The Guest House Blog
Staying in a hotel makes you a better Airbnb host.
In the hospitality world, hotels are king. They will always Airbnb hosts #1 competition when a potential guest searches your area for a place to stay.
I recently spent 3 nights at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California, and here’s a few of my takeaways as an Airbnb property manager:
-Try and Trust Your Guests
Simply, there were not a lot of rules at the hotel. The amenities (gym, pool, hot tub) and all grounds were open from 6a-2a. There’s public fireplaces to hangout at. They simply ask to not smoke in the rooms because its ‘stinky’. They set a vibe and tone and a sense of is trust instilled in the guests to keep the peace and respect each other and the space. Airbnb has a bad rep for having too many rules and it made me reconsider which of mine are necessary and which are micro-manage-y.
A quick look at our room upon check-in. The first impression is so important: it can make or break a stay.
-Amenities Matter Most
I loved that there was a gym. We had a garden fireplace room, which I also loved having. There were high quality pillows that made me re-consider my pillows at home. I spent a ton of time at the pool and the loungers had a sun-shade that I didn’t know I needed. These are the things that will make me re-book when I come back to the area, and that stand out when I think about the overall experience. Amenities will always add value: if you want to charge as much as hotels do, you have to provide as much too, or offer something else with comparable value. Can’t add a pool? What about an outdoor ice plunge tub or a sauna?
Overview of amenities at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
-I Missed Having a Kitchen
The mini fridge was so full of consumables for purchase we had no where to put our leftovers. There was no coffee maker? Which was a first at a hotel for me. Also no microwave. We got by. But—if you are spending more than a couple nights, or bringing kids, you will end up spending a small fortune on food and drinks. Airbnb’s (usually) have a kitchen space, which is a huge plus. It adds a lot of value for many guests, especially those travelling in groups or families or for longer periods of time. What type of guest you are appealing to, and how long they’re likely to stay, is an important thing to consider when designing and adding amenities to your Airbnb.
-It’s Hard to Match the Customer Service
Need a number for pizza at 11pm? You can call the 24/7 lobby. Want to get your room cleaned and fresh towels delivered? Just call and let the desk know, there’s no cleaning charge. Though you can call your Airbnb host at 11pm for a simple question, most guests are much more hesitant (myself included), because they think they’re bugging the host. That’s not necessarily the case, but having an easily accessible local guidebook, and over emphasizing to your guests to reach out if they need anything at all goes a long way. Though you probably can’t offer free cleaning or an endless towel supply, make sure you are providing a cleaning kit and enough of everything for each person so your guests are comfortable and can clean up after themselves during their stay.
The world of Airbnb is an ever-changing landscape, and it helps to have professionals in your corner to make sure you are providing a great product for your guests. This is what will set you apart from your competition and help you to earn a profit on your real estate investment. Guest House Airbnb Management based out of Niagara Falls, Ontario manages properties with a hospitality focus that aims to provide a consistent and seamless stay for every guest. If you are interested in learning more about our services, click here to connect.
6 hospitality touches that guests love at Airbnb’s
Gone are the days of throwing furniture into a room and calling it an Airbnb. Now, guests are looking for an experience when they stay at your property. A well thought out, personal, and welcoming stay with hotel-quality (if not better) hospitality.
We asked our Instagram followers what hospitality means to them, and, we couldn’t agree more with the answers.
