Tell me about your favorite Airbnb / VRCO extras

[Deleted]

I'm going to be listing my new place on these sites and wanted to hear from those who have used it what extras the host provided that you loved.

For example....
Take out menus from neighborhood restaurants
Breakfast items
Alcohol

And go!

[cheezer]

Towels and a hair dryer are my must haves. Having body wash in the shower is nice. I bring my own shampoo/conditioner but I'm sure others would appreciate that. Maybe a list of favorite restaurants/sandwich shops in the neighborhood along with where the closest wine shop is.

[celeste]

I VRBO'd an island cottage in Panama and the owner left piña colada fixings and beach cruisers for exploring. I also appreciate a binder with info about the house (quirks, etc), the wifi password, local info, and restaurant menus.

[Deleted]

Upcoming events is a great idea!

I plan on making a binder so this is great info to have.

I don't use a hair dryer, so I never would have thought of that. Adding it to the list.

I'm imagining what's available at hotels and going from there. Minus housekeeping (although for long stays I might arrange for one cleaning) and chocolates on pillows. Lol.

[dellabear]

Not sure if this counts as an extra but room darkening curtains or blinds are a must for me.

[orval]

Directions to local grocery store.
Parking information if applicable.
Body wash and shampoo in shower - pumps in the shower (we just stayed in an apartment a couple days ago and this was nice) They didn't have washcloths though so include those.
First aid kit.
TV channel info and any quirks with the TV.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 16:53:26 GMT -5 dellabear said:

Not sure if this counts as an extra but room darkening curtains or blinds are a must for me.

Oh that's a good one. My place has lots of Windows.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 17:12:12 GMT -5 orval said:

Directions to local grocery store.
Parking information if applicable.
Body wash and shampoo in shower - pumps in the shower (we just stayed in an apartment a couple days ago and this was nice) They didn't have washcloths though so include those.
First aid kit.
TV channel info and any quirks with the TV.

I don't have a TV.

[EmilieMadison]

Jul 1, 2015 17:36:52 GMT -5 @blissoff said:

Jul 1, 2015 17:12:12 GMT -5 orval said:

Directions to local grocery store.
Parking information if applicable.
Body wash and shampoo in shower - pumps in the shower (we just stayed in an apartment a couple days ago and this was nice) They didn't have washcloths though so include those.
First aid kit.
TV channel info and any quirks with the TV.

I don't have a TV.

That will be a huge drawback, or even a deal-breaker, for a lot of people. 

Where will you stay if you have vacationers in your place? 

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 17:46:45 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

Jul 1, 2015 17:36:52 GMT -5 @blissoff said:

I don't have a TV.

That will be a huge drawback, or even a deal-breaker, for a lot of people. 

Where will you stay if you have vacationers in your place? 

Interesting. I'll keep that in mind. I haven't had a TV in years so I'm not really keen on purchasing one.

I'd think that people would want to enjoy SD vs sit in a house watching TV.

I'd stay next door with my friend. We're embarking on this crazy journey together. Lol. We'd only do both our places if we're both out of town.

[kadams767]

Discount/loyalty card for the local supermarket. Basic cooking utensils and equipment, and simple seasoning stuff like salt and pepper.

Coffee pot and filters, along with at least enough coffee to make one pot, and then sugar, shelf stable creamer, and a few tea bags/kettle.

Wifi password, directions to easiest public transport, recommendations for things to do and restaurants.

If you live near the beach, a few cheap beach chairs and/or umbrella to use.

[Deleted]

Oh coffee!! Good one.

Parking is available at the place. So I'll be sure to include directions to beaches, things to do.

Lyft discount codes for those who have never used it.

I've never used public transportation here. I've heard it's not the best. So I'll need to research that a bit more. I'm an advocate for lyft.

[jr009j]

A brita pitcher

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 18:13:59 GMT -5 jr009j said:

A brita pitcher

Yup, some of these are things *I* need in my house. Lol.

Haven't had my own place in a few years + sold everything to move here 2+ years ago. So thanks for the reminder.

[AAM2012]

I would make sure you disclose the lack of TV.

And absolutely no alcohol in the house.

I disagree with the brita rec only because I would be sketched out thinking the filter hasn't been changed in years.

Side note: when my husband was in college him and his roommates didn't realize you had to change the filters on a regular basis. PUKE!!!

