Warm Welcomes: Tips for Creating a Great Homestay

great homestay

Renting out your personal space as a vacation homestay has been an upward trend in recent years. Sharing your home with vacationers can be a really rewarding experience, both for you and for them, since travel and hospitality can expand our horizons and bring us closer together. Read on to learn some key tips for creating a great homestay that will keep your guests coming back year after year!

KNOW THE RULES

If you’re planning to create a homestay rental, check local regulations first. Some cities or even neighborhoods have rules limiting homestay options. Others may require special permits or tax documentation. Check your local noise ordinance (if applicable), parking rules, and COVID-19 travel restrictions so you can pass along as much info as possible to your guests. Do your research beforehand so you don’t run into any regulatory issues!

Don’t forget to set your own rules, too. Many people wish to travel with pets, but some people are allergic to pet hair left on furniture; be clear in your listing about whether pets are allowed, encouraged, or a definite no-no. Feel free to set your own rules on things like smoking, parties, and extra guests. Over-communication never hurts!

LOVE YOUR LISTING

How do you get people to come stay in your home? Fantastic listing photos and descriptions, of course! Whether you’re using a homestay website or app, or advertising on your own, photos can make or break your chances of booking. If you want to rent your place out regularly, invest in professional photos that can really show off your space to its full advantage. Even if you just take photos yourself, make sure you have a lot of light, show amenities clearly, and—most importantly—clean everything up! In your listing description, be clear about what you offer and don’t skimp on details. If guests can picture themselves comfortably inhabiting your space, you’ll be well on your way to securing repeat business.

AWESOME ARRIVALS AND BREEZY GOODBYES

Checking in and checking out can get complicated. Brainstorm possible pain points to see if you can make anything easier for your guests. Is your place hard to find? Provide a map and GPS coordinates or detailed directions once you get a booking! Is parking a beast? Add some suggestions so your guests don’t panic. Does the key stick in the front door? Make sure you tell your guests just how they need to jiggle it to get in without frustration. Guests arriving after dark? Leave on some lights!

If you have preferences for how guests leave your space, be up front about them (for example, you may want guests to strip the bed or start the dishwasher; just remember that easier is better when people are rushing to get out the door). Consider providing your personal phone number and encouraging guests to contact you if they run into issues—and be available during check-in and checkout times just in case!

COMFORT IS KEY!

A comfortable sleeping area is an absolute must for a successful homestay. White linens convey cleanliness and calm, so considering investing in three crisp white sets of sheets (one to make the bed, one to change our during longer stays, and one for backup or during washing). Be sure you have enough towels, blankets, and pillows, and consider what other needs your guests may have. If you’re catering to remote workers, set aside a dedicated work space with access to power outlets, lights, and Wi-Fi. You may wish to provide coffee and tea options or other kitchen essentials like pots and pans, plates and silverware, and cooking oil. Think about what you like to see when you travel and let that guide you as you prepare your space for guests!

THAT SPECIAL TOUCH

Traveling is hard! After a long day of getting from point A to point B, most folks appreciate a little pampering. Consider placing fresh flowers by the bed, stocking the bath with luxurious soaps, or leaving a small welcome basket for your guests. Have a veggie garden? Leave some of your homegrown produce in the kitchen! Think about what makes your city or area special: the food, the drinks, the local goods. Giving your guests a taste of place will help them remember what a great, unique homestay you’ve created! \

great homestay

Are there other things we’ve missed? What’s something that makes a space feels special when you arrive? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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