Going above and beyond for guests

[Alexandra316]

Good day everybody!

I've come a long way in my hosting journey since I officially started on September 1st. One thing that I've made a point of since I started is doing at least one nice "extra" thing for every guest who has stayed with us. It doesn't need to be anything big or cost any money, nescessarily, but I make sure I do something for everyone.

Some examples:

- Giving early check in or late check out at no cost when requested and if it's feasible;

- Leaving a card and small gift (usually chilled champagne) for guests celebrating an anniversary or recent wedding;

- Giving small gifts at Christmas (it was just chocolates or similar food treats);

- Cleaning off the guest's car when it snows during their stay;

- Letting a guest's dogs out so they could stay out later at a wedding;

- Putting a couple of cold beers in the fridge for guests who were getting in late.

Doing these kinds of things seems to have paid off for us: we've had excellent reviews so far and we got our Superhost in January.

What kinds of things have you done to go above and beyond for your guests, and do you feel it has paid off for you?

[Alexandra316]

Wow, @Ashley197, it sounds like you make a lot of effort to choose something special for your guests: sounds amazing. It sounds like another offshoot benefit to what you do is supporting small local businesses, which is also really great.

I want weird Seattle cupcake flavours now!

[Ashley197]

Thanks @Alexandra316! We do try to support and up-vote local businesses whenever we can. Our guidebook lists a lot of them that guests might not be aware of, but guests often leave notes raving about afterwards. It's a lot of fun and really creates a sense of place - both for our guests and us! 🙂 

[Tracy200]

Hi All, I'm in the Yarra Valley in Melbourne, Victoria.  I've arranged a special chocolate pack from the local Chocalaterie and a condiments pack for breakfast that is local produce.  Also, the local wine bar has provided me with 1 for 1 wine vouchers.  I leave a handwritten card for each group too.

[Alexandra316]

@Tracy200 That's pretty nice regarding the wine bar passes! I would definitely appreciate that :-).

[Ashley197]

@Tracy200, what great ideas! We have some great microbreweries near us and you've sparked an idea for me with those vouchers! 🙂 

[Alexandra316]

@Ashley197In our neck of the woods, the wineries and breweries are happy to hand out tasting passes, and they are often put to good use :-). 

[Alma40]

I usually try to leave. Small homemade dessert in the refrigerator for my guests. 

I also furnish coffee and a bowl of fruit or packaged snacks, plus water. 

[Alexandra316]

@Alma40desserts seem to be a popular choice, and no wonder :-). 

[Paloma61]

I've just became a host in March, and I had my firsts guests last week. They came with a child so I let them water on the fridge and fresh fruits in the kitchen. They prize me with almost all the stars, and a nice recommendation. Also in the private message, they gave me a tip for the announcement on the Airbnb app

[Andrew-and-Stephanie0]

My wife and I leave breakfast snacks for our guests such as mixed oatmeal, cereal bars, even popcorn packets and gummys for a snack.  It's not a hot breakfast but people really appreciate they can grab a quick multigrain bar on the way out to sightseeing.  We also place a couple of mint chocolates on top of the folded clean towels when they arrive to the location.  Other things we provide that guests enjoy is Netflix, Chromecast and especially Alexa (connected to a music app such as Spotify)... kids and adults love her... so it becomes a fun plus for guests!!  Is just a special thought people really like.  Happy hosting to all!!  🙂

[Rita362]

My first guests are booked through Airbnb- very exciting.  I have however hosted for nearly 25 years with my B & B so have a few surprises for folks.  Had some Lufthanza ground crew girls staying, one had a birthday the next day so before breakfast I drew all the curtains, lit candles on the dinner table and got my African helper and her brother to sing Happy Birthday in their traditional language and outfits.  My guests were totally overwhelmed.  Always leave maps with sights to see marked on them, before guests arrive I send them a map of the golf course, a map indicating the location of the condominium, parking, pool, recycling, library.   They always have freshly ground coffee, tea, sugar, milk, chocolates and a good bottle of local wine upon arrival.  Found that a few spices and cookery books, including an A-Z of microwave cooking are all  very welcome especially for those who do not know typical South African dishes.   Believe that the most important factors are always to tell my guests where NOT to go so that they do not waste their precious time and to advise them where the "locals" go.

Most important, no need for bottled water - our tap water is safe to drink.

[Alexandra316]

@Rita362 the birthday surprise is so sweet! I really like that. I'm sure that's something they won't forget. 

[Rita362]

Thanks for the courtesy of your reply.  I have had tiny drawings of Mother Goose printed and have used them to insert in my  key holders, lovely little goose with funny trimmed hat and all, still has the number of the apartment at the top but looks very cheerful and very much in keeping with "My Goose"   sure you have delightful stories to tell as well, people make the world go around.  Believe I could write a book about many of the guests I have hosted over the [ast 25 years, they invariably become friends and are treated like familly when they return.

Kind regards,

Rita

[John1401]

I gave complimentary snacks and one beer/soft drink per guest so far. Now thinking of adding a self-made origami, which costs nothing but the paper, and write on it a Thank You message. Later I also wish to print out my travel photos and write at the back some cool messages. A business card is also necessary. 

[Alexandra316]

@John1401 I really love the origami idea: it's unique and I'm sure very memorable for your guests.