How do you encourage repeat guests?

[Aj0]

Hi All,

Received my first repeat guests from Copenhagen last month who originally stayed with me in Feb this year and they are returning again next month before returning home.

Anyone else had repeat guests?

What do you think you do/ can do well to encourage repeat guests?

I know I would like to revisit hosts I have stayed with before when I have had a postitive experience and built rapport with. This guest messaged asking if the apartment was available. It was blocked and I was planning to spend my birthday alone but I opened it up again, so they could stay.

One thing I do is meet and greet all my guests and walk through the apartment and the guide I have created on where everything is and how things work. Plus I provide a folder on emergency contacts, local tourist attractions and 2 public transport cards pre-loaded with money for them to reload and return for the next guest. Little things that hopefully add up to make their stay comfortable and easy.

Any thoughts on what we could do differently to encourage repeat guests? Perhaps offering a further discount?

Cheers Allan 🙂

[Tracy0]

I have had a repeat guest regularly for over two years, and now he uses my whole flat during half terms to bring his company over and the entire group of us has become friends.  It helps me hugely financially and they get a regular fun accessible place to stay and it works out well for everyone!  My son adores him, we all go out and have fun - I love repeats which are so positive! I have started declining repeats which are not!

[Atlanta0]

wow, that's impressive! good job 🙂

[Sarah163]

I've had a few repeat guests, one in particular is visiting for the 4th time next month and is almost becoming like family!  My best advice for attracting repeat guests is to really pour on the warmth!  Take the time to find out what kind of experience they are after in their trip to your city.  What are their unique interests?  Let them know you are available to recommend the kinds of restaurants, places to go, thing to see that really interest them.  I have a basket of guidebooks in my Airbnb studio apartment.  I also have a guest book and encourage my guests to include list the things they most enjoyed to share with future guests.  I treat my guests like family and go out of my way to do everything I can to ensure that they have a positive and memorable stay here and invite them to come back for their next visit.  So far it's been effective and I've built some wonderful relationships!

[Peggy15]

 Sorry I'm watching my friend Sarah's Airbnb this week and while responding to this post, I didn't realize I was longed in under her name!

I've had a few repeat guests, one in particular is visiting for the 4th time next month and is almost becoming like family!  My best advice for attracting repeat guests is to really pour on the warmth!  Take the time to find out what kind of experience they are after in their trip to your city.  What are their unique interests?  Let them know you are available to recommend the kinds of restaurants, places to go, thing to see that really interest them.  I have a basket of guidebooks in my Airbnb studio apartment.  I also have a guest book and encourage my guests to include list the things they most enjoyed to share with future guests.  I treat my guests like family and go out of my way to do everything I can to ensure that they have a positive and memorable stay here and invite them to come back for their next visit.  So far it's been effective and I've built some wonderful relationships!

[Felicia48]

@Peggy15  But what if you have already provided all that and then some and they want to return?   

I have guests that have just left and they want to return but have asked for a discount.  I am already a great value and cheaper than the going rate.  Also providing wine, snacks, fruit from my citrus trees etc and we don’t charge the local tax ( most of the rentals I the area do), we eat that cost.  TIA

[Ana7]

Great ideas from all of you, but I particularly liked the one from @Aj0 with the loaded public transit ticket, I might try that as well! 

[Jai8]

Besides scrolling through past bookings and reviews, is there a way to know if a guest is a repeat guest? Thanks in advance.