The Guest House Blog
The Magic of Small Gestures: A Birthday Surprise That Changed My Hosting Perspective
When I reflect on my early days as a vacation rental host, I'm reminded of a valuable lesson: sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact. In my enthusiasm to provide exceptional service, I initially focused on elaborate welcome baskets and comprehensive amenity kits for multiple properties. While well-intentioned, this approach proved unsustainable.
Managing a property at an exclusive beach resort presented unique challenges. From navigating strict contractor policies to handling remote location logistics and mandatory 24-hour guest registration, each aspect required careful attention. Add to that the responsibility of personally handling cleaning duties with my family, and you can imagine the overwhelming nature of those early days.
But amidst the chaos of doing everything myself, one memorable experience crystallized what truly matters in hospitality. When a family booked our beachfront unit for their four-year-old's birthday celebration, I saw an opportunity to create something special. Rather than an elaborate setup, I opted for simple birthday balloons and a thoughtful welcome basket.
The mother's response - a photo of her daughter beaming beside the balloons and a heartfelt message about restoring her faith in humanity - reminded me why I chose this path. Sometimes, it's not about grand gestures or extensive amenity kits. It's about those simple, genuine moments of connection that transform a vacation rental into a memorable experience.
As my business has evolved, I've learned to balance providing personalized touches while maintaining sustainability. This story remains a cornerstone of my hosting philosophy: create moments that matter, one small gesture at a time.
Creating Memorable Guest Experiences: Small Touches That Make a Big Impact
As a host, one of the most rewarding aspects of sharing your space is creating unforgettable experiences for your guests. It's not just about providing a clean, comfortable place to stay – it's about making each guest feel truly special and welcomed. Here are some proven ways to elevate your hosting game and create lasting memories for your visitors.
Personal Touches Matter
The key to exceptional hosting lies in the details. By taking time to read your guests' messages and booking reasons, you can customize their stay in meaningful ways. When guests mention special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays, acknowledging these moments can transform a regular stay into an extraordinary experience.
Simple Yet Effective Gestures
Here are some tried-and-true ways to make your guests feel valued:
Handwritten Welcome Notes: A personal note addressed to your guests adds a warm, human touch. Pro tip: Pre-write these with check-in dates and have your cleaning team place them during turnover.
Birthday Celebrations: Invest in a reusable "Happy Birthday" sign – a simple $5 purchase that can bring immense joy to celebrating guests.
Digital Recognition: Always acknowledge special occasions in your messages, even if you can't prepare something physical.
Create Experiential Moments
Transform ordinary amenities into memorable experiences:
Enhancement Packages: If you have features like a fire pit or fire table, include s'mores kits for guests to enjoy. These simple additions can create first-time experiences that guests will always remember.
Local Expert Touch: Provide carefully curated local recommendations that align with your guests' interests and enhance their overall stay.
Decorate for the Seasons
Make your space festive throughout the year with these seasonal touches:
Christmas and Winter: Add a small artificial tree, festive throw pillows, and warm winter decor to create a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Valentine's Day: Include romantic touches like heart-themed decor and special couple-friendly amenities.
Spring/Easter: Brighten the space with fresh spring colors, pastel accents, and seasonal flowers.
Summer: Focus on beach-themed decor, bright colors, and outdoor entertainment items.
Remember to keep decorations tasteful and not overwhelming - the goal is to enhance the guest experience while maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
Master the Basics First
Important Note: The success of these special touches depends entirely on excellence in the fundamentals. Before implementing these enhancement strategies, ensure you've mastered the essential aspects of hosting:
Immaculate Cleanliness: Maintain consistently high cleaning standards throughout your property
Clear Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to all guest inquiries
Smooth Operations: Have reliable systems in place for check-in, maintenance, and problem-solving
Only when these core elements are consistently executed should you focus on adding these extra special touches to elevate the guest experience.
Remember that the most memorable experiences often come from showing genuine care and attention to your guests' needs. These thoughtful gestures will not only result in positive reviews but also create loyal guests who return year after year.
5 Ways to Apply Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory as an Airbnb Host
Running an Airbnb can be stressful. From managing guest communications to maintaining your property, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of hosting. That's where the "Let Them" theory comes in—a revolutionary mindset that can transform your hosting experience while preserving your peace of mind.
