Ever thought about opening your home to guests while you’re off on your own adventures? Or maybe you’ve got a spare room, a beach shack, or a cosy granny flat that could be working a little harder for you. Hosting on Airbnb is a brilliant way to earn extra income and give travellers a dreamy place to stay.

And when you get it right, guests don’t just check out, they rave, review, rebook, and spread the word.

Whether you’re new to hosting or already have a few bookings, nailing the little things is what turns a good stay into a great one. Here are five tried-and-tested ways to make your Airbnb a 5-star stay.

1. SET THE SCENE (AND THE EXPECTATIONS)

Guests fall in love with honesty as much as they do with ocean views. Great listings are clear and transparent - no wide lenses, no vague descriptions. Be upfront about your home’s quirks and delights, and paint a real picture of what guests can expect.

Keep your photos and copy fresh. Update details as things change and swap out pics seasonally if that makes sense. The more accurate and inviting your listing, the more likely guests are to show up feeling excited, not surprised.

2. MAKE ARRIVAL A BREEZE

No one wants to play detective with a lockbox when they’re hauling luggage and kids. Clear, step-by-step check-in instructions = instant good vibes.

Think about parking, lighting, and what guests see when they first arrive. A simple, stress-free process sets the tone for the whole stay. And when it comes to checkout, keep the to-do list short and sweet. “Lock the door on your way out” is the dream.

3. ROLL OUT THE WELCOME MAT (LITERALLY)

First impressions matter, and nothing says “you’ve arrived” like a warm, thoughtfully styled space. Think comfy lounges, soft throws, and clear spots to pop your bags so guests feel at home right away.

A personal touch goes a long way, whether it be a local treat, a handwritten note, or a guidebook with your favourite cafés and hidden gems, can turn a standard arrival into a “wow” moment they’ll remember.

4. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Life happens, even when you’re in holiday mode, so it pays to stock up on the essentials like a first-aid kit, torch and emergency numbers, and make sure guests know where to find them.

And because you can’t always be there in person, it’s worth lining up some reliable backup. This could be a friendly neighbour, a trusty tradie on speed dial, or you could even hire a co-host - this is someone who helps manage your listing and looks after guests when you can’t. A good co-host can handle everything from check-ins and mid-stay hiccups to cleaner call-outs, so your guests feel supported and you can relax knowing someone’s got it covered.

5. REVIEWS ARE GOLD

Those star ratings? They’re the heartbeat of Airbnb hosting. Glowing reviews build trust, boost bookings, and give you valuable feedback straight from your guests.

Take time to read every review, respond with gratitude, and make improvements where needed. Your guests are handing you a roadmap to hosting success, and five stars are the ultimate reward.

Five-star hosting isn’t about having the perfect home. It’s about care, creativity, and making guests feel like they’ve stumbled upon something special. With a few thoughtful touches and a bit of personality, any space (big or small!) can become a stay guests rave about. Nail the basics, add your own personality, and you’re well on your way to 5-star reviews. And remember you don’t have to go it alone! You can hire a clever co-host to do the heavy lifting for you.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just where they sleep - it’s the memories they take with them… and share with others.

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