Appropriate Host Interaction

[Jeff3235]

I have used Airbnb going on eight years and its been a positive experience overall.  At some places I have stayed I never saw the host at all. At others I saw them often. It was fine either way but I felt I should at least meet them once , especially if they were living there.  I guess I am wondering why there are 

" Ghost Hosts " who prefer no actual meeting in person.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jeff3235 I couldn't agree more. In 5 years of hosting we only didn't meet the guests once and it seemed very strange.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Jeff3235 , thanks so much for starting this discussion and bringing in the guest perspective! 

I've read many threads in the community and have often seen a mix of hosts! Some hosts prefer in-person check-in on guest arrival, while a few hosts prefer to let guests enjoy their listing stay without host intervention.

Have you ever had a particularly memorable or meaningful interaction with a host, that enhanced your stay?

Regards,

[Rogene1]

I also do not like the “ghost host” idea that hosts prefer not to meet their guests. I live across the street from my rental and I do not feel my guests need to meet me unless they have a problem. Sometimes we cross paths if they are entering or leaving or if I am working around the property and I love to meet them, but other than that, I’m not going to invade their privacy to interact or introduce myself. I think if you asked the guests, you would find they prefer little or no interaction.

[Bhumika]

@Rogene1 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Do guests mention in their reviews or messages that they appreciated having privacy at your listing, or have any of them requested more interaction than you expected?

[Salah107]

I completely agree with you, Jeff. I think it is necessary to meet the guest at least once upon arrival. After that, it is up to the guest whether he wants to communicate with the host or not. If he wants to communicate further, he is completely welcome, and if not, he can be left alone.

Sometimes we sense from the guest that he needs something like a tour around the area where the house is located, so I usually do this tour voluntarily without any additional expenses to make the host feel friendly and familiar with the place where the house is located.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Salah107 , thank you for sharing your approach! It's so kind of you to voluntarily provide local tours to your guests 🌻

Do you have any favourite spots or local tips you love sharing with your guests during these tours?

Regards,

[Roberto2977]

That’s a great observation, and your experience reflects how diverse hosting styles can be on Airbnb. Some hosts choose to be more hands-off—what you’re calling “ghost hosts”

Many guests prefer privacy and minimal interaction, especially when they’re traveling for work or relaxation

it’s completely reasonable to want to at least say hello, especially when you’re staying in someone’s home or shared space. Many hosts are happy to meet if requested—it’s just a matter of communication and preference. I always ask the guest if they need or like to meet or they ok to continue in a more private way.  

[Bhumika]

Hi @Roberto2977 , you've made a such a great point! After all it's a matter of communication and personal preference 💯

Based on your own experience with guests,  have you noticed any trends in your guests’ preferences? Do they usually prefer to stay connected throughout their stay or do they prefer a more hands-off and private experience while at your listing? 

Regards,

[Jennifer1897]

@Jeff3235 I will share a different perspective. I really don't like the term "ghost host" as it implies, we are purposefully avoiding our guest. One of my properties is a home share and remains pretty busy year-round.  I work as a clinician in a prison on 10 hr. shifts and commute about an hr. each way to work. Therefore, I am out of the home from about 5am-7pm. After work I run my errands, go to the gym, grab food etc. Although I would love to meet all my guest, my schedule doesn't always permit it. If I arrive home and they are settled in their room or in for the night, I don't disrupt them to introduce myself. I love hosting and love socializing with my guest, but more often than not, if they are staying during the week we don't see each other much if at all. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Jennifer1897 , thanks for sharing such a diverse perspective! Many hosts might not be full time hosts , and I guess many hosts might agree that there are so many things to do and take care of.

Have you found any specific ways to make your guests feel welcome and supported, even when you aren’t able to meet them in person? Looking forward to reading your tips!

Regards,

[Lorna170]

@Jeff3235   "Ghost Host" here. 

My stand-alone (not home-share) STR cabin shares the same 15 acres and mountain driveway as my own home. I typically do not meet my guests.  We wave when driving past.  I do communicate with them on platform to ensure that they are enjoying their stay and are not experiencing any issues.  When they have asked for assistance, we can arrive within minutes.  

Greeting or face-to-face meetings with my guests radically dropped off during and after Covid.  90% of my guests express no interest in communicating beyond their initial booking note or their receipt of the Welcome (arrival) email.  I respect those wishes and leave my guests to their privacy.  

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lorna170 , you made me curious about the welcome (arrival) email! What do you send in these emails? 

Do you usually share check-in instructions or listing related guidance? 

Eager to hear more about it 🌻

Regards,

[Lorna170]

@Bhumika  My Welcome email tells guests where to shop for groceries, find gas and nearby restaurants.  It also reiterates the house rules and how to use the amenities and WiFi.  It includes directions on contacting us through the platform and asks them to let us know immediately if there are issues.  All of this information is also printed out in our credenza guest book.

[Bhumika]

I love this strategy @Lorna170 !

Have you noticed any difference due to these? Do you feel these resources have helped answer their questions or made it smoother for you to remind guests about house rules? 

In one of my recent interactions with a host, they did observe that sometimes, few guests don't read these guest books. Have you noticed the same?