Ten years ago, we started our vacation rental business in Panama, in Central America, where the climate is tropical, hot and humid all year round, with just two seasons: dry and rainy. The tourist season has its hot-spots and low-spots, but essentially runs throughout the year.
We were located in the exclusive beach and golf resort of Buenaventura, with a 3-bedroom villa on the edge of a lake. It was all on one level, with its own vanishing-edge pool and jacuzzi, and it was a winner with guests. They loved it and returned time and time again.
We sold the property in 2024 and moved to Portugal.
On a recent return visit to take care of some loose ends, we spent a few days back in Buenaventura with friends. The memories of my hosting journey came flooding back, and it made me reflect on the things that surprised me most when we first started hosting:
1. It’s Much Harder Work Than You Think
Airbnb and the other OTAs can make hosting look effortless — snap a few photos, write a quick title and description, and suddenly you’re earning passive income.
The reality is quite different.
Hosting takes time, dedication, and far more effort than most people expect. Regulations are tightening, OTAs are constantly changing their rules, and guest expectations continue to rise. There is more pressure than ever to earn 5-star reviews and keep up with the competition.
Before jumping in, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself honestly whether you have the time, energy, and mindset to do this properly.
I go into this in more detail in Chapter 2 of my book, where I outline the qualities I believe every good host needs. You can download the first two chapters here.
2. Pay Attention to Every Detail and Be Prepared to go the Extra Mile
Guests notice absolutely everything. And I mean everything.
Because your property is not their space, they see things that you no longer do.
You’ll need to make sure your place is:
Spotlessly clean, inside and out
Every single detail matters, including the pots and pans guests use. I’ve often arrived at a rental to find dirty saucepans or frying pans because previous guests hadn’t cleaned them properly and the host missed it.
Supremely comfortable
Guests are paying to sleep in your property. Sleep quality is critical. If they don’t sleep well, it will affect their entire stay, and very likely your review. Invest in good beds, quality pillows, and bedding.
Fully and properly equipped
There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at a property for six people and finding two mismatched wine glasses. (Yes, that has happened to us.)
Make sure you have plenty of crockery, glassware, cutlery, pots, and pans all in good condition. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least double the occupancy.
And don’t underestimate the small details, cold water in the fridge and ice in the freezer go a long way to pleasing your guests.
Concierge-style hosting and thoughtful touches
These days, if you want to stand out, you do need to go the extra mile and show guests that you genuinely care.
That might include:
A guest app that gives guests easy access to everything they need during their stay including local restaurants, shops, transport, attractions, and essential services like doctors or pharmacies. If it’s all in one place, it removes friction and makes the stay feel more seamless. (Our guests loved our Guest App and even mentioned it in their reviews!).
Unique or unusual amenities.
For families, this might be something like a small climbing wall, swings, or a treehouse. For others, it could be a pizza oven (with dough ready for them), picnic baskets, beach kits, or even something as simple as binoculars or a telescope if the location suits it. Fire pits and hot tubs remain popular for a reason.
A welcome basket with locally sourced products, or something simple like a home-baked cake or locally produced drink.
A handwritten note to thank guests for their stay.
Offering help with bookings such as restaurants, golf, fishing trips. This is especially helpful if guests are unfamiliar with the area or the language.
3. Your Support Team Is Worth Their Weight in Gold
A great team is the difference between a good stay and a 5-star experience.
The people who clean, prepare, and reset your property between guests are the most important part of your operation. Its about great team work, everyone working together to reach the end goal.
They are the ones who make sure the property looks as though no one has ever stayed there.
If something is missed, whether it’s cleaning, supplies, or setup, you will feel it in your reviews.
Train them well. Treat them well. Pay them fairly. Acknowledge good work and share positive guest feedback with them so they feel part of what you are building.
A strong, reliable team makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
5-star hosting is about mindset, attitude and genuine love of people and hospitality. Combine people skills with professionalism, organization and resiliance and you’ll be well on the road to success.
If you’re thinking about getting into hosting, or you’re already doing it and want to raise your standards, I’ve made the first two chapters of my book available to download absolutely free!
They cover what it really takes to earn consistent 5-star reviews, along with the qualities every successful host needs.
Download them here:
