If someone leaves your home as clean as they found it, you know they’re a good houseguest. If someone respects your rules, you know they’re a keeper.

But being a great houseguest, especially in an Airbnb, is not always that straightforward. According to seasoned hosts, it takes more than just basic manners and cleanliness.

The best guests, the ones that hosts rave about, usually display these 8 specific behaviors. And that’s what this article is all about. Let’s dive in to see what makes a star Airbnb guest.

1) Communication is key

There’s a saying that goes, “Communication is the key to success.” And trust me, when it comes to being a stellar Airbnb guest, it couldn’t be more true.

Just like emotions in an empathetic person, the importance of clear and timely communication in an Airbnb stay can’t be overstated. A great guest knows how to clearly convey their needs and expectations while also understanding and respecting the rules put forth by the host.

But it doesn’t stop there. It’s the subtle undercurrents of communication that truly set the best houseguests apart.

They can sense when a host wants to chat or when they prefer privacy. They pick up on the unspoken rules that aren’t listed on the Airbnb page – like removing shoes at the door or avoiding late-night noise.

In essence, communication – both spoken and unspoken – is their ticket to being an outstanding Airbnb guest.

2) They treat your home like their own

Ah, this one hits close to home. Literally.

Last summer, I hosted a couple from Australia at my Airbnb in Boston. From the moment they arrived, it was clear they were different from other guests. They showed an exceptional level of respect for my home.

The couple asked me where they could find cleaning supplies and insisted on keeping the space tidy during their stay. They even went as far as to water my plants and feed my fish while I was away for a weekend!

But more than that, they treated my home as if it were their own – not just a temporary place to crash. They respected my space and even left a thoughtful thank-you note at the end of their stay.

It’s this kind of behavior that makes a guest truly stand out in the mind of an Airbnb host. They care about your home just as much as you do – and it shows.

3) They’re flexible and adaptable

A great houseguest isn’t one who demands that everything goes their way. Instead, they’re adaptable, able to roll with the punches and adjust to unexpected situations.

Take for example the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. The massive volcanic ash cloud grounded flights across Europe, stranding millions of travelers. Airbnb hosts opened their doors to stranded passengers, offering free accommodation until the ash cloud dissipated.

The travelers who were flexible and adaptable during this unexpected situation left a lasting impression on their hosts. They didn’t let the disruption ruin their trip or affect their attitude. Instead, they embraced the situation, bonded with their hosts, and turned a potential disaster into an unforgettable experience.

This adaptability is a trait that Airbnb hosts appreciate and remember long after their guests have checked out.

4) They respect boundaries

Respecting boundaries is a crucial aspect of being an excellent Airbnb guest. It’s more than just adhering to the house rules; it’s about understanding and respecting the host’s personal space and privacy.

A great guest knows when to engage in conversation and when to give their host some space. They understand that while they’re on vacation, their host might still be living their everyday life.

They’re mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours, and they don’t overstep by inviting others over without asking permission first. In essence, they treat the host with the same level of respect they would expect in return.

This level of consideration not only makes for a pleasant stay but also fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect between the guest and the host.

5) They’re observant

I’ve found that the best Airbnb guests I’ve hosted are incredibly observant. They notice the small details – from the way I’ve arranged the furniture to the art on my walls.

Once, a guest noticed a picture of me hiking on a trail and asked about it. As an outdoor enthusiast, I was more than happy to share my favorite local trails and even recommend a few nearby parks for them to explore.

Being observant also means they’re aware of their surroundings. They notice if something is out of place or needs attention, like a leaky faucet or a burnt-out light bulb, and they let me know right away.

I appreciate this attention to detail because it shows respect for my home and my personal interests. It also opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections that go beyond the typical host-guest relationship.

6) They’re not always perfect

You might think that the best Airbnb guests are those who never make a mistake. However, that’s not necessarily the case.

In reality, even the most considerate guests can accidentally break a dish or stain a towel. It’s not these mishaps that define their quality as a guest, but rather how they handle these situations.

The best guests are those who take responsibility for their mistakes. They don’t hide the broken dish in the trash or try to wash the stained towel themselves. Instead, they inform the host about what happened, apologize sincerely, and offer to cover any damages.

This honesty and accountability show the host that they can be trusted, despite any minor mishaps that may occur during their stay.

7) They leave a positive impact

The best Airbnb guests leave a lasting, positive impact on their hosts. This doesn’t mean they have to go out of their way to do something extraordinary. Often, it’s the small gestures that count.

They might leave a thank-you note expressing their appreciation for the host’s hospitality or give a shout-out to their host in a social media post. They could also take the time to write a thoughtful review highlighting the things they loved about their stay.

These actions not only show gratitude but also help the host attract future guests. It’s a win-win situation and a surefire way to become a memorable guest in any Airbnb host’s book.

8) They value the human connection

At the end of the day, the Airbnb experience is about more than just finding a place to stay. It’s about connecting with people from different walks of life and learning from each other’s experiences.

The best Airbnb guests understand this. They value the human connection that comes with staying in someone else’s home. They engage in meaningful conversations with their hosts, ask about local recommendations to immerse themselves in the community, and share stories from their own travels.

This genuine interest in connecting with their hosts is what truly sets them apart. It turns a simple transaction into a memorable experience and forms bonds that often last long after the stay is over.

Wrapping it up

If you’ve come this far, it’s clear that being a great Airbnb guest is about more than just respecting house rules. It’s about understanding the essence of the Airbnb experience – connection, respect, and adaptability.

Being a good guest isn’t solely about leaving a space as you found it. It’s about leaving a positive impact on your host, understanding their needs, and creating a connection that transcends the typical guest-host relationship.

It’s about recognizing that each stay is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with people from different walks of life.

It’s not just about finding a place to stay for the night; it’s about making someone else’s space feel like home, even if it’s just for a short while.

If you embody these qualities, you’re not just a good Airbnb guest. You’re likely a thoughtful, considerate person who understands the value of mutual respect and connection – the very essence of the Airbnb experience.

And that, dear reader, is something truly special.