CLEAR AND PROMPT COMMUNICATION
The guest experience begins with your first interaction. You want to provide clear check-in procedures, house rules, and any other pertinent information so that the guests aren’t left trying to figure things out on their own. Keep it succinct and easy to understand: TLDR (too long didn’t read) is a real thing.HIGH QUALITY LINENS
This is something you don’t want to skimp on. There is nothing worse than sleeping in a bed with scratchy sheets, or having to use a tiny hard towel when you get out of the shower. This is an opportunity to leave a sensory memory with your guests, so think: comfort, quality, and luxury.STOCKED ESSENTIALS
“The less I need to bring, the better” is what one of our followers said, and it is so true! Guests now expect the kitchen to have cooking essentials (oils, spices, etc.), and necessary toiletries in the bathroom (shampoo, conditioner, etc.). A fun way to take a unit to the next level is to create a coffee and tea station, especially if you’re located a ways from the nearest Starbucks or Timmy’s. Everyone needs their morning bevy, even when on vacation.A WELCOME GIFT
This is a great way to immediately impress your guests as soon as they enter the unit. And, it doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive: fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, a jar of local honey. Think of it like a party favour — thanking your guests for coming in to your space. Bonus points if you include something from a local business!A LOCAL GUIDEBOOK
As the host, you are the guests’ concierge. Make it easy for them to know where the best places to order food are, or what the must-see spots are in the area. This is also a great way to bounceback business to your community! SPOILER: Guest House will be rolling out downloadable guidebooks for 10 towns/cities in Niagara!ENHANCED CLEANING PRACTICES
Cleanliness is truly everything when it comes to the guest experience. You can nail every other facet of hospitality, but if your property is unclean you will not get a 5-star review. Bathrooms, kitchens, and beds should be spotless when your guests arrive.
Guest House can help you implement these extra touches into your Airbnb property via our consultation services, or through ongoing management. After all, our main goal is to get you a 5-star review. Let’s talk!
Where to eat, drink, and play in Ridgeway, ON
Located 25 minutes south of Niagara Falls is the quaint, up-and-coming village of Ridgeway. It has a has a picturesque downtown with trendy restaurants and shops, and a Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in the summer. It’s about 10 minutes from the Peace Bridge that connects Canada and Buffalo, NY. It neighbours the beach-town of Crystal Beach which is just minutes away (guide to Crystal Beach coming soon!).
The main drag of Ridgeway is located on Ridge Rd and is the perfect spot to start a day exploring the village.
To eat & drink:
335 on the Ridge—the first restaurant to bring fine dining to Ridgeway. The food is second-to-none, and the ambiance inside AND on the patio is idyllic. Order the cup n char pizza and a dirty gin martini. 335 Ridge Rd.
Brimstone Brewing Co. Ridgeway’s own brewery and smokehouse! Be sure to make a stop here, even just to pick up some local brew and check out the space: it’s located in an re-imagined 20th century church. 209 Ridge Rd.
To Play:
Bernard Beach: At the end of Bernard Rd is a small parking lot with public beach access. If you go early in the summer you can snag a spot to lay down, but I more-so recommend it as a jumping off point for a walk along Lake Erie. In the summer the water is beautiful here, and usually crystal clear, so it’s perfect if you want to go in for a dip. But, regardless of the time of year, it is a picturesque spot to check out.
Farmer’s Market: On Saturday mornings from May-Oct at the end of Ridge Rd you’ll find live music, local makers, fresh produce, bakery stands, and so much more. It’s starts early in the morning and ends early afternoon.
Friendship Trail: Go on a walk or bike ride down the Friendship Trail which runs 16km’s from Fort Erie down to Port Colborne. There are many jumping on and off points, but an easy spot to hop on is at the end of Ridge Rd.
To Shop:
Lovely Day: A charming store lovingly curated with a mix of vintage, new, and artisan-made goods. 285 Ridge Rd.
Gypsy Ridge Studio: Hand made home goods, vintage and repurposed clothing, jewelry and some furniture! A very enjoyable shopping experience. 247 Ridge Rd.
Lakeside Books & Art An adorable two-storey shop full of neat books, toys, and vintage knick knacks. Give yourself some time to get lost for a while. 341 Ridge Rd.
Lasting Impressions This shop has been around for more than 20 years and is a benchmark in the area. The whole store is colour-coordinated for a very pleasing shopping experience. 327 Ridge Rd.
Your Farm Gate I can’t mention food in Ridgeway and not talk about this local butcher. This is where you will find the highest quality meat in the area. They have a whole animal approach (nothing goes to waste) and all meat comes from local farmers. 3822 Dominion Rd.