Hosting with intention because 5-star experiences come first
Hosting with intention because 5-star experiences come first
If you’ve been hosting for a while, you’ve likely got the basics down: your property is listed, bookings are rolling in, and guests are generally happy. But once you reach what I call the “Optimize” stage in your short-term rental…
As an Airbnb host and someone who takes pride in creating a welcoming, functional space, both for Airbnb guests and my friends and family, I’ve come to realize that small details matter more than we think. Sure, everyone loves a…
A Warm Welcome to the World of Short-Term Rentals Welcome to the bustling universe of short-term rentals, where every host has their own unique tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just dipping your toes into this thriving…
When I first started hosting, I thought I had all the essentials covered: towels, extra sheets, coffee, and a few snacks in the pantry. But one of my early international guests (visiting from England) gave me a lesson I’ll never…
When I first got started hosting on Airbnb nearly a decade ago, I was just focused on providing a great stay and collecting my first reviews. Back then, the idea of creating a direct booking website sounded complicated, expensive, and…
When I started hosting on Airbnb nearly a decade ago, I wasn’t thinking about “scaling.” I just wanted to offer a great guest experience, make the space shine, and bring in some supplemental income. But once I had my first…
As a short-term rental host and homeowner, I’ve asked myself this question more than once: How important is landscaping, really? The short answer? It depends. While some properties truly benefit from lush gardens and carefully staged outdoor (think event spaces…
Running a short-term rental can be incredibly rewarding, and if you’re anything like me, you quickly discover just how many tiny conversations go into hosting every single booking. From welcoming messages to pet policies to check-in instructions, I found myself…
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hosted dozens of stays, managing a short-term rental (STR) comes with a steep learning curve. Hosts wear many hats: cleaning coordinator, guest services, repair manager, and sometimes, conflict resolution expert. To help you…
More than a handful of times I’ve had to play detective after receiving a message from a guest who was expressing some sort of dissatisfaction. It’s disheartening when we try to keep track of every detail and make sure every…
As a short-term rental host, it’s easy to focus on what to provide: stylish decor, a stocked kitchen, thoughtful extras, but just as important is what you shouldn’t leave in your Airbnb. Keeping your rental free from risky or high-maintenance…
As a short-term rental host, your space is under constant use. Unlike a typical household, your furniture, linens, and everyday essentials are put through more wear and tear, often with less care. But how often should you replace key items…
Now that I also own a short-term rental, I find myself applying those same principles, but with a slightly different lens. While sellers usually renovate for buyers, STR owners renovate for guests. And while some upgrades are cosmetic luxuries, others…
When it comes to stocking a short-term rental kitchen, one of the most debated topics between hosts and guests is this: should condiments be left in the fridge? From ketchup packets to open jars of mayo, the line between helpful…
As short-term rental hosts, we quickly learn that no two guests are alike, and that includes the furry (or feathered, or scaly) ones they might bring with them. From playful pups to surprise ferrets, hosting guests with pets can be…
Types of Vacuums: Features, Floor Compatibility, and Use Cases When managing a short-term rental, cleanliness is one of the top drivers behind glowing 5-star reviews. While professional turnover cleanings ensure your space is guest-ready, having the right vacuum cleaner(s) on…
Stocked and Ready: Essential Products Every Short-Term Rental Host Should Provide Creating a five-star guest experience goes far beyond stylish decor or a well-written welcome guide, it’s also about having the right essentials available when your guests need them. A…
1. Jenna – “They threatened a bad review unless I refunded the whole stay.” Jenna runs a cozy two-bedroom lake house listed on both Airbnb and Vrbo. Last summer, she received a booking from a guest who messaged immediately upon…
We’ve gathered feedback from across the internet to share some of the behind-the-scenes happenings from professional cleaner’s experiences. Read on to find out what our cleaning partners have to say, and how we as hosts can proactively make their jobs…
When you’re setting up a short-term rental, one of the details that makes a big impression, both in photos and in guest satisfaction, is the bed. A well-made, clean, and comfortable bed is a hallmark of a quality stay. But…