Mindful Host
Creating a Welcoming Space for Guests
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When guests enter your home after a long flight or lengthy drive, we want them to feel like they can breathe and relax. In our design, we can create “wow” factors that entice their senses, and attract them to book our home, but when they arrive we want those design aspects to also offer superior comfort.
If you arrive at a hotel, the first thing most people do is test out the bed. The same is true in an Airbnb. Guests want beds and linens to feel luxurious. When we as hosts choose items to decorate our home or outfit a bed we are thinking about our guests over our own needs. Hospitality is an art form, and gift where we can shower people we don’t even know by the choices we make decorating our home. Being mindful of people’s sensitivities to scents and fabrics are important when choosing bedding and laundry detergents. Using essential oils instead of scented candles can also provide a welcoming, calming scent in your home that will relax guests.
A smart home can also help relax the mind of both the guest and the host. It provides a sense of security and safety, showing that you care about the well-being of your guests. Creating a smart home also gives you, the host, peace of mind knowing that you can check in on your house from anywhere. You can check on your guests and be sure they arrive ok, and that the guests you expected are who actually show up.
We can also be mindful of our environment when setting up our Airbnb. Your home doesn’t have to be filled with one time use items. Using eco-friendly products, re-fillable containers, shopping at vintage or second-hand stores for furniture, are all ways you can provide your guests with a stay that says you care.
There are a lot of Airbnbs that are setup where the hosts never stay there, so they are equipped with the bare-bone essentials. In the homes I setup, I encourage all hosts to fully equip and stock their rental so that guests don’t have to run out and buy laundry detergent for a single wash. I convey to each host that our goal is to host guests in the same way we would host or treat our family. We want them to feel welcome, be able to easily find what they need around the house, and to leave with the desire to return.
If you are ready to setup your first Airbnb or maybe make some updates to your existing rental, I’m here to help you.
“The house was so cozy and offered everything we needed. A place for the kids, a quiet area for adult conversations, a great outside space for morning coffee! The bedrooms were well thought out with outlets and extra plugs where needed. Lyndsay was a great hostess going out of her way when the power in the whole town was put upon our arrrival she made sure we were able to get in still. Also kept us updated on restoration times! Would definitely stay again!” —Airbnb Guest Review T. Cloud
