Picture this: You wake up in the morning, the sun’s rays shining beautifully through the French window. It instantly puts a smile on your face. You walk out onto the balcony and are greeted by the refreshing, sandy breeze of the beach. It’s a moment of pure appreciation for nature’s beauty — a perfect start to a
This is the heart and soul of a homestay — the result of a host’s tireless efforts to create a welcoming space for travellers to unwind and feel at home.
Now imagine leaving it in disarray: unwashed dishes, food-streaked countertops, stolen appliances, and a pile of trash in the corner. Disheartening, isn’t it? Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming all too common for Airbnb hosts.
Take The Golden Perch in Goa, for instance — a charming Airbnb built with care and attention to detail. Recently, its host shared a troubling experience where guests left the property in a complete mess: dirty dishes, a grimy kitchen, and stained cooktops. It’s moments like these that not only frustrate hosts but also impact the experience for future guests.
Interiors of The Golden Perch
Homestay owners pour their hearts into building these havens, curating every corner to offer a slice of paradise. Maintaining them isn’t just their responsibility — it’s a collective effort. After all, keeping these spaces beautiful ensures that everyone, including you, enjoys a seamless and memorable stay.
So, how can you be a thoughtful guest? Here are seven simple ways to make your next Airbnb stay a delightful experience for everyone involved:
Think of house rules as a guide to make everyone’s experience smooth — yours, the host’s, and future guests’. For example, a rule about noise levels might be in place to keep the neighbours happy, while waste disposal instructions ensure the property stays clean. Ignoring them can lead to fines, unhappy neighbours, a poor review on your profile, and most importantly, a ruined getaway experience!
Pro tip: If the house rules mention recycling, look for the bins provided and sort your wet and dry wastes accordingly. A little effort goes a long way.
Every item in an Airbnb, from the quirky décor to the toaster, is carefully chosen. The owners understand that you’ll use the amenities, but it’s important to be responsible and minimise any damage. Would you leave a wine glass shattered or a chair wobbly at home without mentioning it? Probably not. If you accidentally damage something, inform the host right away — they’ll appreciate your honesty.
Example: Spilled coffee on a couch? Blot the stain and let the host know immediately. They might have specific instructions to prevent permanent damage.
While no one expects you to deep-clean the property, leaving the place as if a toddler lived there for two days isn’t fair. Simple acts like washing dishes after use, throwing out trash, and wiping down surfaces can make a big difference. A clutter-free space sets the tone for the next guest and leaves a good impression on your host.
Example: Before check-out, take a moment to walk through the house. Leftover pizza box on the counter? Toss it. Dirty towels on the floor? Put them in the laundry basket or as instructed.
Many Airbnbs today are designed with From solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems, your host is probably making an effort to be eco-friendly. You can do your part by turning off lights when you leave a room, taking shorter showers, and limiting the use of plastic.
Example: Notice a compost bin in the kitchen? Use it for vegetable peels instead of tossing them in the trash. It’s a small step, but it makes a big impact.
Inviting more people than the booking allows might seem harmless, but it can strain the property and even lead to awkward situations. The host prepares for the number of people you’ve mentioned, whether it’s about bed linens or food supplies.
Airbnb stays have certain house rules to be followed for optimum access. (Representational image)
Example: Planning to have a friend drop by for dinner? Check with the host first — it’s polite and avoids any misunderstandings.
Communication is key to a great Airbnb stay. Whether you’re unsure about how to use the oven or you’ve noticed a leaky faucet, let the host know. They’d rather hear from you during the stay than discover issues after you’ve left.
Example: If the Wi-Fi is acting up, send a quick message to the host instead of leaving a poor review later. Most hosts are happy to help and fix things promptly.
Constructive feedback helps hosts improve their property and ensures better experiences for future guests. Highlight what you loved about your stay and suggest improvements thoughtfully.
Example: “The location was perfect, and the host’s recommendations were spot on. The only downside was the squeaky bathroom door — but I’m sure it’s an easy fix!” A review like this is helpful and kind.
By following these simple yet meaningful practices, you not only respect the effort hosts pour into their spaces but also contribute to a culture of . So, next time you stay at a charming Airbnb, think about how you can leave it as beautiful as you found it, or maybe even better.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
This is the heart and soul of a homestay — the result of a host’s tireless efforts to create a welcoming space for travellers to unwind and feel at home.
