21 Pro Airbnb Tips and Tricks to Improve your Hosting Skills

Curious about how some Airbnb hosts effortlessly earn substantial income and rave reviews from their guests? These savvy hosts have unlocked the secrets to success on the platform, and we’ve gathered their best Airbnb host tips for you!

Our 21 incredibly useful Airbnb tips and tricks will help make your hosting experience stress-free and enjoyable. From arrival information to providing amenities, our guide covers everything you need to know about being a successful Airbnb host.

So get ready to become a top-rated host, elevate your vacation rental business and start earning those five-star reviews!

1. Be honest about the features of your vacation rental

It’s always best to be upfront about any unique features or challenges your place may have. This can help set realistic expectations for potential visitors and prevent any surprises down the line. Whether it’s a quirky layout, an unconventional design choice, or just a lot of stairs , make sure to highlight these details in the description of your Airbnb listing. Including photos can also be helpful in giving people an accurate sense of what your space is like.

By being transparent from the start, you’ll be more likely to attract guests who are a good fit for your vacation rental and avoid any unexpected issues during their stay.

2. Make your guests happy with flexible check-in and check-out times

Regardless of your guests’ travel purpose, be it business or pleasure, the check-in and check-out procedures can be unnecessarily frustrating. Typically, Airbnb hosts require guests to stick to specific timings for checking in and vacating their properties, offering little flexibility.

In today’s era of mobile booking, mobile check-in, and experiential travel, this inflexibility remains one of the few significant irritations in the travel process.

Attempt to accommodate your guests’ schedules rather than imposing your check-in and check-out times upon them.

3. Start saying YES to new Airbnb profiles (even those with 0 reviews)

Most hosts want to be extra careful with who enters and exits their property, often requiring guests to have used Airbnb before.

However, consider all the new Airbnb users you may be losing. Thousands of new users sign up on Airbnb each day, and you could be missing out on a significant opportunity. New guests don’t necessarily equate to bad guests.

4. Surprise your guests – Always deliver a bit more than promised in the Airbnb listing.

Providing exceptional hospitality is essential to create a memorable guest experience. But going the extra mile will leave a lasting impression.

For instance, a guest once asked me if i had a wok somewhere in my kitchen, but i didn’t. Instead of saying no to her, I took the initiative to purchase a wok for her the same day. Not only did this gesture delight my guest, but it also served as a tax-deductible business expense and proved useful for future visitors.

5. Send guests an email a week prior to their arrival.

Always send a personalized email to your guests one week prior to their arrival, providing information about your listing, the neighborhood, dining options, coffee shops, and activities. This is particularly helpful for international visitors who may not have access to data on their phones.

It’s always helpful to provide arrival instructions, Google map location, and parking information for those traveling by car.

6. Leave sticky notes around all of the electronics.

This way, guests will know exactly what they need to do.

7. Ask them about their food preferences right when they book

Email/message your guests right after they book to ask them how they take their coffee, and if they have any dietary restrictions. Make them feel special and happy they chose to book your property.

Another good idea is to ask your guests which fruits they prefer and leave some in the property for their check-in.

8. Leave your guests plenty of information on what to do in the area.

Provide your guests with a list of things to do in your area, including dining options, coffee shops, local attractions, and family-friendly activities for children. This will help them prepare for their trip and they will appreciate the information you share.

9. Whenever possible, greet guests at the door — and be sensitive to their needs when they first arrive.

Be present for your guests upon their arrival. Greeting guests is always beneficial, particularly for international travelers who may be unfamiliar with your area or country. Some guests have numerous questions, while others prefer solitude. If needed, conduct a brief walkthrough of your property and inform them about where all the essential items are (towels, cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper etc).

In addition to being helpful, you could go above and beyond for your guests and kindly offer to assist with carrying their luggage as well. This small gesture can make a big difference in their travel experience by showing that you care about their comfort and well-being.

10. Offer them a welcome drink, or leave them a bottle of wine in their room for when they arrive.

Depending on the time of day, offer your guests a refreshing glass of water to quench their thirst, or a hot cup of coffee or tea to invigorate their senses. For those who prefer something stronger, you can provide them with an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine to help them unwind. Whatever their preference may be, be dedicated to ensuring that all our guests feel welcome and taken care of during their stay.

11. Have soft music playing when your guests arrive.

Setting the right ambiance for your space can greatly impact the overall feel and personality of your environment. One easy way to achieve this is by incorporating soft background music into the mix. Whether you choose to play it on the radio or through your TV, adding some soothing tunes can help create a more relaxing atmosphere that’s sure to make you and any guests feel right at home. Plus, with countless options to choose from, you’re sure to find a playlist or station that suits your personal taste and style perfectly.

So why not give it a try and see just how much of a difference some simple background music can make?

