Hi Abraham, I am also a fairly new host and I have a separate house in the west of Ireland. I think the experience of hosting a separate house and hosting in your own home has some differences but that said I agree with all the advice posted by other hosts. Here are some of the lessons I have learnt:
When you get an enquiry ask again how many guests will be coming as based on my experience not all guests read your listing requirements or indeed rules, in detail.
Remind guests of the check out time as this is often an issue and if they don’t leave on time, it puts added pressure on you when you are trying to get the house ready for the next guests.
Put time and effort into your house manual and rules and print off a hard copy, put it in a pretty folder and leave in the house. Be clear about all the places they can visit and provide phone numbers but put the onus on them to check venues are open as some businesses are seasonal.
Remind guests to check that their mobile phones will work in the country they are visiting, my very first experience as a host was when an american couple showed up (a bit dazed) and said their phones did not work and they were meant to be meeting friends and did not know where they were and could not contact them! I was left running around the area and phoning neighbours to try and track their friends down. Nice people but bizarre experience!
Be available to greet guests and give them a warm welcome. I leave some basics in the house like tea and coffee, toilet paper, soap, washing up liquid and stuff for the dishwasher and if (and only if) I am making scones or cakes I will make extra for them.
An obvious one but make sure the house is spotless and all the linen fresh and inviting.
Be flexible and prepared for the unexpected especially if your guests don’t speak english and you don’t speak their language, get a translation app!
Ignore Airb&bs price points, look at your area and decide for yourself what you think your place is worth.
I ensure guests book for a minimum of 3 nights as I don’t want to spend all my time changing beds etc, 3 nights work very well for me.
Finally enjoy it, you will meet some lovely people and this year, (my first proper year) I have had all lovely guests.
Very best of luck.
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