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Think being a stellar Airbnb guest is just about manners?
Think again. Here’s how cleanliness, charm, and respect unlock discounts, VIP treatment, and unforgettable stays every time.
Ever heard of the Airbnb guest hall of fame? Me neither, until I realized I was living in it.
It all started when I scored a last-minute booking and huge discount to a wonderful Airbnb I had stayed at the year before in Timisoara, Romania.
All with complimentary wine and an unsolicited thank-you note from my host for returning.
Psst…I did it off the platform as well, so shhhh.
What’s the secret sauce, you ask? Being the kind of guest your Airbnb host secretly wishes all guests would emulate. Interested yet?
Let me spill the beans on why being a great Airbnb guest isn’t just polite, it’s downright profitable, and exactly how you can make it happen.
1. Five-Star Reviews: Your Golden Ticket to Travel Heaven
Picture this: a host scanning through guest requests like a dating app. You, with your glittering five-star reviews, stand out like a swipe-right jackpot.
Exceptional behavior means glowing reviews, and glowing reviews mean hosts are practically fighting to snag you as a guest.
How to Earn Those Glowing Reviews:
– Read Listings Like a Pro: Know the house rules and avoid rookie mistakes.
– Communicate Like a Rockstar: Notify hosts of delays, share updates, and be proactive if something goes wrong.
– Follow Rules Religiously: Respect noise levels, check-out times, or policies on pets, these aren’t optional. Make them your mantra, even if you disagree with some of them.
Always aim for positive interactions with your host, especially during challenges.
If something goes wrong, like a broken appliance or a check-in mix-up, stay polite and constructive.
This not only solves problems faster but can also earn you perks and priority treatment down the line.
2. Secret Hideaways: The VIP Listings Nobody Else Sees
Let’s face it, not all Airbnbs are created equal. There’s the good, the bad, and the ugly.
But then there’s “that place”, the one with the pool, jacuzzi, and glowing reviews that never seems to be available.
Here’s the secret: Hosts with premium properties are picky, and for good reason.
But show up with a guest profile that screams “reliable and great guest!” and suddenly, doors open.
How to Position Yourself as a VIP Guest:
– Cultivate a Rock-Solid Profile: Fill out your Airbnb bio with a friendly tone, detail your travel style, and upload a clear photo. Show hosts you’re a real, trustworthy person.
– Demonstrate Booking Consistency: Multiple positive reviews indicate reliability. Book often enough to showcase your experience, but not so much that you seem careless.
– Ask the Right Questions: Show interest in the property by asking specific, thoughtful questions like, “Which days is the trash picked up?” instead of generic inquiries.
Pro Tip: The relationship doesn’t end with the booking. Be gracious during your stay and ensure a positive rapport with your host.
A stellar relationship might mean being added to their list of trusted guests, unlocking secret listings, and even direct discounts for future stays.
3. Handling a Negative Experience
We all hope for seamless stays, but what should you do if you have a horrible experience?
Think twice before leaving a bad review, it could backfire.
If a host feels you might leave a negative review, they may retaliate preemptively with a negative review of you, even if you were clean, quiet and followed the rules.
Instead, stay positive and address issues calmly with the host first. Politely explain the problem and suggest solutions.
Most times, this may even turn a nightmare stay into a positive experience worth revisiting, all by avoiding a possible misunderstanding.
Only escalate to Airbnb as a last resort, your spotless guest reputation is worth protecting.
4. Insider Tips Straight from the Locals
Ever wonder how some guests score VIP treatment at that local restaurant around the corner?
Spoiler: it’s because their host liked them!
Hosts love guests who make their lives easier, and when they do, they often go the extra mile.
Think hidden beach access points, underground music scenes, or the best gelato spot in town, all revealed to you because you’ve left a positive impression.
How to Get Hosts on Your Side:
– Express Gratitude: A simple “thank you” after each interaction goes a long way.
– Ask for Recommendations Politely: A question like, “Do you have any favorite spots?” is always better than the generic “What’s good around here?”
– Show Interest in the Host’s Culture: Learning a few words in their language or asking about local traditions demonstrates respect and curiosity.
Maintaining positive interactions is key. Treat your host as a travel partner, not just a service provider, and they’ll likely share their favorite local spots.