12 Decorate your space with interesting art, furniture, and bedding.

If the guests wanted to stay at a boring hotel, they would. Provide a unique and memorable home-like experience by incorporating intriguing art and furniture.

13. Can’t meet your guests on check-in? Use a key-less lock.

One way to provide convenience and security for guests is by using a key-less lock system. By setting up a personalized code for each guest, you can ensure that only authorized individuals are granted access to your property. This not only gives your guests peace of mind, but it also eliminates the need to keep track of physical keys – reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys. Furthermore, this approach provides additional assurance in knowing that each guest’s code is unique and cannot be accessed by previous or subsequent visitors.

Overall, implementing a key-less lock system can be a simple yet effective solution for enhancing both the convenience and safety of your rental property.

14. K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, stupid

But please, don’t kiss your guests 🙂

There are numerous ways to make your guests feel at home without breaking the bank. While extravagant gifts and luxurious accommodations may seem like an impressive gesture, it’s the small details that truly matter – offering a clean and cozy space can go a long way in making your guests feel welcome. A tidy and organized home with minimal clutter not only creates a relaxing environment, but also shows that you have put thought into their comfort during their stay.

By providing a comfortable atmosphere, you can ensure that your guests will remember their stay fondly and even recommend your hospitality to others.

15. Leave some fresh flowers.

Adding fresh flowers to your bedroom and bathroom not only adds a pop of color, but also has a calming effect on the mind and body. These small yet thoughtful details can make a big difference in how you feel about your space. And by switching up the types of flowers or their arrangement, you can create an element of surprise that keeps things interesting and refreshing. It’s amazing how such simple gestures can go a long way in brightening up your guest’s day.

16. Invest in good ambient lighting.

One of the most effective ways to enhance the ambiance and allure of your space is by utilizing ambient lighting. With its subtle warmth and gentle glow, you can create an inviting atmosphere that makes your space feel more welcoming and relaxing – even when you’re not around! When we talk about ambient lighting, we mean using soft white lights rather than harsh overhead lighting that creates unappealing shadows. It’s important to avoid bright blue or fluorescent lights, which can be too intense for a comfortable and cozy setting. By incorporating ambient lighting into your interior design, you’ll be amazed at how much it can transform the look and feel of your home or office.

17. Clean! Clean! Clean!

Ensuring that your guests leave with a positive impression can be achieved through meticulous attention to detail in the cleaning of their accommodations. A great way to achieve this is by thoroughly cleaning all areas, including the shower, toilet, sink and floors after every guest departs. By doing so, you will not only provide a clean and welcoming environment for your guests but also demonstrate that their satisfaction is of utmost importance to you.

18. Books and board games for your guests.

To ensure the comfort of your guests, it is advisable to have a few additional items in your living room. Apart from ensuring that there are cozy blankets by the couch, you could also provide some interesting books and engaging games for your guests to enjoy during their visit. This will not only help them pass the time but will also create a welcoming and warm atmosphere in your home.

19. If you live on site, invite your guests to join you for dinner if the vibe is right. And why not cook them something local?

Living on site has its perks, and one of them is being able to invite guests over for dinner. Of course, this depends on the vibe and atmosphere – you don’t want to make your guests feel uncomfortable or out of place. However, if everything feels right, why not take it a step further and prepare for them a local dish? Sharing a taste of the area’s cuisine can be a fun and memorable experience for all involved.

20. Offer a welcome basket with snacks — the investment will pay off tenfold in your reviews.

One of the best ways to ensure that your Airbnb guests enjoy their stay is by providing your guests a welcome basket. By offering snacks and drinks for your guests can make a big difference in how they perceive their experience, and it’s an investment that will pay off tenfold in good reviews.

When guests arrive at your home, they’re often tired, hungry, and looking for something to snack on. By offering them a selection of tasty treats, you’ll be able to immediately make them feel welcomed and appreciated. Not only that, but having a variety of snacks available will also give your guests the opportunity to try something new or indulge in a guilty pleasure.

In addition to snacks, consider stocking up on beverages as well. Providing your guests with coffee, tea, and other drinks is a simple yet effective way to show them that you care about their comfort during their stay.

Taking the time to stock up on snacks and drinks for your Airbnb guests is a small investment that can have a big impact on their experience. By doing so, you’ll be able to create an inviting atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests – resulting in more positive reviews and higher ratings.

21. Leave your guests with all of the supplies they need.

As a thoughtful host, it’s important to ensure that your guests feel comfortable and well taken care of during their stay. One way to do this is by providing them with useful items that can come in handy in unexpected situations. Consider keeping an emergency kit on hand that includes essentials such as an umbrella for rainy days, a flashlight for power outages, a medicine kit for any minor health issues, and Band-Aids for cuts and scrapes.

By doing so, you’ll be able to demonstrate your hospitality and show your guests that you truly care about their well-being.