Five Travel Etiquette Tips for the Airbnb Host

Opening your home to Airbnb guests is no small feat, but the benefits include meeting friendly and interesting travelers and adding and a new stream of income to your budget. After you’ve done the work of creating a unique, in-depth Airbnb listing with beautiful photos and competitive pricing, the next step is to offer guests a memorable, pleasant stay. Here are my Airbnb Travel Etiquette suggestions for your host role…

As a Mannerly Airbnb Host…

Create a welcoming environment. Houseguests want a clean, orderly space that makes them feel they’re the first guests that have stayed, when they’re in fact, the hundredth. Plush towels and stocked toiletries, including a spare toothbrush, are always a comfort. A bedside lamp, some classic books and magazines, calming decor and basic fridge and cupboard staples will go a long way to help your guests relax into a home away from home. Of course, the WiFi password is another welcome item.

Tell the neighbors. Make sure your neighbors know of your hosting plans – especially if you won’t be on the premises. You don’t want this experience to happen to you. Airbnb guests generally have a great reputation, but there is always the exception to the rule. Exchange numbers and emails and have neighbors contact you immediately with any question of suspicious behavior.

Set boundaries. Although the majority of guests will treat you, your home, and your time respectfully, there are the first-timers and unaware visitors that can blast music after midnight and invite unexpected strangers, which can sour your taste for all guests to come. Don’t assume your guests will remember everything from your listing they read last month during booking. The safest measure is to explain your preferences for quiet time, extra guests, check-out and clean-up face-to-face shortly after arrival and display the reminders in a pretty frame where they won’t be missed. Having this housekeeping conversation up front will help make your expectations known.

Friendliness goes a long way. Greet your guests and give them a tour of the space they will be occupying. Hand over the keys and let them know how to find you if they have questions or need assistance – be it a knock on the door or a text. Give the a brief rundown of the local flavor and answer any questions they might have about the area.

Share. An Airbnb guest might start feeling more like a normal houseguest when asking to borrow spare batteries or a bike pump. As your guest will likely be a stranger, not a relative, lend only what you’re comfortable with or kindly direct them to the store. If there is one bathroom between you and your guest, you’ll be sharing a few common provisions. Make sure there are fresh, accessible towels and toiletries in plain view. And, since “bnb” is in the name, have some breakfast options available. No need for a 5-course meal, but set out a small spread of cereal or bagels, and coffee and tea so they can help themselves.

For more of my Airbnb Travel Etiquette tips, check out my article: 5 Travel Etiquette Tips Every Airbnb Guest Should Practice, on The Huffington Post.