How do you personalize the guest experience at your Airbnb to make it memorable? Share one specific example of what you do and why you think it resonates with guests.

Question

Unlocking the secrets of guest personalization in Airbnb can transform a good stay into an unforgettable experience. This article delves into effective strategies, curated with insights from seasoned hospitality experts, to help hosts create a truly personalized visit for every traveller. From thoughtful welcome gestures to leveraging data analytics, learn the expert-backed tips to elevate the hosting game.

Allen Kou · Answer

I've found that leaving a personalized welcome basket with local artisan treats really makes guests feel special - I include items like locally roasted coffee from my favorite shop downtown and handmade chocolates from the neighborhood candy store. When a family mentioned they had dietary restrictions, I customized their basket with gluten-free snacks and left a handwritten note with recommendations for allergy-friendly restaurants nearby, which they later told me made them feel incredibly cared for.

JJ King · Answer

At Beachside VR we personally call every guest and talk to them on the phone to create a genuine human connection. In a world increasingly driven by AI and automation, we want our guests to feel reassured that there is a real local person on the other end of their Airbnb booking. This simple gesture not only sets us apart from other property managers and Airbnb hosts but also resonates deeply with guests. They appreciate that we take the time to check in, answer any questions they have and ensure they are all set for their upcoming vacation.

Justin Carpenter · Answer

Being a home organizer has taught me that little details make huge differences, so I keep a digital guestbook where I note returning guests' preferences and special requests. When the Johnson family came back for their second stay, I made sure to stock their favorite board games and left age-appropriate books for their kids, which made them feel super welcomed. Now I have a whole system of personalized touches based on each guest's profile, from preferred coffee brands to pillow firmness preferences.

Marin Crnic · Answer

Preparing a simple meal or appetizer with guests in the open, accompanied by a glass of wine works best in my experience as a host. Aside from the obvious chance to get to know the guests better and engage in conversation, it evokes a memory of what hospitality really is. The best approach is to prepare something of local custom and simple, in my case a mussels "buzara," but any recipe is great. Guests are always more enthusiastic about such events than I expect, and very likely to write great reviews.
Marin Crnichttps://www.rabholidays.com

Joe Lieber · Answer

I started leaving personalized welcome baskets after noticing lots of my guests were celebrating special occasions. Last month, I surprised a honeymoon couple with local wine, artisan chocolates, and a hand-drawn map marking romantic spots in our neighborhood - they absolutely loved it and mentioned it specifically in their review. I always ask guests about their plans during booking and try to include thoughtful touches that match their interests, whether it's hiking trail guides for outdoorsy folks or theater schedules for culture buffs.

Sebastian Wade · Answer

Every guest has different expectations, so I pay close attention to small details that make their stay feel tailored to them. One thing that always gets positive feedback is a personalized local guidebook I put together. Instead of generic recommendations, I ask guests ahead of time about their interests. If someone mentions they love coffee, I include a list of hidden gem cafes with my own notes on the best drinks to try. If they're traveling with kids, I highlight playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and scenic spots where they can let their kids run around.  
A couple from New Zealand stayed recently and mentioned they were into hiking. I left a handwritten note recommending a few lesser-known trails with incredible views and included a small map. They ended up doing one of the hikes and sent a message saying it was the highlight of their trip. Small, thoughtful touches like that stick with people long after they check out.

Brandon Shearin · Answer

As an interior designer, I've learned that thoughtful room styling makes a huge difference in guest experience. Recently, I styled a bedroom with fresh lavender sprigs and a diffuser for a guest who mentioned having trouble sleeping, and they said it was the most peaceful night's rest they'd had in months. I believe these personalized touches show guests we really care about their comfort and aren't just running another generic rental.

Victor Hsi · Answer

I personalize the guest experience at my Airbnb by making it a perfect space for filming UGC content. 
The setup is intentionally designed to be highly photogenic—neutral backdrops, great natural lighting, and modern decor that looks clean on camera. 
One specific thing I do is include a few pre-styled areas, like a cozy reading nook or a sleek workspace, so creators can easily capture high-quality shots without extra setup. It resonates with guests because it saves them time and makes their content look professional effortlessly.

Justin Mauldin · Answer

I've found that personalization starts before guests even arrive - I send them a quick questionnaire asking about their interests and what brings them to town. Last month, when a family mentioned they were celebrating their daughter's 10th birthday, I decorated the space with balloons and left age-appropriate board games and local activity suggestions, which led to an incredibly touching review. By taking the time to understand each guest's story, I can create those meaningful moments that transform a simple stay into a memorable experience.

Sabah Drabu · Answer

Guest experience is EVERYTHING! You want your rental to run efficiently and profitably, but you also want to put in those touches that make guests feel like they're really being taken care of so they turn into repeat visitors. Being a provider of a guest experience, having a partnership with a personal chef service can offer your guests something that is unique but also customizable. They're choosing an intimate dining experience and spending more time appreciating the space they're in instead of spending more time out of the home and in a restaurant. Give your guests personalization at every turn by offering something they didn't even know they needed.

Gary Gilkison · Answer

In my role at iHost, personalization is key to differentiating our properties. One memorable example is our use of data analytics to tailor guest experiences. We track guest preferences, such as favorite room settings and special occasions, using our property management system. For instance, if a guest is celebrating an anniversary, we surprise them with a personalized note and a complimentary local wine bottle. This attention to detail often resonates deeply with guests, creating an emotional connection that encourages repeat bookings.
Another powerful tool we use is our guest mobile app, which offers personalized recommendations based on recorded interests. For example, if a guest has shown interest in hiking during a previous stay, our app suggests lesser-known trails in the area. This adds a layer of personalization that improves their stay by connecting them to unique local experiences. These methods have proven effective in boosting our guest satisfaction rates and securing glowing reviews.

11 Airbnb Guest Personalization Tips

Table of Contents

11 Airbnb Guest Personalization Tips

Leave a Personalized Welcome Basket

Call Every Guest Personally

Keep a Digital Guestbook

Prepare a Simple Local Meal

Surprise Guests with Special Occasion Gifts

Create a Personalized Local Guidebook

Style Rooms Thoughtfully

Design Space for UGC Content

Send Pre-Arrival Questionnaire

Partner with Personal Chef Service

Use Data Analytics for Personalization

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