Accommodation
Over60 Airbnb hosts share their advice for being a great host
Over60 Airbnb hosts shares their top tips for being a great host and getting those coveted five star reviews.
“Set up your mobile/iPad/tablet to receive and accept all bookings. It is important to reply as soon as possible or your guests will choose to book elsewhere. When the booking is confirmed, have a chat over email to find out what type of experience your guest is looking for. Be available but allow privacy – this works both ways for guests and hosts. Finally, offer a point of difference: What makes you different from a motel? What extra things can you add? For example, we offer freshly baked bread and free range eggs for our guests.” – Suzanne Leavesley, 61
“The Wangi Hideaway offers its own entrance and facilities so guests can come and go as they please. We provide a breakfast package starter kit, linen, guest parking space, washing and drying facilities, full bath and shower, kitchenette, queen sized bed, sitting room with TV/DVD player and plenty of DVDs and games, own balcony with small gas BBQ, split system air conditioner and gas heating for comfort. We prefer to leave our guests with lots of information about the area and be there if they need us, without intruding. We discuss guests’ individual expectations and preferences. After all, we want the Wangi Hideaway to be whatever they want it to be.” – Carolyn Le Grand, 65
“I renovated the place thinking of him and what his disabilities would require. I had grab handles installed in the shower to make it easier for people to get in and out. I also provide a shower stool, a shower chair, adjustable shower and a toilet raiser aid. With not many places catering for people with disabilities, I’ve found travellers who are disabled are thrilled to stay at my wheelchair-friendly place.” – Delores Smith, 69
“We like to leave little extras like a packet of bikkies and nice coffee sachets so our guest can sit and relax on arrival. Sometimes we leave a chilled bottle of wine if guests are staying a few days. What else? Basic herbs, spices, sauces and cooking oils are in the pantry. Ice trays filled and ready to use for a cold drink. A fruit bowl with seasonal fruits. A couple of flowering pot plants on the sundeck. We always leave a personalised welcome greeting, tailored to the guests’ needs and interests. The other thing is that we don't cut corners on comfort: quality linens for sleeping comfort, and although the apartment is not a modern trendy style, we have aimed for a homey, easy to live in comfort.” – Louanne and Jim King
“I think the most important a host can bring is their energy. It is about being responsive, warm and welcoming communication, service delivery par excellence in every way, with a product that people want, which means it is well located, well maintained and with generous provisions (tea, coffee, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, vegemite, soy sauce, honey, maple syrup, salt and pepper, toilet paper, paper towel, tissues, bath soap, shampoo, dishwasher tablets, laundry detergent, rubbish bags, batteries, radios, power packs in every room, cutlery/crockery/glassware for eight, and more than enough towels), plus ensuring everything is scrupulously clean.” – Rob Last, 69
If you want to learn more about hosting on Airbnb, please click here.
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