Internet password. Upcoming events. Extra clean towels and sheets.

[jr009j]

Jul 1, 2015 18:37:58 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

I would make sure you disclose the lack of TV.

And absolutely no alcohol in the house.

I disagree with the brita rec only because I would be sketched out thinking the filter hasn't been changed in years.

Side note: when my husband was in college him and his roommates didn't realize you had to change the filters on a regular basis. PUKE!!!

Internet password. Upcoming events. Extra clean towels and sheets.

I actually would be concerned with the filter issue too.  But I think most of the newer ones tell you if the filter needs to be changed.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 18:37:58 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

I would make sure you disclose the lack of TV.

And absolutely no alcohol in the house.

I disagree with the brita rec only because I would be sketched out thinking the filter hasn't been changed in years.

Side note: when my husband was in college him and his roommates didn't realize you had to change the filters on a regular basis. PUKE!!!

Internet password. Upcoming events. Extra clean towels and sheets.

Why no alcohol?
I have a friend who leaves either a 6 pack or bottle of wine and her guests LOVE it.

Will definitely disclose no TV. There will be WiFi.

I live in California, people are serious about the Brita use here. Lol.

[v]

Things like breakfast items, wine, maps, etc. would be nice extras once I"m there, but they wouldn't influence my decision to stay there.

What I would look for:

- Host has lots of positive feedback
- Quiet and private home in fantastic, convenient area; quiet neighbors
- Queen-sized or larger bed
- TV
- Fast wireless internet
- Towels
- Full kitchen with proper cooking implements
- Somebody related to the property nearby in case something goes wrong
- Moderate cleaning fees and moderate security deposit

And I'd want some sort of assurance that this is a legit operation and not in violation of law or a lease.

And pictures go a long, long way. Stylish and well-appointed helps.

[AAM2012]

You really need to be told why offering alcohol to strangers isn't a good idea? I'm curious if you've done any actual legal research as to whether what you want to do is even legal?

Haven't we talked about this in the past?

[Deleted]

I agree v. I'm dialed in on how to hook people.... I just want to make sure I also wow during their stay.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2015 19:11:28 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

You really need to be told why offering alcohol to strangers isn't a good idea? I'm curious if you've done any actual legal research as to whether what you want to do is even legal?

Yes, I've researched. Yes, it's legal. Yes, my landlord is aware. Yes, yes, and more yeses.

There's a whole slew of vacation rentals here that provide booze to strangers. So, it never seemed out of line. And to be honest, I'm still not sure why it's out of line.


Eta - yes, we talked about it last year. However, that was for a particular room in a house I was living in vs. My own house.

[v]

Jul 1, 2015 19:11:28 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

You really need to be told why offering alcohol to strangers isn't a good idea? I'm curious if you've done any actual legal research as to whether what you want to do is even legal?

Haven't we talked about this in the past?

90% of the airbnb reviews I've read mention that the host left a bottle of wine.  If it is a huge no-no, a lot of people are screwed.  But... I mean, what's the worst that could happen with one bottle of wine?

(That said, if you have a stocked liquor cabinet, clear that out.)


One more thing: I would not want personal effects lying around.  I want to stay in a place that is like a hotel, not somewhere that is lived in.

[AAM2012]

Jul 1, 2015 19:15:41 GMT -5 v said:

Jul 1, 2015 19:11:28 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

You really need to be told why offering alcohol to strangers isn't a good idea? I'm curious if you've done any actual legal research as to whether what you want to do is even legal?

Haven't we talked about this in the past?

90% of the airbnb reviews I've read mention that the host left a bottle of wine.  If it is a huge no-no, a lot of people are screwed.  But... I mean, what's the worst that could happen with one bottle of wine?

(That said, if you have a stocked liquor cabinet, clear that out.)


One more thing: I would not want personal effects lying around.  I want to stay in a place that is like a hotel, not somewhere that is lived in.

Weird! I've never seen alcohol on the places we've rented by clearly I'm not renting the right places!

I wouldn't want the liability..

[v]

Jul 1, 2015 19:52:08 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

Jul 1, 2015 19:15:41 GMT -5 v said:

90% of the airbnb reviews I've read mention that the host left a bottle of wine.  If it is a huge no-no, a lot of people are screwed.  But... I mean, what's the worst that could happen with one bottle of wine?

