Surprising Lessons Learned in My First Year as an Airbnb Host

Hello there! Suzette here 👋, I started this blog to talk all things short term rental (and Docubnb 😉) so what better way to kick it off than by sharing insights from my experience hosting over 40+ guests in the last 8 months. Join me as I unravel the most surprising aspect of my journey as a Airbnb host.

So, a little backstory: my hubby and I are from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, born and raised, but for the past 12 years, we’ve been living in Maryland, USA. Our home is filled with the chatter of two inquisitive little girls and the snores of our two dogs (Dwight and Zooey). Despite the joy of our life here, the ache of missing family back home never quite fades. That’s why we made it our mission to visit Puerto Rico whenever possible and dreamt of owning a slice of paradise where we could reconnect with loved ones. When the opportunity presented itself to invest in a cozy beachfront apartment that needed a bit of TLC, we jumped at it. After some fixing-up, we decided to give Airbnb a shot, seeing it as an opportunity to generate some income while also having a convenient getaway whenever we desired.

Since we had never experienced an Airbnb stay before, we knew we had to do our homework. We stumbled upon some interesting stories, but we’re not ones to let someone else’s spooky encounters scare us off and honestly, I’m so glad we took the risk!

Every host will tell you that their first guest is a memory that sticks. You’re eager to make the best first impression, thinking you’ve got everything down pat and every little detail sorted. I still remember the excitement on check-in day it felt like prepping for a blind date that you’re hosting at your place, with all the over-preparation that comes with it! But hey, my first guest turned out to be awesome lots of feedback, solid advice, and super understanding. With each new booking, you tweak things to make it even better for the next guest, until it’s running like a well-oiled machine. And let me tell you, there are definitely some lessons learned along the way!

Here are the 5 things that I’ve learned while hosting.

1. Enjoy the hosting experience: You know what’s been the biggest eye-opener for me? Discovering just how much I adore hosting guests in our little slice of paradise. Getting to know them, hearing about their adventures, and helping them craft unforgettable experiences around the island? It’s been an absolute blast! See, my hubby and I love to travel so we get just how special those memories are. And that’s exactly what we aim to create for our guests, a stay they’ll remember long after they’ve packed their bags. It’s been such a joy hosting so many amazing people, and I can’t wait to keep the good times rolling with even more guests in the future.
2. Underpromise and overdeliver: Sure, it’s tempting to paint your property in the best light possible, show off those stunning photos, and make it sound like a 5-star hotel. But I’ve found that honesty is the best policy! Show your place for what it really is, quirks and all. Be upfront and crystal clear in your listing description. And hey, if your property’s got something unique going for it, flaunt it! People chose your spot for a reason, right? So, play up those quirks and give them a stay they won’t forget!
3. Yes they all want early check-in: Nearly every guest seems to want an early check-in. But sometimes, it’s just not possible, right? So, I’ve learned to have a game plan for them while they’re waiting. I let them know where they can store their luggage, point them to a local spot for a refreshing drink, or suggest a cool hangout nearby. We’ve all been there, worn out from the airport chaos and itching to get started on our adventure. So, having something to occupy their time while they wait? that’s what hosting is all about!
4. Have CLEAR house rules: Another thing I’ve learned early on is the importance of being crystal clear with your house rules. Guests aren’t always keen on diving into the nitty-gritty of dos and don’ts or check-in procedures. But you know what really grabs their attention? Asking them to sign a document. That’s why I went ahead and created Docubnb to help hosts streamline their short-term rental house rules. But hey, that’s a whole other blog post you can dive into over here.
5. Customer service is key: One big lesson I’ve learned from hosting on Airbnb is that customer service is everything. It’s like running your own mini 5-star hotel you’ve gotta nail that service! Being nice and responsive, even if you can’t fix everything right away, can make a huge difference. And you know what? Most guests are pretty understanding they appreciate the effort.

Anyway, being an Airbnb host for the past year has taught me a ton about the ins and outs of travel hospitality and I’ve cherished every single memory. If you’re reading this and you’re on the fence about Airbnb-ing your property, let me tell you, it’s been such a rewarding journey. Trust me, if you take the time to screen your guests properly, you’re in for the ride of a lifetime!

Thanks for reading and happy hosting!

– Suz

https://docubnb.com