Let’s face it. Hosting guests who come in and out of your property that you have let out on online vacation rental platforms can be challenging. Thankfully, there are ways in which you can take your hosting up a notch. At the end of the day, as hosts, all we want is to put a genuine smile of happiness and satisfaction on our guests’ faces.
Nobody with a sound mind likes guests who are messy, rude, and irresponsible. The best way to make sure your guests are decent ones who don’t go around creating a ruckus is to firmly yet politely ask them their purpose of visit. Perhaps, you might want to ask them for their itinerary or what their plans are for their vacation. If there’s anything fishy about their plans, know that you can politely turn down your guests.
By this, I don’t mean necessarily forking out a huge amount of money to make your guests feel at home. It can be something as simple as folding bath towels in a space-saving shape so that they don’t take up too much space in the wardrobe. It’ll definitely make your guests’ day.
This might seem like a question that is too personal at first glance. However, it is important to have a record of their medical history and allergies. Some may be allergic to certain scents, while others may have a list of food they cannot consume. As a host, you’ll definitely make your life easier by having all these early on, rather than much later.
If you have installed some gadgets or electronic devices around your property, it will be useful to have how-to notes to explain to them about operating these devices. This is especially good in cases where the host is absent or unavailable. If you don’t have the time to print out these how-to notes, make sure you have (a) an electronic copy stored somewhere easy to retrieve or b) a handwritten version that is also legible.
Apart from the usual, expected set of rules that are put forward by most vacation rental websites or companies, it will be helpful to list down house rules that are realistic. Perhaps discouraging deafening music after a certain time at night is better than disallowing music completely.
Communication is a key element. Try sending out a reminder email to your guest at least a week prior to their arrival. This is not only to confirm their presence on the specific dates that they have booked, but to also show that you are willing to put in the effort to be a good host.
If you wish to make entry and exit easier, you might want to look into buying smart locks that are of high quality. Entry and exit is possible, provided you have the necessary app and electronically-generated details. You can breathe easier, knowing that check-in and check-out can be done electronically, with certain key features that come with every smart lock. Should there be an emergency, the host can verbally provide the details.
As a host, it will be good to ask guests if there is any additional item or service that they desire to make the experience a more delightful one. Doing so will be reflected through guest reviews upon their departure.
Both guest and host reviews are the cornerstones in determining the sort of experience that you’ll have. As a host, you have the right to read a guest review prior to accepting a booking, and pen down new reviews once they bid farewell.
It is essential to create a list of reliable contacts, in case of any emergency or maintaining the upkeep of the property. Some plumbers and handymen will be helpful, in case there is a leak or something needs repairing. Try to also come up with a few people who can help if there is any emergency.
Sometimes, no matter how you think you’ve vetted your guests, mishaps or thefts can occur. This is why it’s advisable not to have anything fragile or valuable within the premises.
Know a few friendly neighbours? You can tell them about your business. Explain to them what you’re doing to minimise unruly behaviour. Let them know that you’re also open to feedback, so you can improve. Ensure that they have someone in mind to contact, if any issue arises, especially if you’re going away for a period of time.
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