We all know a ‘superhost’ when we see one; the apartment is spic and span, the location is perfect and there’s fresh coffee just waiting to be brewed in the morning. The home rental app launched in 2008 and has reveled in success over the past few years, as holidaymakers and city breakers alike look for something different to the conventional hotel. The app which has over 400 million users awards its ‘superhost’ status to those who have a wealth of experience in welcoming guests into their homes, providing a top tier experience. With an insight from Fulcare, suppliers of quality polystyrene cups, let’s find out how you can work your way up the ranks towards ‘superhost’ status.
Honesty is the best policy
Give prospective guests the best insight into staying at your property by providing honest, good quality pictures of the facilities. We’ve all heard the horror stories from holidaymakers who arrive at hotels which are still building sites despite contrary advertising, and from this you should paint a truthful picture of your home. This doesn’t mean simply add a nice filter to an image of your bathroom, it’s more about providing information such as the number of stairs to account for accessibility to the property, as this could rule rentals out of the running for less mobile guests. The same goes for location, as being clear on whether you are a five-minute walk into the nearest city centre, or a bus and two metros journey away can make a world of difference. You should aim to give points of relation too, such as ‘the flat is five minutes from Glasgow central station’, to appeal to guests looking for a specific location. Nobody wants to arrive in a far-flung district of London when they were promised a prime location with views of the shard.
Small gestures go a long way
By providing those small home comforts like toiletries or a guide to some of the must-see spots in the city, you can make a guest feel especially happy with the quality of their stay in your place. Some hosts make their own, quirky guide to the best nightlife spots, or they will recommend the best spot in town for a pizza. Others will share perks such as season card passes to galleries or gym memberships, which can make a guest feel much more welcome. It also shows that as a host, you are invested in the quality of the stay, and you’re enthusiastic to help them get the most out of even a one-night stay. If you can offer your guests something special, or personalised to the city you’re in, then it is advisable. Airbnb gives hosts the option to greet guests or allow them to pick keys up from a secure point, and if you can’t be on hand then you should consider leaving them a bottle of wine or a handy guide to the flat- including your contact details and the Wi-Fi password. If you can greet your guests, then a little bit of conversation goes a long way! A small shopping trip for snacks, milk and cereal could see your ratings soar.
Decorate your space
Often, many people find a lack of inspiration in the bland nature of modern hotel rooms. They’re dull, and they do not have individual quirks to admire. If you are renting a room out, try and make it feel homely just as you would with any other part of your home. For hosts who let their entire flats out, don’t fret about your guests judging the shade of your living room throws. Many guests look for these interesting features, and your décor could even inspire their next homeware haul! If you are worried that your home doesn’t have the right kind of feel, then a few canvas prints, candles and fairy lights can provide a quick fix for any ambience woes. Aside from these extras, consider leaving fresh towels for your guests folded on the bed, and perhaps some optional pillows. This is something you could discuss with whichever professional service for commercial cleaning in Columbia, SC (or elsewhere more relevant) you decide to use for your general cleaning, which you’ll want to ensure is done right before the arrival of your guests so they can be charmed by your property and not have to worry about it’s cleanliness.
Greet guests as friends
Overall, a simple touch of friendliness can go a long way. If you are on-site to greet guests, or if you could be, then this is a great opportunity to learn a little bit more about them, and they can put a face to a host name- which looks brilliant in the subsequent reviews! Some simple interaction can create an instant friendship, and a willingness to answer any questions is always a positive thing. Similarly, if you have left your guest with contact details then make sure to be as responsive as possible. If you leave people hanging, then it won’t reflect well on your hopes to become a ‘superhost’. Even considerations such as the food preference of your visitors could be a lovely touch, as it shows that you are invested in making them feel welcome.
So, if you’d like to earn a little bit of extra cash, or if you are already an Airbnb host looking to increase the appeal of your space, then try a few of these ideas out and you’ll be a ‘superhost’ in no time.
Sources:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/anniedaly/pro-tips-from-airbnb-superhosts