Are you hosting in person or virtually?

[Paula]

Hello hosts 🙂 Happy Friday!

For multiple reasons, you may have decided to be in-person hosts or to host virtually.

Today, I would like to know: Why did you choose one or the other? What advantages do you see in each? And how has your experience been so far?

I'll be reading your comments!

[Shagufta11]

In person🫶🏼

[Saba230]

I host virtually and it has worked out well with my schedule. 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Paula 

I’m a bit of both. I genuinely enjoy meeting and assisting my guests whenever my schedule allows it adds a personal touch and gives me the opportunity to make sure everything is perfect for their stay. It also lets me do a quick walkthrough of the property after the cleaners have finished to ensure everything meets my standards.

[Andrea6232]

Buongiorno @Paula ,

well, yes, I’ll admit it 😂—I’m a virtual host… but out of necessity: my place in Venice is 250 km away from where I live, but I have to say that thanks to the Airbnb chat, I’m managing pretty well 😁

[Raouia2]

My experience hosting Airbnb guests relies on a smart hybrid model; I manage all the details, bookings, and guest communication remotely with complete flexibility, while my friend handles the logistical and on-the-ground support. This collaboration provides guests with an independent and seamless check-in experience that respects their privacy, while also ensuring immediate local assistance in emergencies. This approach has allowed me to manage my business efficiently from anywhere, while maintaining the highest quality standards and excellent reviews thanks to having a trusted local partner.

[Sylvia1062]

Hi Paula, 

As the primary host, I prefer to welcome my guests in person whenever possible. I believe a personal welcome is an important part of hospitality, as it helps build trust, creates a positive first impression, and makes guests feel genuinely valued from the moment they arrive.

Meeting guests also allows me to better understand the individuals I am hosting. Every guest is different, with unique expectations and needs, and a face-to-face introduction helps me tailor my service to ensure they have the best possible stay.

On occasions when I am unable to be there in person, I remain highly responsive and actively engaged through the app, ensuring guests receive prompt assistance, clear communication, and the same level of care and support throughout their stay.

Thanks.

[Paula]

Hello @Sylvia1062  Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you have a co-host who can help you manage everything from the app when you’re unavailable?

[Pumzika0]

Hullo Paula, 

Thank you for this question.

I host birth virtually and in person. I love to meet my guests and welcome them or make them feel at home and that is possible for the listing that is close to where I stay. For the listings that are abit far off, I primarily host those virtually. I inform the caretaker and make sure everything is in place and they are aware of the client coming in so that the guest feels welcome. 

Whenever I can pass by and see them, I do so especially for long stay clients. I can plan to check on the client during their stay to say hello and find out how they are doing.

Overtime I have noticed that clients actually like being checked upon by the host. 

It's a beautiful opportunity to put faces behind the people supporting you and believing in your listings. I love it. 

Some times guests extend their stays after meeting with you in person. I am not sure about the correlation between the two but I always attribute it to the way the client feels after staying at the place and finally meeting you as the host. 

For the online exchanges, I make sure I check in alot to ensure the guest feels safe,secure and at home. 

And just to note, some clients don't mind not meeting you especially the ones that love to keep to themselves and if they are not comfortable seeing you, that's also fine. 

They love that they can easily self check in and leave at will without inconveniencing anyone. What works for the clients , works for me. Although most guests love meeting you as the host and I love it too.  😊

[Paula]

Hello @Pumzika0, It’s great to hear that you have taken the time to really understand your guests’ needs and adapt to what they are looking for and expecting.

How long did it take you to earn the Superhost badge?

[Pumzika0]

It took me about a year and 3 months. I could have earned it earlier than that but I cancelled on a client within that period as a result of a double booking. I had gotten another client off of a different site that had not yet been synced with Airbnb and it cost me a lot including the badge. 

Don't cancel clients' stays, learned that lesson 😊. 

[Your-Trini-Place0]

I do not meet with guests. My first experience with Airbnb was in New Orleans. And the host was in our business way too much. We could not sit out in the garden without her coming out. I like my privacy. I host accordingly. I make sure you have everything you need. I am available when needed and don’t live far in case of an emergency. 

[Paula]

Hello @Your-Trini-Place0, Like everything in life, balance is very important, and it’s wonderful to hear that you’ve found the perfect mix between being available and giving your guests the space they need.

How long have you been hosting?

[Tim4881]

We host in-person as we have a working 50 acre timber farm and an apiary and live here full time. I just started May 1st after retiring in January from a 40 yr career in IT. Surprised at how many bookings we've had given the fact our farm is in the middle of nowhere. I've enjoyed meeting the guests and take a hands-on approach to running the operation. 

[Paula]

Great to hear about your wonderful experience, @Tim4881. You must be doing something great to attract all those guests 🤗

Do you handle everything yourself, or do you have a support team for when you’re away?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Paula 

I host in my own home, a view suite in a private wing of the house plus a  solarium and outdoor porch with huge wilderness views.

The local business license ordinance requires us to be present at all times there are guests on the property, and our business insurance also agrees. This is so fortunate! In 13 years of being Airbnb hosts we have had zero problems. Zero. Our guests are comfortable in a multigenerational shared home, usually multiethnic as well. Rule breakers just don't reserve with us. Fabulous folks do!

We also do not expect most people to be fluent in off grid infrastructure (we are like a ship at sea). Living with abundant wildlife, toxic plants, steep terrain, unpaved private roads and to take proper care of our delicate house - not something that most people automatically feel comfortable with. An unplanned, unforeseen, or emergency situation is something we can handle, out here in the wilderness. We don't expect our guests to do so. We know all the local resources!

We are privileged to be hands on resident hosts, providing the highest quality hospitality we are able to. We handle the infrastructure, the back stage stuff. They get to live the "fantasy".