What is the “Let Them” Theory?
The "Let Them" theory is a hosting philosophy that emphasizes letting go of micro-management and accepting that guests will be guests. Rather than trying to control every aspect of the hosting experience, this approach encourages hosts to focus on what truly matters while letting go of the rest.
This mindset isn't about lowering your standards—it's about creating a more sustainable and enjoyable hosting experience for both you and your guests. By letting go of perfect control, you create space for authentic hospitality.
The "Let Them" theory gained widespread popularity through Mel Robbins, a renowned motivational speaker and author. She championed this approach as part of her broader philosophy on personal development and stress management. While Robbins popularized the theory through her content and speaking engagements, the core concept draws from established psychological principles related to acceptance and letting go.
The theory's origins can be traced to ancient Stoic philosophy and modern mindfulness practices, though Robbins' application to hospitality and service industries has made it particularly relevant for Airbnb hosts. Her practical interpretation has resonated with hosts worldwide who struggle with the balance between providing excellent service and maintaining personal boundaries.
1. Let Them Ask About Check-in Details
When guests message about check-in information that's already in your house manual, resist the urge to feel frustrated. Instead, simply re-send the instructions. The guest will appreciate your prompt response, and you'll avoid unnecessary stress.
When a message pops up about check-in details (that are totally in your house manual and messages) - let them. Re-send the instructions. The guest will be grateful.
2. Let Them Leave Imperfect Reviews
Received a 4-star review mentioning something beyond your control? Let them. Future guests will see the complete picture, including your Superhost status and overall rating. Every review offers an opportunity to improve, even if the criticism wasn't entirely fair.
Got a 4-star review mentioning something beyond your control? Let them. Your future guests will see the whole picture, and your Superhost status speaks for itself. And—maybe you have room to improve.
3. Let Them Contact You at Odd Hours
When guests message at 2 AM about a booking three months away, don't feel obligated to respond immediately. Let them send the message, keep your phone on silent, and respond professionally in the morning.
2AM question about a booking three months away? Let them. Hopefully your phone is on silent and replying in the morning is perfectly professional.
4. Let Them Cause Minor Wear and Tear
Found a new scuff on the wall or a chipped mug after checkout? Don't let it ruin your day. Minor damages are part of the hosting business, and obsessing over every small imperfection will only increase your stress levels.
Found a new scuff on the wall or a chipped mug? Let them. Don't sweat the small stuff. Damages are a part of every business.
5. Let Them Enjoy Their Privacy
If guests are quiet after check-in, resist the urge to check in repeatedly. Let them enjoy their vacation in peace, trusting that you've prepared a wonderful experience for them.
Radio silence after a guest arrives? Let them. Your guests are on vacation. Trust that you've done the leg work to provide a great experience.
Benefits of the "Let Them" Approach
Reduced hosting stress and anxiety
More authentic guest experiences
Better work-life balance
Sustainable hosting practice that prevents burnout
Improved mental wellbeing
Finding the Right Balance
The "Let Them" theory doesn't mean neglecting your responsibilities as a host. It's about finding the sweet spot between providing excellent service and maintaining your sanity. When you embrace this mindset, you're not being negligent—you're being realistic about what you can control (your preparation and response) and what you can't (guests being guests).
Implementing the "Let Them" Theory
Review your house rules and identify areas where you might be over-controlling
Practice responding to common situations with a "let them" mindset
Create systems that allow for guest autonomy while maintaining property standards
Focus on what truly matters for guest satisfaction
In conclusion,
Hosting is a beautiful balance of service and boundaries. The "Let Them" theory helps you navigate this balance with grace, preserving your peace while still providing exceptional experiences for your guests.
Remember: You can't control everything about the guest experience, but you can control how you respond to hosting challenges. By adopting the "Let Them" mindset, you'll create a more sustainable hosting business that brings joy to both you and your guests.
The Challenges of Airbnb Hosting: The reality of a 24/7 job and how to relieve the pressure
The Reality of 24/7 Hosting
As an Airbnb host, your phone becomes your lifeline. Messages flow in at all hours from guests, potential bookings, cleaners, and maintenance staff. For property managers like myself, each additional property multiplies these communications. Plus, Airbnb factors your response time into your public host profile, adding extra pressure to stay constantly connected.