Mutual respect can transform a good stay into an unforgettable one, earning you a warm return welcome and discounted stays in the future.
5. Discounts You’ll Brag About Forever
Yes, being a fantastic guest can be financially rewarding. Some hosts offer discounts for return visitors or first-timers with promising profiles.
Think of it like frequent flyer miles, but better, your host is actively rewarding your good manners.
How to Build Long-Term Host Relationships:
– Be Transparent: If you plan to return to the area, let the host know. It opens the door for discounts or priority bookings.
– Handle Mishaps Gracefully: Accidents happen. Owning up to them and resolving issues without drama can leave a lasting impression.
– Leave Behind Something Memorable: A handwritten note or small gift can make your stay unforgettable — for the host too.
And remember, your interactions with the host directly influence these benefits.
As a returning guest, the host may offer steep discounts for reasons like avoiding platform fees by trusting each other enough to go off platform.
This is because the host appreciates your reliability as a low-maintenance guest, and the established trust between you two.
These relationships create a win-win dynamic that’s priceless.
6. Stress-Free Stays: The Ultimate Travel Hack
Imagine breezing through a stay without a single awkward misunderstanding, frantic host message, or passive-aggressive house rule reminder (God, I hate those!).
As a model guest, you’re essentially the anti-stress solution every host dreams of. The result?
Seamless communication, personalized accommodations, and sometimes, even leniency on check-in or check-out times.
How to Ensure Smooth Sailing Every Time:
– Clarify Guest Policies Before Arrival: Need an early check-in or have extra guests joining? Get it sorted upfront. Ambushing your host with surprises is a surefire way to create tension.
– Follow Check-Out Instructions to the Letter: Whether it’s stripping the bed or locking up a certain way, these routines exist for a reason. Respect them.
– Respect Shared Spaces: If you’re sharing accommodations, treat common areas with care. Tidy up, keep noise levels down, and avoid hogging the bathroom.
Even if you encounter a challenging situation during your stay, prioritize resolving it positively.
By doing so, you’re not only ensuring a stress-free experience for yourself but also demonstrating to the host that you’re a considerate and trustworthy guest, a quality they’ll remember.
7. Building Long-Term Relationships with Hosts
Let’s talk about the long game. Over time, as you cultivate relationships with hosts, you may find yourself with a list of trusted properties where you’re treated like family.
How to Foster These Connections:
– Stay for Longer Periods: Long stays allow you to build rapport with your host and understand their preferences, making the relationship mutually beneficial.
– Communicate Regularly: Even after your stay, check in with hosts you’ve connected with. This could be as simple as sending a holiday greeting or asking how they’re doing.
– Book Directly (When Appropriate): Once trust is established, you might arrange direct bookings for future stays, avoiding platform fees for both parties.
Hosts value repeat guests who are respectful and dependable, and over time, these relationships can lead to even more perks, like steep discounts, priority booking, or even personalized upgrades.
The key is to consistently showcase the same stellar behavior that earned you their trust in the first place.
The Airbnb Secret Every Traveler Needs to Know: Unlock Perks, Savings, and VIP Treatment
And there you have it, the ultimate guide to becoming the Airbnb guest every host dreams of and the benefits that go along with it.
The secret most travelers miss? Being a great guest isn’t just about five-star reviews, it’s about unlocking discounts, unforgettable stays, and meaningful connections.
Master positive interactions, respect your hosts, and go the extra mile with thoughtful gestures.
You’ll not only enjoy smoother trips but also build a reputation that grants access to hidden gems, insider tips, and brag-worthy discounts.
Now it’s your turn: What’s your top Airbnb hack?
Ever had a host go above and beyond?
Or maybe you’ve built such a strong rapport that you book directly with trusted hosts and avoid the platform all together?
Share your stories in the comments, I’d love to swap travel hacks.
In the world of Airbnb, the real secret isn’t where you stay, it’s how you stay.
David Peluchette is a Premium Ghostwriter/Travel and Tech Enthusiast. When David isn’t writing he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, fitness, hiking and going on long walks (did the 550 mile Camino de Santiago, not once but twice!), cooking, eating, reading and building niche websites with WordPress.