Creating a Home Away from Home: How Airbnb Hosts Make Guests Feel Comfortable
When it comes to choosing a vacation rental, comfort and a homey feel are often at the top of guests' priorities. Many Airbnb hosts understand this well, and they go the extra mile to ensure their properties provide a welcoming, cozy environment that makes guests feel at home.
Taking the time to add extra amenities and other personalization that creates a homey feel is always worth it as an Airbnb host, which is why in this blog post I’m sharing a few ways that you can effectively create a home away from home for your guests!
8 Ways To Make Your Airbnb Feel Like A True Home Away From Home
Thoughtful Amenities
One of the key elements that contribute to a comfortable stay is the availability of thoughtful amenities. Hosts often stock their properties with essentials like toiletries, fresh towels, and kitchen basics, allowing guests to settle in without having to rush to the store. Some even provide extras like coffee, snacks, and local delicacies to add a special touch.
For example, at the C&O Abode in Knoxville, Maryland, the hosts delighted us with a sweet s’mores board complete with all the fixings and cozy campfire blankets. It was a wonderful surprise that allowed us to enjoy a warm family campfire moment right at the beginning of our trip.
2. Personalized Decor
A personalized touch in the decor can make a significant difference. Hosts frequently decorate their spaces with local artwork, unique furnishings, and cozy textiles that reflect the character of the home and the surrounding area. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a sense of warmth and personality that hotels often lack.
Having stayed at hundreds of Airbnbs, we've found that what truly sets our favorites apart is the personality infused into the space and the passion of the hosts who create these homes. From the whimsical wallpaper of Hamilton blowing bubble gum in the half bath at C&O Abode, to the cozy sun porch with a loveseat perfect for sunrise views at Monarch Cottage, to the plush couch spacious enough for the whole family to enjoy a movie night together at Pocono Base Camp, each home offers its own unique charm.
Many of our favorite Airbnbs are hosted by people who aim to provide more than just a place to stay. They strive to create experiences that leave guests feeling rejuvenated rather than in need of another vacation. These hosts also show a deep love for their community by incorporating local elements into their homes. They decorate with works by local artists, include local foods and drinks in welcome baskets, and offer recommendations for the best local dining and attractions.
Pro tip: When decorating your Airbnb, explore local yard sales, thrift shops, and small stores from local artisans. You can find wonderful decor items at a fraction of the cost compared to big box stores. Thrifted pieces can also add a cozy, homey feel to your space—just be careful not to overdo it!
3. Clear Communication
Effective communication is crucial for a smooth and comfortable stay. Many Airbnb hosts make it a point to communicate clearly and promptly with their guests, providing detailed instructions for check-in, local recommendations, and answering any queries quickly. This proactive approach helps guests feel supported and reduces any potential stress.
4. Local Recommendations
To help guests feel more at home, hosts often provide recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities. This insider knowledge allows guests to explore the area like a local, adding to their overall experience and making them feel more connected to the place they are visiting.
Hosts who invest time and effort into creating a detailed welcome guide are truly dedicated to providing their guests with an exceptional experience that leaves a lasting impression. A comprehensive guidebook signals to guests that the hosts are either locals or possess extensive knowledge about the community. This reassurance helps guests feel at ease about finding places to visit and things to do. In an age where information is abundant and often overwhelming, a personalized set of recommendations is a refreshing alternative to endlessly scrolling through countless reviews and suggestions.
Pro tip:
Having both a physical and digital guidebook, such as a blog on your website or a digital PDF that can be easily accessed through a QR code, is fantastic for guests! It allows them to access recommendations on the go and stay informed wherever they are.
Monarch Cottage includes a postcard with a QR code for their digital welcome guidebook. This welcome kit includes two boxes of water (perfect for bringing to the lake!), delicious chocolate (great for making s'mores at the campfire), and this very organized and detailed postcard!
5. Attention to Detail
It's the little details that can make a stay truly memorable. Hosts who pay attention to small touches, like providing a welcome note, offering books and games, or creating a cozy outdoor space, show their commitment to making guests feel valued and comfortable. These thoughtful gestures go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Hosts who pay attention to detail often receive higher reviews. Those who pour love, affection, and time into their space truly reap the rewards when it comes to guest satisfaction. Many hosts start their journey wanting to provide others with memorable experiences—often mirroring the positive experiences they themselves once had. Whether it's offering a sense of peace and calm or a fun night out in the city, hosts tailor their spaces to meet the unique needs of their location. They provide the essentials for guests to rest, relax, and rejuvenate, capturing the essence of what vacations are meant to be.
6. Cleanliness and Safety
A clean and safe environment is paramount for guest comfort. Airbnb hosts often prioritize cleanliness, ensuring their properties are spotless and well-maintained. They also take measures to ensure safety, such as installing smoke detectors, providing first-aid kits, and adhering to local safety regulations.
When we stayed at StayZen, Opal House in Buffalo, we were delighted to find a drawer stocked with essentials like bandaids, other first aid products, q-tips, hairbands, women’s products, small packets of Tylenol, and more. This thoughtful touch was incredibly convenient, as it saved us from having to purchase large bottles or packages if we forgot something or ran out.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability
Understanding that each guest has unique needs, many Airbnb hosts are flexible and adaptable. Whether it's accommodating an early check-in, offering additional bedding for families, or allowing pets, hosts who go the extra mile to meet guests' specific requirements contribute significantly to a home-like experience.
8. A Personal Touch
I remember walking into the Monarch Cottage with my son. As soon as we stepped inside, he turned to me and said, "Mom, this feels like home." It was in that moment I realized just how powerful and comforting a well-prepared Airbnb can be. The warmth of the decor, the welcoming amenities, and the overall ambiance made us feel instantly at ease, as if we had just walked into our own home.
I love that my children have experienced such a variety of Airbnbs, from secluded cabins to inner-city homes in New Orleans. They've encountered diverse communities and people, tasted local cuisine from Nicaragua (in Miami), witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in NOLA, and seen how communities come together to support those in need. This is why we love traveling—exploring new and familiar places, learning about the families who provide a home away from home, and immersing ourselves in the local community.
Overall, creating a home away from home is an art that many Airbnb hosts have mastered. By focusing on thoughtful amenities, personalized decor, clear communication, local recommendations, attention to detail, cleanliness, safety, and flexibility, hosts can provide a comfortable and welcoming environment that makes guests feel truly at home. For travelers seeking a unique and homely stay, these touches can transform a good vacation into an unforgettable experience.
In search of more ways to level up your Airbnb and make it THE place that people can’t wait to stay at? You’re in the right place:
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