When I first started hosting, I was completely tethered to my phone. I'd check messages in the middle of the night and respond instantly to every notification. While my dedication served me well, it wasn't sustainable. Over time, I've developed systems and boundaries that allow me to provide excellent service while protecting my time and energy.
Time Management Solutions That Work
1. Build a Support Team Never host alone! Having at least one other person to help monitor messages relieves enormous pressure. Whether it's a trusted family member, friend, Virtual Assistant, or professional co-host, having backup ensures you won't miss important communications while taking necessary breaks.
At Guest House, we employ a dedicated Guest Experience Manager who monitors all guest communications. We maintain high standards - responding to inquiries within an hour and current guest messages within 10 minutes - without putting the entire burden on one person.
2. Use Technology Wisely Your phone's Focus settings are invaluable for creating boundaries. Set up different modes for Work, Personal, and Sleep time. I allow emergency calls through during Sleep mode but otherwise protect my downtime.
3. Prevent Questions Through Better Systems Many guest questions can be eliminated through clear communication and thoughtful setup:
Provide comprehensive listing descriptions
Create detailed digital or physical guidebooks
Keep amenities simple and intuitive
Label important features clearly
Record how-to videos for complex items
4. Automate Scheduling Coordinate with your cleaning and maintenance teams through property management software or Airbnb's Co-Host features. This reduces the time spent on scheduling and ensures smooth turnover between guests. Set up regular maintenance schedules for services like snow removal and garbage collection.
5. Have Clear Emergency Protocols Establish and communicate clear guidelines for what constitutes an emergency and how guests should handle different situations. Provide emergency contact numbers and local resource information upfront.
While being an Airbnb host requires significant time investment, these strategies can help you manage the demands while delivering exceptional guest experiences. In future posts, we'll explore other challenges of hosting and their solutions.
At Guest House, we specialize in helping property owners navigate these time management challenges. Our team of experienced professionals handles everything from guest communication to maintenance coordination, allowing owners to enjoy the benefits of Airbnb hosting without the 24/7 commitment.
We've refined our systems over years of managing multiple properties, developing efficient protocols that maximize both guest satisfaction and owner peace of mind. Whether you're considering becoming a host or looking to step back from day-to-day management, our expertise can help you achieve your hosting goals while maintaining work-life balance.
The Guest House touch: Making guests and owners feel cared for
If there’s one thing that we want to be known for, it’s elevating Airbnb hospitality and exceeding guests’ and owners expectations. We love going above and beyond to make our guests feel special. We believe that the little touches and attention to detail leave a lasting impression leading to repeat guests. For each guest that stays with us, we read through their messages to see if they are celebrating anything special, or what is bringing them to the area. We want our guests to know that each and every reservation is important to us, and that effort has been put in to make them feel cared for.
We find that guests are more likely to communicate in a positive manner when their trip starts off with a warm tone. They seem to be more forgiving of any issues, and their reviews are genuine and well thought out.
As a boutique management company with carefully limited properties, we ensure each owner and guest receives our full attention and care.
Pro Tip: The key to successful short-term rental management isn't just about following a checklist - it's about creating memorable experiences that keep guests coming back and referring others. This approach has helped us maintain consistently high occupancy rates and stellar reviews across our portfolio.
Here are some examples of our favourite ways to welcome guests:
Personalized welcome notes: We handwrite a note for each guest, mentioning their specific occasion or reason for visiting if shared with us. Tip: You can pre-write a bunch of notes for back/back reservations and have the cleaning team put them out if no one else will be visiting the property before arrival.
Local treats: We love to pick up a baked good, pie, or fresh produce (like some beautiful fresh apples from a road stand!). If a guest is celebrating an anniversary or birthday, a little cake is a gorgeous welcome gift. We always leave a business card or menu from the shop so the guests know it’s made locally.
Welcome guides: We are local experts and LOVE checking out new places to add to our ever-evolving guidebook. We send this to guests before they arrive to help with their trip planning. When guests have specific questions about where to eat or visit, we are well-armed with information to provide!
