What's the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a host?

Elisa
Community Manager
Community Manager

What's the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a host?

What's the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a host_.jpg

Hello everyone 😊,
I hope you’re having a great week!

 

Hosting often looks simple from the outside, just prepare the space and welcome guests. But the real heart of it is in the everyday moments: finding patience in surprises, learning to communicate with kindness, and growing with each experience. Those challenges become the stories that make hosting so rewarding and meaningful.

 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a host?

 

I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts!

 

Warm regards,
Elisa 🌻


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center
48 Replies 48

That's great and seems like that should totally be the standard.  It's weird when this happens and discouraging. Our fingers and toes are crossed that any future is of this style experience!

You may have great experiences with hosts because your in the UK and as you mentioned a host from Australia  The Anerican hosts seem to be pretty  shady.  

Akaash4
Level 3
Bhimtal, India

@Elisa So in my journey of the past 10 months, the biggest challenge I have faced is being adaptable and patient when things don't go as planned. Whether it be a last minute cancellation, miscommunication between the guest and me, or any needs that weren't expressed from the guests side. An approach of being empathetic and having simple processes in place such as sending a welcome message to the guest over WhatsApp - like - "Hey Welcome XYZ, before you check-in please take a note of these important points ", has really helped. 

Hi @Akaash4 😊

It’s so nice to read you here!

 

I’m glad you found a solution to handle those situations.
How did you come up with the idea for the message?


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

Hi @Elisa 

For me, the biggest challenge is quite specific to the location of my homestay; I'm situated in the mountains, over 5,000 feet above sea level. The weather here is often unpredictable, so I make it a point to keep guests updated before their arrival.

I usually send a short commentary on the current and expected weather conditions, along with suggestions on what to pack - like rainproof jackets if they’re planning outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, or boating.

I also run astronomy experiences, which depend heavily on clear skies. So I always try to manage expectations ahead of time, especially for families traveling from afar with kids. It helps ensure they have the best possible experience, even if nature throws in a few surprises! Let me know if you'd ever like to visit or hear more about the stargazing experiences - we’ve had some magical nights up here.

Hi @Akaash4 😊

Thank you so much for letting me know!

 

I understand the challenges, but your place looks so unique and I’m sure it’s well worth a stay. 😍

What do you usually do during the astronomy experience?


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

Hi @Elisa ,

Thank you for your kind words about my listing - it truly means a lot!

The astronomy experience we offer is less of a fixed framework and more about evoking childlike wonder and a deep sense of awe as we connect with the cosmos. Just as no two nights are the same, no two sessions are alike!

We usually begin with a gentle introduction to concepts like light, darkness, and life, using hands-on experiments with tools like lasers, camera-based photography, and light painting. This is followed by an immersive stargazing session, where we observe planets, nebulae, and galaxies through a telescope - exploring not just what they are, but what they represent in the larger story of the universe.

We often close with a guided exploration using augmented reality tools that bring mythologies to life - like the story of Orion the Hunter chasing the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) across the sky - and help guests reflect on their place in the cosmos.

It’s always a magical experience, and incredibly meaningful to share it with curious minds, especially families with children. 🌌

Hi @Akaash4 😊

Thank you for your nice reply!

 

That sounds like such a marvelous experience. How did you come up with the idea? 😍

Did you study astronomy in school or university?


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

Hi @Elisa 

I've always been fascinated by the stars. I'm part of a biking community that does road trips, and it was on one of those journeys, while riding through the Himalayas - that I truly discovered the beauty of the night sky. That moment led me to buy my first telescope.

From there, I began learning everything on my own—through YouTube videos, astronomy books, and a lot of trial and error. I've also always had a deep interest in Greek mythology and have found those ancient stories incredibly captivating.

So, when I decided to start hosting astronomy experiences, I built them layer by layer -experimenting with different formats and approaches. Over time, I found that weaving in narrative elements worked best. Guests really connect with stories they can relate back to their own lives, and it transforms the session from just stargazing into something meaningful and memorable.

Hi @Akaash4 😊

I can really feel your passion, and it’s beautiful that you’ve been able to learn everything on your own.


Thank you so much again for sharing all these lovely details about your hosting journey. 😍

 

Wishing you all the best!


