Double the Guests, Double the Effort? Here’s How to Master Hosting Couples
With Valentine’s Day coming up, many Airbnb hosts are getting ready for more romantic getaways.
At Issa Suites, we’ve welcomed all kinds of couples: same-sex, different-sex, young, and old.
Hosting couples is a unique challenge because you’re not just making one person happy: you’re meeting two sets of expectations.
If one partner isn’t satisfied, it can affect the whole trip and your review.
Here’s our tried-and-true guide to delighting couples and earning those 5-star ratings.
1. Research (The "HR" Approach)
Like an HR professional checking a candidate’s background, I do a bit of social research when a couple books. I look at their social media to get a sense of their style. Are they outdoorsy, into luxury, or more minimalist? Knowing your guests helps you personalize their stay before they arrive.
Related: The One Message 90% of Superhosts Use (and You Probably Don’t)
2. Aim for Gender-Neutral Aesthetics
While all-pink or very masculine spaces have their fans, we’ve found that neutral, calming colors work best for couples.
- At Issa Suites, we chose green. It’s fresh, natural, and seems to appeal to everyone.
- Pro Tip: Put function before style. A place that looks great on Instagram but isn’t comfortable will only lead to complaints.
3. The Way to a Guest's Heart (is through their stomach)
From what I’ve seen, guests often arrive hungry! As a Filipino, hospitality comes naturally to me, so I always have a welcome snack ready at Issa Suites. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. Offering snacks like almonds, biscuits, and coffee or tea helps guests relax right away, without worrying about finding a grocery store.
4. Be Honest About Bed Size
My first 4-star review was because of the bed. When I started hosting, I overestimated its size, and it ended up being too small for a taller couple.
- The Fix: Be very clear in your listing. Say if it’s a Queen or King bed, and confirm the size again in your booking message. A good night’s sleep is key to a 5-star review.
5. Sweat the Small Stuff
The basics are what make a stay feel like a vacation instead of a chore:
- Uniformity: Use matching hangers (we prefer all-white) to reduce visual clutter.
- Entertainment: Make sure Netflix is set up and ready to go. There’s a reason “Netflix and Chill” is so popular!
- Hydration: Offer plenty of drinking water so guests don’t have to go out late at night just to stay hydrated.
6. The "Scent" of Success (Keep it Subtle)
One of the biggest mistakes hosts make is using strong air fresheners or cleaning products.
Host Insight: I learned this while traveling with my partner and choosing places to book. While the places look good in pictures, we were dismayed to learn that they use strong air fresheners.
My partner, who studied Chemistry, explained that strong chemical scents aren’t just divisive (people don’t seem to agree on what smells good). Worse, they can also irritate the lungs.
So, avoid using too much fragrance. Aim for a space that smells clean and neutral, not like a perfume shop. If you want to add a scent, choose something light and natural. Or simply let in fresh air, turn on an air purifier (if you’ve got one), and put real plants in the unit.
Master the Art of the Duo
Hosting couples is all about balance. When you anticipate both guests’ needs, you make their trip smoother so they can focus on each other instead of the details.In Airbnb hosting, happy couples leave glowing reviews. Those reviews are the key to higher occupancy and bigger profits.
Are you ready to turn your spare condo into a 5-star profit source?
If you’re an aspiring host who wants to get the most from your unit, don’t wait for bad reviews to learn. Skip the trial and error and get real-world tips that work.
Book a 2-hour 1-on-1 Strategy Consultation with me.
We’ll create your hosting plan together, and I’ll be there to support you. You’ll have direct WhatsApp access to me for 30 days after our session to answer any questions as you get started.