Special occasion touches: For celebrations like anniversaries or birthdays, we add thoughtful decorations or small gifts to make their stay memorable. Hot tip: one of the most inexpensive but impactful purchases you’ll make is a Happy Birthday sign from the dollar store. ESPECIALLY if the group is celebrating a kid’s birthday.
Don’t forget about our furry guests: We love leaving out some pet treats for our furry guests, and doggy poop bags incase the owners forgot to bring some.
These thoughtful touches not only create a warm welcome but also showcase our commitment to personalized service. Our attention to detail extends beyond the initial welcome - we remain attentive and responsive throughout their stay, ensuring each guest feels like a valued member of our Guest House family.
For property owners, this level of care translates to:
Higher guest satisfaction: Leading to better reviews and increased bookings
Improved property care: Guests who feel valued tend to treat properties with more respect
Increased repeat bookings: Many guests specifically request to book with us again, and share our listings to their network
Strong property reputation: Our attention to detail helps properties stand out in a crowded market
We believe that these personal touches and consistent care create a winning formula for both our guests and property owners.
At The Guest House, we understand that exceptional hospitality is both an art and a science. Our approach combines warm, personalized service with efficient, professional management - creating an experience that delights guests while protecting and enhancing our owners' investments.
Ready to learn more about how we can help you maximize your property's potential while maintaining its charm and character? Contact us today to discuss how our boutique management style can work for your property.
What to pack for Sherkston when you stay at a Guest House cottage
What's Provided in Your Guest House Stay
To ensure a comfortable stay, we provide essential amenities, and units are all professionally cleaned between guests.
While most cottages don't have in-unit laundry, and there is only one laundromat onsite, we've partnered with the only linen rental service in Sherkston for a discount on linen rental to make your stay more convenient. Scroll down for the code!
This is our list of items you will receive at every Guest House cottage as of 2025:
✨ Bedroom Essentials
Pillows with protective covers
Mattress covers
☕ Beverage Station
Coffee and tea (regular and decaf)
Coffee maker (style varies by unit)
🛁 Bathroom Basics
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash and hand soap
First aid kit
🧹 Kitchen & Cleaning
Dish soap and sponge
Dishwasher pods (where applicable)
Garbage bags
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins)
🍳 Kitchen Equipment
Full cookware and serving sets
Basic spices and cooking oil
Food storage supplies
🪵 Outdoor
Marshmallow skewers
BBQ Propane
BBQ Utensils
Seating for fire pit
All of our cottages are equipped with a BBQ, propane and a lifted 4-seater golf cart.
What You Need To Bring For Your Guest House Stay
Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you, along with your food and drinks, and bathing suits, of course!
🛏️ Bedding & Linens
Sheets and blankets
Towels (beach, bath, and kitchen)
🪵 Outdoor
Firewood (for sale on site as well)
🏖️ Beach Essentials
Beach shelter (tent or umbrella)
Sunscreen
Cooler
Reusable cups
🏃♀️ Optional Recreation Items
Bikes or scooters
Beach toys
Sports equipment
Paddleboards (also available for rent)
🏠 Exclusive Guest Offer: Visit Cleanze Linen Rental and use code LAUREN for special guest pricing on sheets, blankets, and towels! Order a-la-carte style for your group. Pricing from $20-$85.
Shopping & Conveniences
Forget something? The Sherkston Supermarket is your one-stop shop for everything from everyday essentials to beach gear. Since we are in a rural area, there aren’t a tonne of food delivery options, but there are a couple.
🏪 On-Site Shopping
LCBO for spirits
Beer Store
Prepared foods
Grocery
Beach supplies
Basic necessities
Laundromat
Firewood
🛒 Delivery Services
Instacart grocery delivery
Sobeys Voila delivery service
For water sports enthusiasts, visit the equipment rental shack by the quarry to rent paddleboards and other water equipment.
On-Site Food
Food trucks (varies year by year - always a great selection)
The Getaway Eat-in & Take-Out
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at The Sherkston Supermarket, here are some nearby options:
Nearby Grocery Stores
Bodner's Butcher & Grocery - 1384 Highway 3, Port Colborne - 7 minutes (5.5 km)
Sobeys Fort Erie - 200 Garrison Road, Fort Erie - 20 minutes (21 km)
Walmart Supercentre Fort Erie - 750 Garrison Road, Fort Erie - 22 minutes (22 km)
No Frills Fort Erie - 190 Garrison Road, Fort Erie - 20 minutes (21 km)
Please see your booked listing for a detailed list of everything included at that particular cottage.
Staying in a hotel makes you a better Airbnb host.
In the hospitality world, hotels are king. They will always Airbnb hosts #1 competition when a potential guest searches your area for a place to stay.
I recently spent 3 nights at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California, and here’s a few of my takeaways as an Airbnb property manager:
-Try and Trust Your Guests
Simply, there were not a lot of rules at the hotel. The amenities (gym, pool, hot tub) and all grounds were open from 6a-2a. There’s public fireplaces to hangout at. They simply ask to not smoke in the rooms because its ‘stinky’. They set a vibe and tone and a sense of is trust instilled in the guests to keep the peace and respect each other and the space. Airbnb has a bad rep for having too many rules and it made me reconsider which of mine are necessary and which are micro-manage-y.
A quick look at our room upon check-in. The first impression is so important: it can make or break a stay.
-Amenities Matter Most
I loved that there was a gym. We had a garden fireplace room, which I also loved having. There were high quality pillows that made me re-consider my pillows at home. I spent a ton of time at the pool and the loungers had a sun-shade that I didn’t know I needed. These are the things that will make me re-book when I come back to the area, and that stand out when I think about the overall experience. Amenities will always add value: if you want to charge as much as hotels do, you have to provide as much too, or offer something else with comparable value. Can’t add a pool? What about an outdoor ice plunge tub or a sauna?
Overview of amenities at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
-I Missed Having a Kitchen
The mini fridge was so full of consumables for purchase we had no where to put our leftovers. There was no coffee maker? Which was a first at a hotel for me. Also no microwave. We got by. But—if you are spending more than a couple nights, or bringing kids, you will end up spending a small fortune on food and drinks. Airbnb’s (usually) have a kitchen space, which is a huge plus. It adds a lot of value for many guests, especially those travelling in groups or families or for longer periods of time. What type of guest you are appealing to, and how long they’re likely to stay, is an important thing to consider when designing and adding amenities to your Airbnb.
-It’s Hard to Match the Customer Service
Need a number for pizza at 11pm? You can call the 24/7 lobby. Want to get your room cleaned and fresh towels delivered? Just call and let the desk know, there’s no cleaning charge. Though you can call your Airbnb host at 11pm for a simple question, most guests are much more hesitant (myself included), because they think they’re bugging the host. That’s not necessarily the case, but having an easily accessible local guidebook, and over emphasizing to your guests to reach out if they need anything at all goes a long way. Though you probably can’t offer free cleaning or an endless towel supply, make sure you are providing a cleaning kit and enough of everything for each person so your guests are comfortable and can clean up after themselves during their stay.
The world of Airbnb is an ever-changing landscape, and it helps to have professionals in your corner to make sure you are providing a great product for your guests. This is what will set you apart from your competition and help you to earn a profit on your real estate investment. Guest House Airbnb Management based out of Niagara Falls, Ontario manages properties with a hospitality focus that aims to provide a consistent and seamless stay for every guest. If you are interested in learning more about our services, click here to connect.
6 hospitality touches that guests love at Airbnb’s
Gone are the days of throwing furniture into a room and calling it an Airbnb. Now, guests are looking for an experience when they stay at your property. A well thought out, personal, and welcoming stay with hotel-quality (if not better) hospitality.
We asked our Instagram followers what hospitality means to them, and, we couldn’t agree more with the answers.
