Redefining the Checkout Experience: Prioritizing Guest Comfort at Open Air Homes
By: Brad Greiner, CEO of Open Air Homes and OpenAiRE Brokerage
August 9, 2024
When planning a vacation, the last thing guests want is to feel burdened with chores, especially after paying a significant cleaning fee. A recent article from LADbible highlighted a common frustration among travelers: paying high cleaning fees but still being expected to perform numerous tasks before checkout. The article describes a guest’s experience, sharing that her Airbnb host requested she remove garbage, start the dishwasher, do laundry, and even leave a tip for the cleaning staff—all just two hours before checkout after paying £1,000 for two nights. The guest expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “Zero emails were ever sent regarding any of it. There isn’t a damn thing here in this listing about me doing the dishes. SHENANIGANS” (LADbible).
Mojave Stargazer in Joshua Tree, by Open Air Homes
Our Philosophy: A Boutique Hotel Experience at Open Air Homes
At Open Air Homes, we believe in providing a seamless, stress-free experience that respects our guests’ time and ensures they can fully enjoy their stay. We run our business with the ethos of a boutique hotel, where guests should never feel burdened by chores during their vacation. Our checkout message is clear and straightforward:
“This is a friendly reminder that your checkout time is at 11 am. To continue your stress-free stay, please allow our cleaners to do the work. All we ask is for you to ensure the lights and heaters are off and the door is securely closed and locked as you exit. Our team will handle the rest!
Thank you for staying with us at Open Air Homes, we hope to host you again soon. Follow us on Instagram 📸 @openairhomes to stay up to date with our new properties and adventures 🌴
We look forward to hosting you again soon! Have an amazing day!”
We believe this approach not only enhances the guest experience but also sets a standard for the industry. It’s about creating an environment where guests can relax, enjoy their time, and leave feeling refreshed—not stressed about a list of chores.
Mojave Stargazer in Joshua Tree, by Open Air Homes
The Industry Needs to Improve
The practice of giving guests a list of chores despite charging a cleaning fee is not only unfair but can also deter future bookings. When guests encounter such expectations, they are more likely to choose a hotel for their next stay, where they can enjoy a hassle-free experience. As one guest in the LADbible article put it, “What kind of person wouldn’t automatically do this before leaving an Airbnb? I don’t need to be told to be respectful.” However, another commenter rightly pointed out that while it’s courteous to do simple tasks like putting dishes in the dishwasher, “emptying bins and doing laundry is definitely something for the cleaners to do and covered by a cleaning fee.”
Mojave Stargazer in Joshua Tree, by Open Air Homes
Our Commitment to Hospitality
At Open Air Homes, we are committed to redefining hospitality in the short-term rental industry. We understand that guests are looking for a comfortable and convenient experience, and we aim to deliver just that. By treating our properties and guests with the same care and respect as a boutique hotel, we ensure that our guests leave with positive memories and a desire to return.
In conclusion, respecting guests’ time and providing a truly hospitable experience are crucial for the success of any short-term rental business. At Open Air Homes, we go above and beyond to ensure our guests enjoy a relaxing, stress-free stay. This not only enhances the guest experience but also encourages repeat bookings and positive reviews, which are essential for maintaining a successful vacation rental business.
We invite you to experience the difference at Open Air Homes and discover a vacation rental experience that truly prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction.