(That said, if you have a stocked liquor cabinet, clear that out.)


One more thing: I would not want personal effects lying around.  I want to stay in a place that is like a hotel, not somewhere that is lived in.

Weird! I've never seen alcohol on the places we've rented by clearly I'm not renting the right places!

I wouldn't want the liability..

Hey, if you're subletting your rented apartment out to strangers the bottle of wine you give them should probably be the least of your concerns liability-wise.  I'd worry a lot more about the 9000 other things that could go wrong

[Deleted]

A bottle of wine is a nice touch, but I honestly would rather pay less for the place than, say, charging an extra $10 for being able to include extras like that. One airBNB place I stayed had wine and we had to find time to drink it We're not usually actually hanging out in the room a ton on vacation (or if we planned to do that, I'd stay at a resort made for that kind of thing).

The things I've noticed in the places I've stayed that bothered me were the quality of the towels and sheets. Every place I've stayed so far had super thin, scratchy towels. I just bought nice fluffy big plush ones for like $12 each so it is a turnoff that places can't provide the same for paying guests. Same with sheets.

I honestly don't care about things like breakfast and coffee. Again, if I'm on vacation I want to explore the city and get coffee at a local coffee shop. I think they are nice but I wouldn't worry too much about them either. I do think this depends on the price you're renting for though. If I was paying $100+ for a place I might expect more extras than the ones in the $50-90 a night range that I've stayed at. Personally, I've done airBNB because I need a cheap, clean place to spend the night. Beyond that, I don't need much.

[LoveTrains]

Definitely coffee pot, coffee accoutrements like sugar etc.

[tacosforlife]

Jul 1, 2015 20:04:10 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I honestly don't care about things like breakfast and coffee. Again, if I'm on vacation I want to explore the city and get coffee at a local coffee shop.

But how do you explore the city without coffee???

I don't want to have to find clothes in order to get coffee.

[kadams767]

Jul 1, 2015 20:32:29 GMT -5 tacosforlife said:

Jul 1, 2015 20:04:10 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I honestly don't care about things like breakfast and coffee. Again, if I'm on vacation I want to explore the city and get coffee at a local coffee shop.

But how do you explore the city without coffee???

I don't want to have to find clothes in order to get coffee.

I do normally go out for coffee when I'm away, but it also depends on my trip and where I'm staying. Chalet in the mountains? Coffee is appreciated, at least for one day until I get to a store to buy my own. Apartment in big city? Not so necessary.

[kadams767]

Jul 1, 2015 20:04:10 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

A bottle of wine is a nice touch, but I honestly would rather pay less for the place than, say, charging an extra $10 for being able to include extras like that. One airBNB place I stayed had wine and we had to find time to drink it We're not usually actually hanging out in the room a ton on vacation (or if we planned to do that, I'd stay at a resort made for that kind of thing).

The things I've noticed in the places I've stayed that bothered me were the quality of the towels and sheets. Every place I've stayed so far had super thin, scratchy towels. I just bought nice fluffy big plush ones for like $12 each so it is a turnoff that places can't provide the same for paying guests. Same with sheets.

I honestly don't care about things like breakfast and coffee. Again, if I'm on vacation I want to explore the city and get coffee at a local coffee shop. I think they are nice but I wouldn't worry too much about them either. I do think this depends on the price you're renting for though. If I was paying $100+ for a place I might expect more extras than the ones in the $50-90 a night range that I've stayed at. Personally, I've done airBNB because I need a cheap, clean place to spend the night. Beyond that, I don't need much.

I actually second the sheets/towels thing. I am weird about bed linens and have rejected places that look like the bed has one of those cheap, scratchy comforters on it. I try to find places with crisp, down comforters, lol.

[tacosforlife]

Jul 1, 2015 20:52:55 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Jul 1, 2015 20:32:29 GMT -5 tacosforlife said:

But how do you explore the city without coffee???

I don't want to have to find clothes in order to get coffee.

I do normally go out for coffee when I'm away, but it also depends on my trip and where I'm staying. Chalet in the mountains? Coffee is appreciated, at least for one day until I get to a store to buy my own. Apartment in big city? Not so necessary.

FALSE.

Nobody - not even a barista - should be subjected to me before coffee.