The 5 Love Languages of STR hosts.
For many Airbnb and STR hosts, hosting is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle. If you are the sort of host who puts their heart and soul into all areas of your business, then this post is for you. Why? Because discovering your hosting love language can help in so many aspects of your business. You as a Wholehearted Host know that there are gains that are more than simply financial. I too, discovered this early on in my hosting and I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about what it means to be a Wholehearted Host. In fact, I am currently writing an entire book all about this. But in the spirit of appropriating a famous idea from another famous book, here are my thoughts of the 5 Love Languages of STR Hosts – join me to discover your hosting love language!
Yes I know, I have totally appropriated the concept created by Dr. Gary Chapman. But here it is applied to the life of a Wholehearted Host. I’d love to hear your feedback on if you can see yourself represented in this post and also, if you think a quiz would be fun.
Different hosts approach their hosting in different ways. They are still delivering an exceptional guest experience, but one that is uniquely them. Part of your STR brand is reflective of who you are as a host and what style of hospitality you deliver in your business. Are you the sort of host who likes to show your Wholehearted appreciation to your guests through amazing communication or through stunning design or using thoughtful amenities to surprise and delight?
Which one of these Hosting Love Languages reflects your hosting style?
- Communication
You are the sort of host who believes that a well informed guest is a happy guest. You do not leave anything to chance and provide timely and helpful information at every stage of the guest experience. From the listing copywriting to the guest messaging and the up-to-date guest handbook, you have thought of every possible question your guest might have and provide useful solutions to every possible scenario. Your desire to help a guest maximise their enjoyment of your space and your neighbourhood, shines through. Any safety information is easily accessible and clearly understood.
Click on the links above to read more blog posts on these subjects.
- Personal Touch
You are the sort of host who leaves personalised messages to welcome your guests – either handwritten or digital or even with a blackboard. Plus, you understand their needs and have suggestions for itineraries or experiences that will enhance their stay. Also, you have set up relationships with local companies where your guests can experience additional service and hospitality if they mention your name. Even if you never meet your guests in person, they will always feel like you care for their comfort and convenience as you check in with your guests at each stage of their stay.
- Surprise and Delight
Forget the old chocolate on the pillow, your hospitality to guests is next level. You know just what will make your guests smile with the little touches around your listing. You know that a family with small children will be delighted by the kids toys or books for them to use. Or that the complimentary s’mores basket will be perfect for nights around the firepit. Or that the local artisan coffee is a charming addition to your commercial pod selection. No commercial shampoo and soap in your listing – you have chosen unique or local brands that show your guests something they have never seen before. Generic is not in your vocabulary.
For more ideas on Surprise and Delighting guests, I wrote a full blog post here.
- Design & Flow
You show your love towards guests in how you design your listing. From how you have thoughtfully placed furniture to create an easy flow for guests arriving with luggage, to the stylish bedside lamps that include a phone charging station, to the creative use of colour, artwork and soft furnishings. You have really put yourself into the guests’ shoes and considered the convenience and comfort into the furniture choice, design and function of how they will experience their stay. You have chosen decor that will delight all their senses and show an intentionality to their placement. Your guests will be attracted to book from the warmth shining through in your photos and not just flip past another cookie cutter listing that looks like an ad for a big box furniture chain.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance
Your WiFi is lightning fast, your towels are always fresh and bouncy, your pillows are replaced regularly. You show your wholehearted approach to each guest as if they were your first. You never let your standards slip no matter how many years you have hosted. Plus, you never need to make excuses for your listing advertising amenities you no longer provide or that are unusable due to damage or wear and tear. Your standards evolve as the needs and wants of guests have evolved. You have updated designs as fashions change and have added additional amenities in response to the market. There are systems you have in place to ensure cleanliness standards and preventative maintenance as well as reactive maintenance whenever there is an issue.
So what do you think? Is this all a bit over the top? We are all a bit of everything but there are some areas in which we excel more than others.
Every host is different and we put our stamp onto our businesses in different ways. For me, I am all about setting up a house with the flow in mind. I want to really make sure that a guest can arrive with luggage and have a straight shot through to the bedroom without navigating furniture. Yes this helps me out too as it means there is less wear and tear on the house – so win-win. I am also all about communication. I have a fully fleshed out listing copy, a comprehensive house book, timely automated messages for ease of check ins and labels on appliances throughout. Plus of course house rules easily accessible.
So my love languages are definitely Communication and Design and Flow. What are yours? Drop me a comment below.
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