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

Guests are sending ridiculous harassment messages without identity verification and this needs to be stopped.. For example, one guest wrote in his message (I am a man but can I walk around the house in women's clothing?) I don't know if he is making fun of this or if he is serious. On the other hand, some guests are really extremely disturbing. My house is in an expensive area as a region. Even the worst hostels here start at 5,000 TL per night. While I am offering people clean rooms for 1500 TL per day. They are always asking for things as if they were Hilton customers and this is starting to get annoying. There are a lot of people who don't really read the profiles. I especially removed the part where I confirm the reservations immediately. and first I have a short chat with the guest and then I decide whether to confirm the reservation or not. Of course, in addition to this, there are people who take away twice the money they gave from you and there are those who smoke in bed and burn the bed sheets and the bed. There are those who leave the room with a disgusting bad smell without taking out their garbage, but there are those who at least could open the window but don't even feel the need to do that. There are people who use the bathroom in a disgusting way, one of them broke the shower cabin door. There are people who open the room door's key like a hotel key and knock on the door in the middle of the night.. There are people who drink alcohol and vomit in the hallway. I can tell you the answer to this question until the morning. I know in particular that you will tell me that if there is any damage, the aircover system will cover it.. No, it does not cover all of them. I know this because I have experienced it myself. I help stray animals with the money I get from the rooms. I have had many animals treated. Some days I don't take reservations just to relax my mind. I found the solution. Chat with the guest for a while, if he is a respectful person there is no problem. ..but if the cocky people is trying to manipulate you by giving aggressive answers, walk away immediately.. this is your living space, peace of mind is important before money.....The more I get to know people, the better I understand why I love animals so much..

After a long stay, I learned that the guest wanted a refund and said that he was not happy and comfortable here for 2 weeks. Why did he stay for 2 weeks and why didn't he say this before? We also have a cleaner in our family, an old woman who has worked for us for 11 years. She cleans the rooms every day. We text her to see if the guest is in the room, and if they are, she cleans. When accusing people, you will have evidence. Just be careful of people who are trying to get their money back to make the stay free. I have 100 reviews and they are all 5 stars. I am a super host. But I think he is a super host in name only. It doesn't do anything. Unfortunately, because you hire incompetent editors, customer service can send you messages accusing you of not seeing the effort you put in. I don't even believe that many customer service staff speak English properly. They don't even understand the English you speak. Big things have happened too, but we didn't take them to court. Because when some good editors who work for us contacted me for a moment, I thought there was no point in making a bigger deal out of it and I closed the subject. I can talk about this here until the morning. We deal with the guests that bother me in one way or another. There is only one thing that bothers me, and that is that the editors' customer service is more professional. When sending a message to a host, they should first examine that profile and see who they are. They should not expect the host to host new guests here by ruining their morale and lowering their motivation for no reason. Let them act in accordance with the evidence. Let the evidence speak, not the verbal statements made by the guest or the host...

 ThanksThese were things that had been in me for a long time, thank you for making me tell them Miss Elisa 🌷👋

 

 

Hi @Adel2330 😊

Thank you so much for sharing all these examples from your difficult experiences.

 

I can only imagine how challenging some of those moments must have been!

 

You’re always welcome to share your experiences and discuss with other hosts here in the Community Center. This is a great place to find support from fellow hosts in pressing situations like these.


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center
Amrita8
Level 4
Chennai, India

I used to  get irritated when bookers repeatedly ask about  amenities which are already mentioned& would want to directly book in order to save on taxes & mostly bargain for trivial things .

Now I patiently answer them all the time . It was quite a challenge  I can say.

 

Tara0
Level 10
Oxford, United Kingdom

Hi @Amrita8 I completely understand when they ask about things already answered in the listing! It's still annoying but I tell myself we're in the 'hospitality' business and it's our job to be friendly and professional at all times. However, I would politely decline an off-platform booking (though I don't remember anyone ever asking in 11 years of hosting). I will occasionally agree small 'favours' such as a late check-out, but only if it suits my cleaning lady to work later. The guests who ask for 'extras' tend to then want another thing, and another.

Hi @Amrita8 😊

Thank you for sharing this here!

 

I completely understand the frustration.
How were you managing this before? Were you responding to those messages as well?


-----


Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

More tools to help you meet your goals

Resource Center

Explore guides for hospitality, managing your listing, and growing your business.