This is part of the CC Festival of hospitality, original topic created in the Portuguese speaking Community Center, by @Beatriz98 and translated below.
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Not all trips are the same. My studios are in São Paulo and rented by business travelers most of the time. This type of guest, has little time to do many things. It is therefore essential they have a great night’s sleep to have a productive day, plus they always want quick and accurate information. Many of my guests come back and book with me.
In the condominium where I have two units, twenty-five apartments are rented for short-term rentals per season and I’ve discovered what sets me apart, and makes some professional guests prefer to book mine.
I'll share five tips on how to host business travelers, but I won't talk here about the basic amenities I already offer, such as wi-fi, smart tv, mineral water, sugar, salt and so on. I’ll go beyond that. I look forward to receiving feedback from other hosts on what differentiates them as well.
Here are my tips:
1-Electronic Lock: Offer a self check-in, the guest can check in without requiring the presence of the host. This is essential for convenience, discretion and autonomy. Here in the community there is a topic on smart locks that can help anyone who wants to know about it.
2- Quality blackout curtain: What good does a decorative curtain do if it doesn't keep the light out? This item combined with the use of a great mattress makes for a good quality of sleep, so your guest can have a more "productive" day.
3 - Bed linen: In bed I use set of all white bed linen, which is impeccably clean and fragrant. Once, a guest reported that the "white" made him feel comfortable that it was indeed clean. To get a good night's sleep, I also invest in great cleaning products to wash. Plus, at the end of the bed, I give a final touch; I use a soft and perfumed spray on the bedspread and pillows. There is a discussion about bed linen with some tips here in the community, if interested.
4- Hygiene items: I offer amenities that can be used for at least 3 to 4 baths (shampoo, conditioner and soaps). I also leave a disposable toothbrush and, at least, 4 rolls of toilet paper of the same quality that I use at home - no matter the number of days of rental, because even if the guest does not use all this, I know that you can count on these items being there if a guest decides to return, or there is a last minute reservation, which are very common in business trips.
What the girls love are the "wet wipes" with a reminder that they are for removing makeup. I buy baby wipes because they are cheaper and avoid guests making sun cream stains or makeup on the bed linen and towels, so I have fewer problems with stains, especially with the towels.
5- Espresso machine: I think it makes a lot of difference for speed and practicality. I usually leave four capsules for arrival, and now some of my guests bring their favorite capsules. It's no different to offering an electric coffee maker. It's worth the investment!
6- Plastic folder with information and addresses: even with Google helping us with everything, guests report that it makes it easier for them to have a little folder with useful information. I provide quick access to, market phones, drugstore, the phone number of a good pizza place, food delivery, subway map and even the contact of a Uber driver who speaks English.
Now, tell us your secrets too!