Now imagine leaving it in disarray: unwashed dishes, food-streaked countertops, stolen appliances, and a pile of trash in the corner. Disheartening, isn’t it? Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming all too common for Airbnb hosts.
Take The Golden Perch in Goa, for instance — a charming Airbnb built with care and attention to detail. Recently, its host shared a troubling experience where guests left the property in a complete mess: dirty dishes, a grimy kitchen, and stained cooktops. It’s moments like these that not only frustrate hosts but also impact the experience for future guests.
Interiors of The Golden Perch
Homestay owners pour their hearts into building these havens, curating every corner to offer a slice of paradise. Maintaining them isn’t just their responsibility — it’s a collective effort. After all, keeping these spaces beautiful ensures that everyone, including you, enjoys a seamless and memorable stay.
So, how can you be a thoughtful guest? Here are seven simple ways to make your next Airbnb stay a delightful experience for everyone involved:
1. House rules aren’t just for show
Think of house rules as a guide to make everyone’s experience smooth — yours, the host’s, and future guests’. For example, a rule about noise levels might be in place to keep the neighbours happy, while waste disposal instructions ensure the property stays clean. Ignoring them can lead to fines, unhappy neighbours, a poor review on your profile, and most importantly, a ruined getaway experience!
Pro tip: If the house rules mention recycling, look for the bins provided and sort your wet and dry wastes accordingly. A little effort goes a long way.
2. Handle everything like it’s your grandma’s china
Every item in an Airbnb, from the quirky décor to the toaster, is carefully chosen. The owners understand that you’ll use the amenities, but it’s important to be responsible and minimise any damage. Would you leave a wine glass shattered or a chair wobbly at home without mentioning it? Probably not. If you accidentally damage something, inform the host right away — they’ll appreciate your honesty.
Example: Spilled coffee on a couch? Blot the stain and let the host know immediately. They might have specific instructions to prevent permanent damage.
3. Clean spaces make happy faces
While no one expects you to deep-clean the property, leaving the place as if a toddler lived there for two days isn’t fair. Simple acts like washing dishes after use, throwing out trash, and wiping down surfaces can make a big difference. A clutter-free space sets the tone for the next guest and leaves a good impression on your host.
Example: Before check-out, take a moment to walk through the house. Leftover pizza box on the counter? Toss it. Dirty towels on the floor? Put them in the laundry basket or as instructed.
4. Save resources, save the planet
Many Airbnbs today are designed with From solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems, your host is probably making an effort to be eco-friendly. You can do your part by turning off lights when you leave a room, taking shorter showers, and limiting the use of plastic.
Example: Notice a compost bin in the kitchen? Use it for vegetable peels instead of tossing them in the trash. It’s a small step, but it makes a big impact.
5. Extra guests? Don’t surprise the host
Inviting more people than the booking allows might seem harmless, but it can strain the property and even lead to awkward situations. The host prepares for the number of people you’ve mentioned, whether it’s about bed linens or food supplies.
Airbnb stays have certain house rules to be followed for optimum access. (Representational image)
Example: Planning to have a friend drop by for dinner? Check with the host first — it’s polite and avoids any misunderstandings.
6. Talk to your host — they don’t bite!
Communication is key to a great Airbnb stay. Whether you’re unsure about how to use the oven or you’ve noticed a leaky faucet, let the host know. They’d rather hear from you during the stay than discover issues after you’ve left.
Example: If the Wi-Fi is acting up, send a quick message to the host instead of leaving a poor review later. Most hosts are happy to help and fix things promptly.
7. Reviews: be honest, but be kind
Constructive feedback helps hosts improve their property and ensures better experiences for future guests. Highlight what you loved about your stay and suggest improvements thoughtfully.
Example: “The location was perfect, and the host’s recommendations were spot on. The only downside was the squeaky bathroom door — but I’m sure it’s an easy fix!” A review like this is helpful and kind.
By following these simple yet meaningful practices, you not only respect the effort hosts pour into their spaces but also contribute to a culture of . So, next time you stay at a charming Airbnb, think about how you can leave it as beautiful as you found it, or maybe even better.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee