Have been reading experience of first timers as well as a few experienced hosts. Many experiences , I echo in India.
Typical issues / queries
- wheel-chair access
- Ease of accessibility for senior citizens
- type of food we serve
- activities guest can get into
- Covid care
- Parking space
- Pets related
- Barbeque & camp fire facilities
We are luck in India. I have a on-site caretaker who can prepare and serve local meals, breakfast, snacks, barbeque etc. I pay him monthly salary and takes care of all cleaning. Clothes ... laundry. He takes all food related revenue except barbeque. So it is of his interest to serve delicious food and ensure cleanliness. Though I am with AirBnB for the last 1 year, he is with me for last 12 years.
One area AirBnB can help us improve response to enquiries , is to send WhatsApp alerts or text alerts moment enquiry lands on the platform.
Area where I operate, I mostly get 1 night or max. 2 nights booking, by and large only on weekends. So requirements are different than long term guests.
Cleanliness is highly subjective beyond basic cleanliness. But most guests are comfortable with standards I am maintaining. My property is amidst in eco-friendly zone and deep greenary / forest, so random appearance of snakes, insects , fire-flies is very common. Although, we educate guests on these matters.
Another improvement for AirBnB, there is no provision to book day-trips (no overnight stay), 9 am checkin to 6 pm Checkout.
My overall experience as the host is very good so far.
