As the holidays near, you may be making plans to host friends or relatives for a few days in your home. To make their stay memorable — in a good way — we’re sharing some tips from Alexandria Airbnb “superhosts” and local hotels.
Alexandria Airbnb “superhost” Rob has earned his status — he has no fewer than 33 amenities on his listing online. (Superhosts, by the way, are “experienced hosts who provide a shining example for other hosts,” according to Airbnb.)
You can easily duplicate some of the amenities that have earned Rob five stars from nearly 300 reviews:
- Wifi: Write down the name of your wifi network and provide the password.
- Comfortable, quiet workspace: For that person who might be sneak-ing in a little work during the holidays, provide a dedicated desk or workspace for them to set up their laptop with an easily-accessible power outlet.
- Laundry: Let your guests know you have an iron and ironing board available. If your guests can use your washer and dryer, leave instructions on how to use them.
- Towels: Keep plenty of clean, fluffy towels handy and easily accessible.
- Hangers: Be sure to have plenty of hangers and space in the guest closet.
- First-aid kit: Keep Band-aids, indigestion medication, a thermometer and Tylenol available.
- Inspiring library: Stack some books on the nightstand for night owls, rainy days or insomniacs.
What did visitors who stayed at Rob’s appreciate most? Having shampoo and conditioner on hand as well as hand cream. Others mentioned liking having breakfast items ready for early risers (bananas, cereal, bagels, juice, coffee).
Guests also mentioned the home’s “comfortable temperature” so be sure to have extra blankets on hand as well as a fan for those who prefer cooler temperatures while sleeping.
Umbrellas are a good idea to have available if rain is in the forecast.
Scrabble and an Extra TV for Teens
Another Alexandria Airbnb superhost, Heidi, has earned five stars from 52 reviews for stays at her contemporary home in Old Town. One amenity that guests enjoyed was having an extra TV in a spot where kids or teens can chill. Having board games on hand like Scrabble also ranked high by guests.
In addition, Heidi makes sure guests know that she is quickly available by text should anything go wrong.
Visitors are also quick to point out that staying in a “sparkling clean” home is important. If you are short on time before your friends’ or family’s visit, think about hiring a maid service to do a deep cleaning a few days before they arrive.
Sightseeing and Snack Breaks
If your guests plan to do some sightseeing and are driving, be sure to give them suggestions on where to park in town and have them download the ParkMobile app for Alexandria or DC.
You can also help them download the DC Metro app. Alexandria Airbnb superhosts Joe and Leslie, who have earned five stars from 96 reviewers, include tour guide brochures (we recommend picking up a Visit Alexandria Visitor’s Guide for your guests), personal recommendations for restaurants, and a guest parking permit for visitors.
Their backyard comes in handy for guests with pets. Be sure to keep some simple snacks and bottled water on hand that they can slip into a purse or backpack while sight-seeing. Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa makes “AM and PM Breaks” snacks available to guests including: “Trail Blazer” granola, dried fruit, mixed nuts and sweets. Kids will enjoy the “Popcorn Break” with flavored popcorn, M&Ms and assorted nuts.
Hotel-Inspired Amenities
Other thoughtful touches in a nod to hotel amenities that are easy to replicate and will make for a thoughtful touch for your visitors:
- Fresh flowers or plants with a holiday touch such as poinset-tias, christmas cactus or amaryllis
- Tissues in the bedroom (be sure you have a wastebasket)
- Bottled water and glasses
- Chocolates or mints
- Information on local fitness centers (many offer one-day or short-term passes), bicycle paths and running routes
- A handwritten welcome note
- A surprise welcome gift — something local and seasonal is best.
- And last but not least, arm them with a copy of Alexandria Living Magazine, where they can check out the events calendar for fun things to do around town. (Subscribe here!)
