Many Airbnb hosts provide premium guest services at no charge. Here’s how to confidently turn those requests into additional revenue while maintaining exceptional hospitality.
Hospitality doesn’t mean doing everything for free.
In this episode, Sarah and Annette challenge a common belief among short-term rental hosts: that charging for additional guest services somehow makes the experience less hospitable.
The reality is that hotels charge for many of the same conveniences Airbnb hosts provide every day. Guests are already conditioned to pay for those services. The difference is that many hosts never ask.
If you’re looking for ways to increase revenue without acquiring another property or attracting more bookings, these four upsells may already be sitting inside your existing operation.
1. Early Check-In and Late Checkout
This is one of the most requested guest accommodations and one of the most commonly given away for free.
While it may seem like a simple favor, extending a reservation creates operational work. Lock codes need updating, cleaners may need to adjust schedules, and guest communication increases. Those tasks have value.
Rather than viewing early arrivals or late departures as exceptions, consider positioning them as premium services. Guests already expect to pay for them in hotels, making this one of the easiest upsells to introduce.
2. Pool Heat
If your property has a pool, heating it can significantly increase utility costs.
Many hosts absorb those expenses and include pool heat as a standard amenity, but Sarah and Annette recommend treating it as an optional service. A flat daily fee is often easier for guests to understand than charging based on actual propane or utility usage.
The key is setting expectations. Guests who hear “heated pool” may envision hot tub temperatures. Clearly communicating what they can expect helps avoid disappointment and protects reviews.
3. Celebration Setups and Concierge Services
Anniversary surprises, charcuterie boards, flowers, wine deliveries, and special occasion setups can create memorable guest experiences.
They also require time.
Many hosts spend hours sourcing products, coordinating deliveries, driving between stores, setting everything up, and communicating with guests. Yet they often charge little or nothing for the service.
Hotels routinely add concierge or coordination fees to these requests. Hosts should consider doing the same. The guests requesting these experiences aren’t looking for the cheapest option. They’re paying for convenience and execution.
4. Grocery Shopping and Fridge Stocking
A stocked refrigerator is one of the most appreciated arrival experiences a guest can have.
Whether you’re personally shopping for groceries or receiving and unpacking a delivery order, there’s real work involved. Store runs, delivery coordination, substitutions, travel time, and setup all require effort.
Before offering this service, determine what your time is worth and build your pricing around that number. Guests requesting a stocked fridge are typically prioritizing convenience over cost, making this an excellent opportunity to increase revenue while enhancing the guest experience.
Hospitality vs. Free Labor
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is the distinction between hospitality and uncompensated labor.
Five-star reviews don’t come from giving everything away for free. They come from creating a seamless, thoughtful experience from booking to checkout.
If choosing not to charge for certain services is part of your brand strategy, that’s perfectly valid. But if you’re avoiding fees because you’re worried about guest reactions, it may be time to reconsider.
The worst outcome is often a guest saying, “No thanks.”
The best outcome is discovering new revenue opportunities within services you’re already providing every day.
Download a transcript of this episode
Resources:
- #STRShareSunday @gogorgegetaways
#STRShareSunday
Today’s STR Share spotlight is on Strategic Host Kylan Pimley of @gogorgegetaways and their incredibly heartfelt property, Gnome Home.
What we love most about this stay is that it’s rooted in something deeper than just design trends or amenities, it tells a family story.
Named after Kylan’s grandmother, who loved collecting gnomes and whimsical yard art, Gnome Home was intentionally created as a place for gathering, peace, resilience, healing, and slowing down. And guests clearly feel that energy the moment they arrive.
In fact, Kylan shared that guests often show up with full adventure itineraries for the Columbia River Gorge… and then end up never wanting to leave the house.
Honestly? That says everything.
This is such a strong reminder that the best STRs create an emotional experience, not just a functional stay.
We also love how Go Gorge Getaways has built an entire brand around thoughtful hospitality and local connection:
- boutique, intentionally designed stays
- deep local expertise of the Gorge
- seamless guest communication
- elevated but approachable experiences
- strong community involvement and stewardship
That intentionality carries through everything they do.
And while Gnome Home is filled with charm and personality, it also reflects something we talk about often inside Strategic Host: guests are craving spaces that feel meaningful and personal — not cookie-cutter.
Kylan and Jake have clearly created a property guests emotionally connect with, which is exactly why it continues earning Guest Favorite status and all 5-star reviews.
Follow along: @gogorgegetaways
Explore the properties: www.gogorgegetaways.com
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