How a 3 AM checkout turned into one of my most meaningful reviews as a host.

How a 3 AM checkout turned into one of my most meaningful reviews as a host.

I wanted to share a small story from my hosting journey that recently meant a lot to me.

 

A guest staying at my place in Aundh had an early-morning departure around 3 AM. As many hosts in India know, ride-sharing apps can be unpredictable at that hour. Sure enough, the guest tried booking an Uber, but nothing was available.

They were anxious because they had an international flight and no reliable way to reach the airport. Since they were checking out and I didn’t want them to stress, I stepped in:

 

  • I coordinated with a trusted local taxi

  • Booked the ride for them

  • Stayed available on chat until the driver arrived

  • Made sure they left safely and on time

To me, it wasn’t a big gesture just being there when someone truly needs help.

But the guest left this beautiful review:

 

“Wonderful place to stay if you’re visiting Aundh or surrounding area. Host is very helpful. The lousy Uber app never works for me in India and he always scheduled the ride for me whenever I needed. He’s always there whenever you need any help. I guess I need to pat on my back for staying here instead of a hotel as I got so much help :-)”

Reading this made my day.

 

It reminded me that guests remember how you made them feel more than anything else.
Sometimes, the best part of hosting is simply helping someone in a moment when they’re stressed, tired, or unsure.

Takeaway for other hosts

 

  • Keep alternative transport contacts handy

  • A little late-night support can go a long way

  • Guests really appreciate hosts who stay accessible and calm in unexpected moments

 

Has anyone else had middle-of-the-night checkout stories? Would love to hear them.

5 Replies 5
Alex
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Karan-Hiranandani0

 

Thank you for sharing this amazing story! What I see here is a clear example of how your actions and efforts as a host led to an outstanding review! Have you been in contact with this guest after their stay? Do you know if they are planning to visit again soon? 🤗
 
Best, 
Alex

 

 

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Please follow the Community Guidelines // Por favor consulta las Normas de la comunidad

Hi @Alex

Yes, we’ve stayed in touch after his trip. He was visiting from the USA, so there’s a good chance he might return next year. 😊
One of the sweetest parts of hosting has been the consistency at any point in the month, around 15–20% of my guests are repeat visitors. It says a lot about the experience we try to create. And they always book through Airbnb since they know we don’t take offline bookings at all. That’s a whole separate topic, though!

 

Best,
Karan

That is awesome @Karan-Hiranandani0! 🤗 I'm so happy that your efforts are paying off. Do you have any special treat for guests that already stayed at your listing? 🏡

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Please follow the Community Guidelines // Por favor consulta las Normas de la comunidad

This is such a thoughtful gesture. Early-morning checkouts can be stressful for guests, and having a host step in with calm support makes a world of difference. That review was well-deserved.

This experience reminded me why I enjoy hosting so much: it’s not just about properties — it’s about people.

If you’re a host in Mumbai and looking for a reliable co-host, I’d be happy to help you manage your listing with the same level of care.
I handle everything — guest communication, check-ins, clean-ups, coordination, emergencies, and ensuring guests feel supported throughout their stay.

If you’d like a co-host who treats your property like their own and provides guests a hassle-free experience, feel free to connect with me.
I’ll make sure your guests receive the same service, warmth, and attention that you would give them yourself

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