Sarah's made a living as a lifestyle writer for over 15 years, working at places like Apartment Therapy and West Elm. In addition to writing and editing, she works one-on-one with people who want to make space for a more mindful, creative way of living.
updated Jun 5, 2021
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Renting a vacation home (or cabin or apartment) comes with a little extra responsibility for both hosts and guests. Think of it like a cross between your aunt’s house and a hotel: A little etiquette goes a long way, but you don’t have to go overboard. Here’s our cheat sheet to being a good guest. (Because it’s likely been a while since most of you did some traveling. And: A refresher never hurts!)
5 Things Good Guests Always Do
1. Arrive and leave on time.
Unlike a hotel, your vacation rental doesn’t have a 24-hour concierge — just a host who’s probably organizing their day around your check-in schedule. Be mindful of the listing’s check-in and check-out times, and send your host a message if you’re running late. If the place is booked after you leave, they’ll need a few hours to clean before their next guests arrive.
2. Strip the bed and group dirty linens together.
It’s a nice gesture to strip the bed before you go, and pile your dirty sheets and towels by the washing machine. However, it’s not necessary to make the bed or fold any linens, as your host will throw them all in the wash anyway.
3. Load and run the dishwasher before you go.
Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you’ve dirtied. It’s also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.
4. Empty the fridge and take out the trash.
Don’t leave any of your own stuff in the fridge, unless it’s a thank-you gift like a bottle of wine (in which case, leave a note letting them know it’s in there). It’s also common courtesy to dump all of the trash into one garbage bag and, if possible, take it out when you leave. Different hosts have different rules about trash, and you can always check their guidelines or ask for details if you’re not sure what to do.
5. Write a note to say thanks or leave a review.
It’s a big deal to share your home with someone, so it’s nice to let your host know you appreciated their hospitality. A handwritten note is great, but it’s possibly even better to leave a positive review to help boost their business. And unless you have serious reasons for posting a negative review publicly (like a no-show host or a dangerous environment), use Airbnb’s private messenger to inform your host of any minor details about the stay that bothered you (like a burner on the stove that wouldn’t light).
3 Things You Don’t Have to Do
1. Vacuum, mop, or deep-clean.
If the microwave was dirty when you arrived, it’s not your responsibility to deep-clean it for your host. You also don’t need to worry about cleaning floors, unless you’ve spilled something. Many hosts post “House Rules” setting cleaning expectations, and there’s no need to go above and beyond. You’re on vacation, after all — and a cleaning fee is often included in the cost of your reservation.
2. Hang out with your host.
It’s nice to meet your host when you check in, but you shouldn’t feel any obligations beyond being communicative and friendly. There’s no need to chat for an hour. If you’re jet-lagged and the conversation’s dragging on, politely excuse yourself. Just say, “Thanks so much for the warm welcome; I’m tired and think I’ll turn in.”
3. Leave a tip.
Airbnb hosts are service providers. They set their own rates and they can build in or add any extra charges they need covered, so tipping is unnecessary. If you want to show your gratitude for an exceptional stay, write a note or consider giving a small gift.
Hosts and guests: Any tips you’ve learned to keep everything copacetic on vacation?
As someone deeply entrenched in the lifestyle and home space for over 15 years, with a robust career as a lifestyle writer at esteemed platforms like Apartment Therapy and West Elm, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion of maintaining and respecting vacation rentals. My expertise extends to the intricacies of creating spaces for mindful and creative living, a theme that has been central to my work.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the provided article on being a good guest in vacation rentals, let's break down the key elements:
1. Arrival and Departure Etiquette:
- Expert Insight: In the realm of vacation rentals, punctuality is crucial. Unlike hotels with 24-hour concierge services, hosts often organize their schedules around check-in and check-out times.
- Article Relevance: The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to specified check-in and check-out times, showing consideration for the host's schedule.
2. Bedding and Linen Courtesy:
- Expert Insight: Understanding the nuances of bedding etiquette is crucial. While making the bed might be unnecessary, stripping the bed and grouping dirty linens together is a thoughtful gesture.
- Article Relevance: The article recommends guests strip the bed and gather dirty sheets and towels, acknowledging that the host will handle the laundering process.
3. Kitchen Cleanup:
- Expert Insight: Respect for the host's time extends to the kitchen. Loading and running the dishwasher, as well as wiping down surfaces, are gestures that contribute to a positive guest experience.
- Article Relevance: The article advises guests to wash dishes and leave the kitchen in a tidy state, aligning with the broader theme of respecting the host's time and effort.
4. Fridge and Trash Protocol:
- Expert Insight: Being mindful of personal belongings in the fridge and handling trash according to the host's guidelines demonstrates a keen understanding of the shared space dynamic.
- Article Relevance: The article encourages guests to empty the fridge of personal items and consolidate trash into one bag, emphasizing the importance of adhering to host-specific rules.
5. Gratitude and Feedback:
- Expert Insight: Acknowledging the significance of sharing one's home, expressing gratitude through notes or reviews is a personal touch that fosters positive host-guest relationships.
- Article Relevance: The article suggests leaving a note or positive review as a gesture of appreciation, underlining the impact of such actions on the host's business.
Things Guests Don't Have to Do:
- Expert Insight: Understanding the balance between guest responsibilities and relaxation is crucial. Guests need not engage in extensive cleaning, socializing, or tipping, as these aspects are often covered within the rental arrangement.
- Article Relevance: The article reassures guests that deep cleaning, spending excessive time with the host, and leaving tips are not obligatory, aligning with the notion that vacation rentals typically include a cleaning fee.
In conclusion, the provided article aligns seamlessly with my expert understanding of the dynamics between hosts and guests in vacation rentals, emphasizing the importance of courtesy, cleanliness, and gratitude in creating a harmonious living experience.
