Hosting is in the Details

I used to host only friends and family. But hosting strangers through Airbnb, I learned that trust is built in the details.

While traveling to Manila with my 4-year-old son, we stayed at an Airbnb studio apartment near our relatives. We arrived late at night, drained from the long commute and delayed flight. I was already dreading turning the sofa into a bed (my host sent me a 6-step way to do it, plus putting the sheets and pillows).

Then, upon arriving, the first thing we saw was a felt letter board with a wooden frame that read,

Welcome, Carissa & Son!

It wasn’t my style at all. I preferred handwritten notes. But I felt something warm in my chest, because we felt "seen." Welcomed.

Then my son found a freshly baked cheese bread that made him beam. (The host didn’t have to, but she went the extra mile.)

That small gesture taught me a truth I still believe today:

Warmth beats aesthetics, every time.

Now that I’m on the other side, hosting strangers in my little condo, I do my best to create that same feeling: seen, safe, stuffed.

But can you host perfectly every time? No. You’ll forget to leave a liquid hand soap in the bathroom (as I did when hosting my first guests!). The keypad door batteries will die just before they arrive. You'll forget to check the limescale buildup in the kettle.

And still, you try. Because in hosting,

trying hard is what keeps your business alive.

I’ve hosted over 300 stays now, and I’ve built a kind of ritual that leads to (so far!) 124 five-star reviews. Here’s what I do:

1. Automate the Boring Stuff. Before they book, I ask them to read a pre-written message that feels personal but saves me time. Then I set up my Airbnb’s “Quick Replies,” where I store all my usual messages: welcome notes, directions, check-in info, gentle nudges about house rules.

2. Ask the Essentials, Nicely. Once the booking is confirmed, I send a checklist of info I’ll need:

• Full names (for the guest pass)
• Confirming their mobile number (matches Airbnb's)
• Arrival/departure time
• Parking needs
• Travelling with kids?
• Special requests (anniversaries, surprises, extra bedding)

About 90% of guests reply. For the 10% who don’t, I follow up. Kindly. Firmly. Like a librarian who wants you to return your overdue book.

3. Use the "Notes" Feature: The “Notes” section in Airbnb’s inbox is where I record everything, from their preferred door code to details about “bringing a baby” or “celebrating a birthday.” It’s private, and it keeps me sane.

4. Ask One Human Question. I always ask why they’re in town. Vacation? Family visit? A work trip? This changes everything, from the snacks I offer to how often I check in with them during their stay. People aren’t just reservations; they’re stories.

So, I still don’t have a board sign welcoming guests, but I write notes and I’ve got systems, Quick Replies, Calendar Note, and a dash of curiosity. And in my experience, that works better.

Want more sticky rituals for smoother, calmer hosting? Let’s build yours.

P.S. I’ve got messaging templates that are short, clear, and actually get replies. Want a copy? Just say hi, mention you found me here, and email me at issasuites@gmail.com.