5 mistakes to avoid when welcoming your guests
What are the 5 mistakes to avoid when welcoming your Airbnb guests? Read on for our advice!
It is very common not to know the best way to welcome guests into your property. With the best intentions, you end up getting it slightly wrong. Don't worry: in the next few lines, StyQR shares the 5 mistakes to avoid for a welcome that hits the mark!1. Rushing through itLet's be honest, repeating the same speech every time a new guest arrives can quickly feel heavy and repetitive. You grow tired of asking the same questions, giving the same introductions and the same explanations. The result: you deliver your whole monologue in one go and, without realising it, you go far too fast. Be careful, because your guests may read this as a lack of courtesy. An awkward welcome can genuinely make guests feel uncomfortable. Take a deep breath, put on your warmest smile and take the time to answer every question. To help, creating your digital welcome book lets you pass on all the useful information quickly and easily.2. Keeping your guests waitingDon't hold your guests up for too long. They are there first and foremost to rest and enjoy each other's company. Remember that they have just come off a long journey. Let them go as soon as you can, because they will never dare to say so themselves.3. Being there throughout the whole stayYour guests need to be able to reach you if something comes up. The rest of the time, be discreet. Let them enjoy their moments of relaxation in peace. Don't be overbearing or intrusive during their stay just because they are sleeping in one of the rooms of your house. Not everyone is looking for company! Some people choose an Airbnb rental to save money on the cost of their stay, not to socialise with the owner.4. Cleanliness that leaves something to be desiredWhat is lovely decor worth if the place itself is unhygienic and questionably clean? Not much, other than a predictable disappointment! Don't settle your guests into unpleasant surroundings. Clean the rooms guests will use: the bedrooms, the bathrooms and the kitchen. Check there are no hairs, marks, dust or mould on the floors. Between stays, make sure everything is back in good order: change the bed linen and the towels provided for guests. Empty the bin and clear away any food or items left behind by previous guests.5. Springing an unwelcome surpriseImagine guests who have travelled a long way to reach you. Once they arrive, you tell them that certain things are not actually included in the price they paid, that you have run out of bed linen, or that Gipsy the dog will be in the property after all, when it was never mentioned. That is simply unacceptable! Plan everything in advance and anticipate situations like these. If something unexpected happens, stay calm, be courteous and be clear. Take the drama out of the problem and offer solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be present when guests arrive? You should be available to welcome them, but keep your presence brief. Be courteous and attentive while showing them the main areas, then let them settle in quickly. Guests are usually tired and eager to rest.
How do I avoid putting guests off by speaking too fast? Speak clearly, pause between sentences, and give guests time to ask questions. Don't rattle off all advice and information in one go. A digital welcome book complements this approach well by making details available later.
Should I keep in touch with guests after they arrive? No, stay discreet and let them enjoy their stay in peace. Be reachable if there's a problem, but don't be intrusive. Everyone comes to rest at their own pace.
What are the key things to check between stays? Clean all occupied rooms, check for hair, stains, dust, and mold. Change sheets and towels, empty bins, and remove any leftover food. These details matter to avoid disappointing guests.
How do I deliver bad news without disappointing guests? Stay calm, be courteous, and be clear in your explanation. Downplay the issue and offer solutions immediately. Planning ahead and anticipating problems remain the best ways to avoid this altogether.
Can a digital welcome book really replace an in-person introduction? It complements rather than replaces it. A courteous in-person welcome remains important for building rapport, but a digital welcome book lets you share all details without rushing and allows guests to review them at their own pace.
Here is a summary of the five main mistakes and their direct impact on your guests' experience.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking too quickly during check-in | Guests feel rushed and uncomfortable | Take your time, smile and answer all questions. A digital welcome book conveys details without strain. |
| Holding guests for too long | They may perceive you as discourteous | Release them quickly after showing the essential areas |
| Being intrusive throughout the stay | Guests feel overwhelmed and cannot relax | Stay discreet and available only if needed |
| Poor cleanliness standards | Guests are disappointed despite nice décor | Clean all rooms, check for hair, stains, dust and mold. Change sheets and towels between each stay. |
| Springing a surprise on guests at arrival | Guests feel discouraged and disappointed (undisclosed fees, missing linens, undeclared pets) | Plan everything in advance. If the unexpected occurs, stay calm, be courteous and offer solutions. |
