I have a guest celebrating a 60th birthday and a guest celebrating a 3rd anniversary. what special things do you do?
If someone let’s me know they’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, I leave a nice bottle of wine in the room and a hand-written note. Seems to always be appreciated but isn’t overboard.
3 Likes
I found a nice vinho verde which is a sparkling wine that has a peacock for it’s label that promotes my place. The wild peacocks are lovely this year so I want them to remember them and might out a red velvet cupcake for them.
1 Like
I don’t do anything. 
1 Like
Same here but then again no one has told me they celebrating a anniversary / birthday
1 Like
The Mrs usually bakes a small cake. always goes over as a pleasant surprise.
1 Like
Next weekend I have family coming and was told they’re celebrating the daughters 10 birthday.
That translates into a “Happy 10th Birthday Baloon” a personal card and a small cake all from the local Safeway. Cost … Less than $10. The PR that the parents will do for us is priceless. What little miss will tell her many school friends is bonus. Has worked wonders for us in the past.
Honeymooners and Anniversary Guest get a bottle of Champagne with two glasses on a tray placed on the bed. Again repeat business is booming. Cost for the honeymooners and/or anniversary couples $15. Of course they get a card too with congrats etc.
AND … Next year they get a card in their inbox (email) … Cost: a little effort and $25 for American Greeting Company annual subscription.
Good luck hosts.
Peter
1 Like
I agree. The little effort and expense goes a long way in the reviews and the recommendations. I’ve often had people come and stay because their friends have raved.
Hmmm, I get many honeymooners, and was at loss what to leave for them: champagne or wine?
I also get honeymooners and don’t leave anything but fresh plumeria petals on the bed. With how special your spot is, Mearns, you’ve already got the WOW factor going right off the bat.
1 Like
To me, that’s a lot of expense for just the possibility the little miss will tell her parents’ friends. I guess I am jaded, but the extras I have provided in the past have resulted in criticism instead of appreciation and in one case, a smackdown about something else. So I just don’t do it. I’m a budget place to begin with so if they want to stay here they will have to find their rewards in listening to surf, hearing the migrating whales and getting a gorgeous ocean view. 
1 Like
You right kona. We already doing enough. Heck I don’t have a blessed clue about wines, probably will ruin their trip with the cheap win I would buy.
1 Like
OH Yah!! I leave no gifts.
When I left coffee, I got slammed because it wasn’t KONA coffee doncha know. Left bagels and heard complaints they were organic and gluten-free. So no, if you’re honeymooning? Get your own damned Andre Champagne!
(Quickly looks up Andre Champagne not to come across too ignorant)
Oh, one thing that does go over well with my guests, I leave them lobsters (smaller ones); that is always a hit. I don’t tell them I get them for free from the locals, just act like I actually dove for them myself.
2 Likes
@ konacoconutz,
Do you have a Dollar Store in your area?
Balloon $1.00
Happy Birthday stringer across bedroom wall $1.00
A 300 piece puzzle as a gift $1.00
Kids reaction: $Priceless (with OMG screams)
Mom and Dad’s reaction: Booked on the spot (via AirBnB of couse) 7 days this summer: $1,250
I’ll leave the math to others.
Best
Peter
Nope I’m on an outer island with not that much retail selection. I don’t take young kids at my place anyway (max is two adults) so this idea wouldn’t really be applicable to me.
I know these things work pretty well for some hosts but it’s a 45-minute drive to town and I’m just not inclined to put that much time and effort into doing things like this. Also because I’m in Hawaii, I seldom get repeat bookings. As a 6-year Air host, I have learned to cut down on expending time and effort for things that don’t seem to benefit the bottom line. But if they are working for other hosts and you aren’t spending that much time and money, more power to you!
1 Like
I love hearing all your tips Kona - still being a host after 6 years says a lot!
1 Like
It’s all about what works for your area and your customer niche! Mine tend to be mostly three to four nights booked by those going circle island due to the enormity of the island. Threee nights this side, three the other side.
When staying on this island, you can’t really drive from point A to point B very efficiently… you’ve got to plan your driving trips or you will spend all of your time on the Big Island in your car… which you basically do anyway.
I sometimes get those staying longer… but typically never longer than a week. No matter where you stay on the island you’ll be far from things.
Wish them Happy Birthday!