Elevate Your Airbnb Guest Experience: A Guide to the Ultimate Forgot Something Basket
As short-term rental hosts, guest experience is everything. We all know small touches can elevate a good stay to a great one. That’s where a thoughtfully curated forgot something basket for your vacation rental property comes in handy.
You might think a toothbrush here and a razor there won’t make much of a difference. After hosting for over a decade, those small gestures resonate with guests more than you might think.
Table Of Contents:
- Why a Forgot Something Basket is a Must-Have for Short-Term Rentals
- Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Won’t Guests Just Steal Everything?
- The Forgot Something Basket
Why a Forgot Something Basket is a Must-Have for Short-Term Rentals
Guests are choosing short-term rentals for more than just cost or convenience. They want that feeling of home away from home and being cared for. A forgot something basket provides that feeling.
Think back to your own travel experiences. That moment you realize you’ve left your toothbrush at home is never fun. Instead of your guests scrambling to a store, imagine their relief when they open the bathroom cabinet to find a replacement.
Grab everything you need for your Forgot Something Basket right here!
Anticipating Your Guest’s Needs
The best piece of advice I ever received when I worked in hospitality? Anticipate your guest’s needs. This simple philosophy has stuck with me because it’s at the core of why a forgot something basket works so well.
Go beyond basic necessities and think about what will make their stay smoother and more comfortable. Here are some must-have forgot something basket essentials:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Toiletries | Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel-sized mouthwash, floss, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, makeup remover wipes, cotton balls/swabs, razor, and shaving cream. |
| Practicalities | Earplugs, lint roller, sewing kit, and a first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever). |
| Extras | Sunscreen (seasonal), bug spray (seasonal), hand sanitizer, and a phone charger. |
Beyond the Basics: Personalizing Your Forgot Something Basket
You can tailor the forgot something basket to your property’s location or target guest. This will make your guests feel extra special. Are you in a beach town? Include sunscreen, aloe vera gel, and flip-flops. Hosting families? Add kid-friendly items like coloring books and crayons.
Remember, you’re not just offering items, you’re offering reassurance and genuine care. It’s these details that can turn a one-time guest into a repeat customer and lead to those glowing five-star reviews.
Get the full Forgot Something Basket Guide right here!
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Won’t Guests Just Steal Everything?
This is something I hear a lot, but honestly, it’s a non-issue. Over years of hosting, have a few things disappeared? Sure. But it’s been negligible.
Don’t let this worry keep you from providing excellent service. The positive impact a well-stocked forgot something basket has on your guest’s experience is well worth it. Plus, your guests will love the extra touch.
Let’s be honest; a few toiletries are worth the positive experience and repeat bookings. Airbnb’s Christy Schrader even recommends including local bakery treats in your guest room basket. This will wow your guests with the personal touch and highlight the local community.
This will encourage guests to visit the local bakery or coffee shop, which enhances their stay. These extra supplies and personal touches will have your guests remembering your hospitality long after they leave.
If you’re looking for hosting tips, Airbnb’s Director, Christy, advises that property managers include branded items in your basket ideas. This will keep guests comfortable during their stay.
The Forgot Something Basket
The forgot something basket has been a game-changer for my business. The positive impact a well-stocked forgot something basket will have on your guest’s experience is well worth it.
Wondering which amenities to include at your Airbnb property? We’ve got you covered! Check out these podcasts episodes about all things guest amenities!
- Hosting Hotline: Should I Add a Hot Tub to My Airbnb Listing?
- Hosting Hotline: Five-Star Patio Amenities to Differentiate Your STR
Calling All Airbnb Hosts: The Hosting Handbook
If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!
show comments
HIDE comments