Airbnb Tips: How to Be a Great Guest
By Jenny Javitch, Airbnb Superhost & Founder of Global Game Plan
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Whether you are using Airbnb for the first time, or it’s been a while and you need a refresher, we’ve got you covered! Check out these Airbnb tips, recommended by an Airbnb Superhost, that will help you be a great guest before, during, and after your stay.
You can start off by downloading the Airbnb app to your smartphone. Plan to use it throughout the Airbnb booking process before your visit, and then during your stay as well. Even if you end up booking your reservation on your computer, the Airbnb app is still the most convenient way to communicate with your Airbnb host. Be sure your email and text notifications are turned on so you don’t miss anything!
On a related note, having strong communication with your Airbnb host is important. Be polite and friendly in your messages to your host, and the host should return this courtesy. If you have a question, just reach out and ask in advance of booking…Airbnb hosts should be happy to answer your questions! Airbnb is designed to be a community experience, so it’s best to start out with that mindset from the get-go. At the end of your stay, you and the host will each have an opportunity to write a review about your experiences, so keep the following Airbnb tips in mind so you can earn a positive review from your host.
Searching for an Airbnb
Follow the detailed Airbnb tips outlined here to help you find the best Airbnb for your trip. If you prefer to have someone else do the searching, Global Game Plan offers a vacation rental search service that takes all the pressure off of you.
Read the cancellation policy for your desired listing and be sure it’s something you can live with. Airbnb cancellation policies can be stricter than hotels, which is one of the differences between staying in an Airbnb or a hotel. Do not expect to be able to talk your way out of a cancellation policy if you decide to cancel without any serious extenuating circumstances (or even with them). Unlike a hotel that may be able to rebook your room last minute, the host may just lose out on the income from the reservation if you cancel.
Before booking an Airbnb
To start from scratch, create and fill out your Airbnb profile. This profile will include your phone number, email address, city of residence, and any other information Airbnb asks for. Upload a profile picture (the host isn’t allowed to see your photo until after you’ve booked), and write a short blurb about yourself. Since you are new to Airbnb and don’t have any Airbnb guest reviews, filling out your profile completely will help hosts feel more comfortable renting to you.
Next, make sure you enter the correct number of Airbnb guests who will be staying overnight; and specify the number of adults, children, infants and pets. If you don’t enter in the correct number, the search will default to “one guest,” which shows up as an inaccurate guest count for the host. Be sure that you do not have any more people sleeping at the Airbnb than you originally stated when booking your reservation. If your plans change, communicate with your host in advance of your stay.
When you submit your booking request you will be prompted to share your travel plans with the host. You don't have to go into a huge amount of detail, but write a nice message about what’s bringing you to town, how you are looking forward to staying in their home, etc. This will be a great way to jumpstart your positive communication with the host.
If your desired Airbnb offers “Instant Book” this means you are able to book the space immediately, prior to communicating with your host. If the Airbnb listing is not set up this way, your reservation will not be confirmed until the host accepts your request. Therefore, you should be ready to respond in a timely manner to your host if they contact you. They may be asking you a question, or just establishing communication with you, but it’s important to show them you’re a responsible communicator before they accept your reservation.
Pro-tip: Do not ask about booking outside of the Airbnb platform…this is a red flag to the host and also to Airbnb.
During your stay
Hopefully you thoroughly read through the listing before booking, including the House Rules. These Airbnb rules for guests could be things that are required by the city licensing board or the neighborhood homeowner’s association, or they could be the personal preferences of the Airbnb host. Plan to adhere to these rules throughout your stay and feel free to ask your host if you need clarification.
Do not assume you can have anyone else other than the registered guests (aka the number of guests you listed when booking your Airbnb) come over to the Airbnb. If you plan to invite other people to the Airbnb (e.g. for dinner or to hang out), check the listing for guidance or ask the host in advance to ensure this is okay. If you have a question about this, message the Airbnb host BEFORE booking. Booking an Airbnb for the purpose of having parties is not allowed.
If you’re looking for more information about the home and Airbnb tips for your stay, there should be a guestbook or house manual, either as a hard copy in your Airbnb or online in your reservation information.
Understand that staying in an Airbnb is not the same as staying in a hotel and treat this Airbnb like you’d want your own home to be treated.
Communicate any issues during your stay (for example, if something isn't working) - reach out to the host right away to let them know and give them an opportunity to fix what’s wrong and make the situation right.
There should also be a checkout list (probably located in or near the guestbook) that will let you know if there are cleaning or any other tasks required before you “check out.” Be sure to leave some time at the end of your stay to complete everything.
Plan to leave on time as there may be new guests checking in the same day and the cleaning team needs to begin their work.
Related: 6 Reasons You Will Love Using Global Game Plan as Your Personal Travel Planner
After your stay
If you have time to write a review after your stay, your host would appreciate it. You have an opportunity to write a public review and then also include some private feedback that only goes to your host. Try to leave specific, helpful feedback with details, so future guests will know what to expect on their trip. If something went wrong, but the host fixed it right away, or it was out of the host’s control and seemed like a one-time-thing, consider leaving those critical comments in the private feedback (instead of the public review), as a courtesy to the host. Airbnb provides some suggestions about how to write an Airbnb review for hosts.
If you had a great experience, share the Airbnb property with your friends and family. If you’re able to, stay again – hosts love repeat guests!
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Hopefully you enjoyed these Airbnb tips and found them helpful! You can read more about the travel planning services that Global Game Plan offers here, learn how to save money while traveling and also sign up for our monthly newsletter (you will receive a FREE Airbnb Comparison Chart) where travel tips will arrive in your inbox.
