Hosting Tips from an Airbnb Super Host

Airbnb has taught us a LOT. Explore some fantastic tips on how to save time and stress less when hosting your next guests.

From An Inspired Nest http://aninspirednest.com/master-bedroom-rug-makeover/

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​HARMONY RETREAT AIRBNB

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Tourists love…
The Iowa State Fair, Adel Sweet Corn Festival, our many bike trails, and RAGBRAI which means more summer guests looking for our hospitality. While the anticipation of connecting with friends and family is exciting, we can’t ignore the pressure we put on ourselves to make a guests stays memorable.
When we began to Airbnb our home, Harmony Retreat in Springfield, NE  and later added Harmony Bungalow in Adel, IA and Harmony Hall  also in Adel, (yep! That’s right, we even airbnb our event venue for overnight indoor “camping” or “glamping” nights) I realized a few time savers and tricks that eased the anxiety of turning our home in just a few short hours for new visitors. We went from aching backs and sometimes panic to creating a simple system that makes hosting fun and stress free.
RELAX! It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s true, people notice certain things when they enter your home. It isn’t the shiny kitchen you painstakingly spent hours cleaning. It’s not the vacuum lines that look like you hired a professional. And I’m sorry it isn’t the dust-bunny free ceiling fans your guests’ anticipated arrival may, or may not have prompted. Although, if you’ve checked that box give your self a high-five!
Guests’ want a clean home and you expect to give that to them. But what they notice is the comfort of your home, the feeling that welcome’s them and says, “This is your home too. Snuggle in and relax” Invest your time adding little touches. Floral arrangements, extra throw pillows and varied light sources create a comfortable environment.

As a frequent traveler & early riser panic sets in when I’m trying to get my first coffee fix of the day on the road. Followed closely by internet access. As a welcome gift to our guests’ we created a hospitality cart complete with a Keurig and all the fixings, bottled water, a few favorite snacks, reading material, and Wi-Fi instructions. This one by Craftaholics Anonymous is totes adorbs…just add some coffee!!

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Use a diffuser (my kids love this InnoGear diffuser) and your favorite essential oils. They’re easy and mess free. Scents spark memories. Every time I recall the wonderful scents of Grandma’s house I smile. Scents are your brand!
Save zippered bags that bed linens come in. Have 2 sets of sheets on hand for each bedroom. When guest’s depart place the clean set you stored in zippered bags on the bed while laundering the other and tucking them away for future guests.
Have “guest only” bath towels and plenty of extra blankets and pillows. Again, use those zippered bags. For an extra fresh scent, add a dryer sheet in each bag.

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Create a cute display of extra toiletries in the bathroom. Restock as they are used.
Cut down on laundry by using disposable wipes like Clorox Clean Ups, to clean counters and baths.
The goal is to create efficiencies in hosting so that you are in a mindset to relax and enjoy the special people in your lives! Happy Hosting!
We would love to hear your ideas. Please share them here or on our Facebook page @harmonyhomes14.