

3. When reviewing be honest

I know this sounds like a lot but mainly they are rooted form respect and communication. They don’t take much time of the guest as to follow and are common sense. 

Thanks!