CLEAR AND PROMPT COMMUNICATION
The guest experience begins with your first interaction. You want to provide clear check-in procedures, house rules, and any other pertinent information so that the guests aren’t left trying to figure things out on their own. Keep it succinct and easy to understand: TLDR (too long didn’t read) is a real thing.HIGH QUALITY LINENS
This is something you don’t want to skimp on. There is nothing worse than sleeping in a bed with scratchy sheets, or having to use a tiny hard towel when you get out of the shower. This is an opportunity to leave a sensory memory with your guests, so think: comfort, quality, and luxury.STOCKED ESSENTIALS
“The less I need to bring, the better” is what one of our followers said, and it is so true! Guests now expect the kitchen to have cooking essentials (oils, spices, etc.), and necessary toiletries in the bathroom (shampoo, conditioner, etc.). A fun way to take a unit to the next level is to create a coffee and tea station, especially if you’re located a ways from the nearest Starbucks or Timmy’s. Everyone needs their morning bevy, even when on vacation.A WELCOME GIFT
This is a great way to immediately impress your guests as soon as they enter the unit. And, it doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive: fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, a jar of local honey. Think of it like a party favour — thanking your guests for coming in to your space. Bonus points if you include something from a local business!A LOCAL GUIDEBOOK
As the host, you are the guests’ concierge. Make it easy for them to know where the best places to order food are, or what the must-see spots are in the area. This is also a great way to bounceback business to your community! SPOILER: Guest House will be rolling out downloadable guidebooks for 10 towns/cities in Niagara!ENHANCED CLEANING PRACTICES
Cleanliness is truly everything when it comes to the guest experience. You can nail every other facet of hospitality, but if your property is unclean you will not get a 5-star review. Bathrooms, kitchens, and beds should be spotless when your guests arrive.
Guest House can help you implement these extra touches into your Airbnb property via our consultation services, or through ongoing management. After all, our main goal is to get you a 5-star review. Let’s talk!
Where to eat, drink, and play in Ridgeway, ON
Located 25 minutes south of Niagara Falls is the quaint, up-and-coming village of Ridgeway. It has a has a picturesque downtown with trendy restaurants and shops, and a Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in the summer. It’s about 10 minutes from the Peace Bridge that connects Canada and Buffalo, NY. It neighbours the beach-town of Crystal Beach which is just minutes away (guide to Crystal Beach coming soon!).
The main drag of Ridgeway is located on Ridge Rd and is the perfect spot to start a day exploring the village.
To eat & drink:
335 on the Ridge—the first restaurant to bring fine dining to Ridgeway. The food is second-to-none, and the ambiance inside AND on the patio is idyllic. Order the cup n char pizza and a dirty gin martini. 335 Ridge Rd.
Brimstone Brewing Co. Ridgeway’s own brewery and smokehouse! Be sure to make a stop here, even just to pick up some local brew and check out the space: it’s located in an re-imagined 20th century church. 209 Ridge Rd.
To Play:
Bernard Beach: At the end of Bernard Rd is a small parking lot with public beach access. If you go early in the summer you can snag a spot to lay down, but I more-so recommend it as a jumping off point for a walk along Lake Erie. In the summer the water is beautiful here, and usually crystal clear, so it’s perfect if you want to go in for a dip. But, regardless of the time of year, it is a picturesque spot to check out.
Farmer’s Market: On Saturday mornings from May-Oct at the end of Ridge Rd you’ll find live music, local makers, fresh produce, bakery stands, and so much more. It’s starts early in the morning and ends early afternoon.
Friendship Trail: Go on a walk or bike ride down the Friendship Trail which runs 16km’s from Fort Erie down to Port Colborne. There are many jumping on and off points, but an easy spot to hop on is at the end of Ridge Rd.
To Shop:
Lovely Day: A charming store lovingly curated with a mix of vintage, new, and artisan-made goods. 285 Ridge Rd.
Gypsy Ridge Studio: Hand made home goods, vintage and repurposed clothing, jewelry and some furniture! A very enjoyable shopping experience. 247 Ridge Rd.
Lakeside Books & Art An adorable two-storey shop full of neat books, toys, and vintage knick knacks. Give yourself some time to get lost for a while. 341 Ridge Rd.
Lasting Impressions This shop has been around for more than 20 years and is a benchmark in the area. The whole store is colour-coordinated for a very pleasing shopping experience. 327 Ridge Rd.
Your Farm Gate I can’t mention food in Ridgeway and not talk about this local butcher. This is where you will find the highest quality meat in the area. They have a whole animal approach (nothing goes to waste) and all meat comes from local farmers. 3822 Dominion Rd.