Tips for Hosting Airbnb Holiday Guests

airbnb holiday guests

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.com 

With airlines forecasting a record number travelers for this holiday season, it’s no surprise that many of you will be hosting guests through Airbnb.

What could you do as a host during this festive but often stressful time for travelers?

Here are 4 tips to make your Airbnb guests’ holiday stay more enjoyable.

Airbnb Holiday Tip #1: Do Invite, Don’t Impose

People travel during the holidays for different reasons. Some travel to get TO their families while others travel to get AWAY from their families.  Some will have fully packed schedules while others have made no specific plans other than staying at your Airbnb unit.  So don’t assume anything.

Have a really fun holiday tradition with your family? Invite your guest if you’re up for it.  Or if you are hosting a holiday party with friends and family in the house while your guests are staying with you, it definitely a good idea to extend a friendly invitation.  (It’s also a good idea to let potential guests know of these before they book with you).

Invite but don’t impose.  An invitation does not assume they’ll want to come to join your event.  Ask once, give the relevant information, and then give the guests space to decide.  Do set aside some things assuming they do show up like having a place to sit, a set of dishes, a wine glass, etc… If they don’t come, you can set aside some food and drinks just for them.

Little gestures can go a long way. But leave it there and don’t become annoying to your guests.

Airbnb Holiday Tip #2: Do Add Seasonal Elements

Adding a few seasonally appropriate decor accents and items could really create that warm and welcoming holiday feel for your unit.  It doesn’t have to be large or expensive.

Here are some ideas:

  • Kitchen – add seasonal drink packets like hot chocolate, have a carton of eggnog in the fridge, pumpkin pie, seasonal coffee flavors, fresh baked cookies or bread, holiday sweets, etc…
  • Decor – dried pinecones, pumpkins, Christmas tree, stockings, add a festive touch with accents of green, red, and autumn colors, scented candles, etc… Here are a 21 different looks you could emulate for the holidays (including a minimalist style).  Again, it could just be cheap and simple additions.

Just don’t go overboard. Understated is key so that those who care will notice the holiday touches but those who don’t won’t feel like they’re drowning in it.

Airbnb Holiday Tip #3: Do Some Research For Your Guests

Doing a little research about what’s going on in your area during your guest’s stay could make the difference between a stressful or enjoyable stay.

Find out about the following and share with your guests before their arrival:

  • What is the weather going to be like?  Is there expected rain, ice, mud, etc…or anything that might affect their access to and from the unit? Road closures?
  • Are there any holiday events locally? Share the dates and links with them.
  • Are there special holiday offerings from local businesses? Gather those coupons and details and include it in the welcome package. Are their special holiday lights for viewing in a certain neighborhood? Tell them the best days and times to go visit.
  • Have there been scammers knocking on doors? Provide a warning of what to expect and avoid.
  • Include any other seasonal variables that could affect your guests during their stay with you.

Airbnb Holiday Tip #4: Make Sure Your Unit is Stocked Full on All Essentials

There are many ways to deliver a great guest experience as an Airbnb host, but some are easier than others.

Sometimes, having the right item in your Airbnb listing can make all the difference.

Besides the obvious items to stock, here is a list of other items that hosts tend to forget.  And guests won’t notice if you have them until they need them.

Do you have these other Airbnb essentials for your listing?


What do you do to differently, if anything, for your holiday guests?

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