Simplifying hosting during the busy season

Planning ahead for peak season could help you save time and deliver 5-star stays. Consider these tips when you’re managing back-to-back bookings.

Guests expect a smooth departure. Look for ways to keep your checkout process as simple as possible. 

• Minimize tasks. Guests often prefer when checkout requires very little effort. Explain what’s essential to do before they leave, like how to lock up.
• Provide clear instructions. Add your checkout instructions to the arrival guide in your listing. Airbnb will automatically send your checkout instructions to guests the night before checkout.
• Send a thank-you note. You can invite guests to return, and let them know you value their feedback. Consider asking what they’d appreciate the next time they visit.

Setting up a cleaning routine can make turnover tasks easier and more efficient.

• Create a checklist. Following the same steps before every check-in can help you avoid overlooking anything.
• Stock extra linens. You might keep another set of bedding and towels on hand to minimize laundry between bookings. 
• Sign up for delivery services. Scheduling a recurring order of your go-to cleaning products and other essentials, like toilet paper and soap, can help reduce outages. 
• Build a support team. Consider having a backup plan for cleaning and maintenance or adding a co-host to help with turnovers.

“A checklist keeps me focused and makes sure that I don’t overlook anything,” says Robin, a Superhost in Mount Barker, Australia. “Remembering all the little details makes hosting a better experience for both guests and me.”

Help your listing stand out by adding any seasonal amenities your place offers.

• Refresh your photos. In warmer months, you could show guests your pool, BBQ grill, hammock, or beach access. In colder months, you could highlight an indoor fireplace, hot tub, or ski-in/ski-out access.
• List all your amenities. Many guests search Airbnb for places that have the amenities and features they want. Make sure your listing is complete.
• Update your listing description. High-quality listings accurately describe what guests can expect to see, hear, and experience during their stay.

“Each year, we add a new amenity—something special to cause past guests to come back,” says Fred, a Superhost in Placencia, Belize. “We’ve added a gazebo, an observatory, and a bar area over the water.”

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.