A Guide For First-Time Hosts

Top Tips To Welcome Your Guest Into Your Home:

We keep on hearing from both guests and hosts how much they loved their renting experience through Flat-Club. In order to ensure that you have an equally enjoyable time, we've decided to compile a list of other hosts' top tips on the best way to prepare your home for a guest. Whether hosting or being hosted, it is clear that a warm welcome and a comfortable environment are the key factors to renting success. That is why we want to share with you, from a first-hand point of view, the most effective steps you can take to make your guest feel at home and for both of you to get the most out of this exciting and unique experience. And don't forget, through becoming a host you could make a substantial amount of extra money!

Arrange your home. It would be great if you could leave some surfaces bare and some cupboards, drawers and/or wardrobe empty for your guest. This will allow them to tidy away some of their own things, making them feel more comfortable in your home as well as ensuring that their belongings don’t get in your way. If you have personal possessions that you don’t want your guests to touch, make sure you let them know in advance. It is also crucial that you leave your place clean and tidy, as this will encourage your guest to do the same on their departure; a win-win situation!

Leave instructions. It’s a good idea to provide your guest with information on how to use certain amenities in your flat. This will not only improve your guest’s experience in your home but it will also give you peace of mind that all will go smoothly in your absence. In particular, you might want to leave instructions for WIFI access, the T.V./DVD player, the telephone and the washer/dryer. You may also want to remind your guest to ensure that they turn off the heating/air-conditioning when leaving your house; both your bills and the environment will thank you and your guest!

Provide a comfortable bed and clean, crisp linens. Ensuring that your guest is given a good quality bed will not only make them feel welcome in your home but will also allow them to gain a peaceful night’s sleep, undoubtedly improving their overall holiday experience. Providing clean towels for your guest is also a good idea.

Leave some books, DVDs or magazines. Regardless of the time of year or the location of your home, we’re sure that your guest will really appreciate being able to enjoy these items. A book is the perfect accompaniment to a drink in the sun, whilst films are a great way to spend a cosy evening in. If you will be sharing your flat with your guest, books or films are also a great common topic of conversation, helping you to get to know each other better.

Provide details of local attractions. Leaving your guest a few tips on your favourite local café, restaurant or pub, the best shopping area or popular nearby attractions will be a great way of introducing your guest to your area, helping them to make the most out of their holiday and your neighbourhood. Practical information such as the location of the grocery store or local transport links would also be useful.
Fill the fridge. Providing your guest with a few necessities would be a lovely welcome to your guest on the first night. Milk, bread, fruit and other possible basic foods would allow your guest to settle quickly into your home.

Finishing touches. Finally, in order to make your flat exceptionally attractive to your guests, you could always branch out and buy some fresh flowers to decorate your kitchen or living room. A box of chocolates or a bottle of wine would also be a welcoming gesture to your guest, ensuring that both of you get the most out of your flat

Ready to make the most out of your home? Post your flat on Flat-Club today! In order to attract the maximum number of guests to your posting, it's important to also join a club.
Alternatively, if you already have some tips on how you like to welcome your guest, email us at hosts@flat-club.com and we'll add them to the list!