We know its customary to tip the hotel staff, but do you tip Airbnb?
Most of the Airbnb hosts to charge a fixed cleaning fee for each booking but what if there is no cleaning fee – do you tip?
Or should you clean up before checkout?
When do you tip Airbnb?
Airbnb says:
It’s up to you. Your host has set a price and they expect it will fully cover the stay. They suggest you research cultural hospitality norms in that area. If you want to show appreciation for your host, write a review encouraging other guests to book their trip.
Find the cleaning fee first!
Airbnb gives an option for hosts to set a cleaning fee each guest must pay at the time of the booking.
Its a one time fee for each stay and its purpose is to compensate the host for time, and effort spends on cleaning up after the guest leaves.
When there is a cleaning fee listed:
If there is a cleaning fee listed, you don’t need to tip. It is an additional fee you pay for the effort spent in looking after the place.
When there is no cleaning fee listed:
When there is no cleaning fee charged by the host, and the prices were reasonable – you can leave a tip.
When the host provides goodies:
In this case, it’s best first to ask the host whether it’s free or not.
If it’s free, you should appreciate the gesture; it will be nice to leave something beautiful behind for the host. It can be fresh flowers, wine, chocolates or a souvenir.
Airbnb Do's and Don't's
Airbnb Do's
Communicate with the host
Don’t ignore the messages your host sends, acknowledge when you receive a message and provide the information if the host is asking for.
If you are unhappy with something, tell the host
Most of the Airbnb hosts are sharing their homes with guests, and things go wrong in homes all the time. If something is not working, let your host know and allow him/her to fix it.
Read the reviews before booking
Airbnb is all about reviews, make sure you read recent reviews of the property before you book. Avoid anything that is 4.8 Stars or less.
Know the location and neighbourhood before booking
Read the house rules
Only pay through Airbnb
Keep Airbnb helpline number handy
Ask your host for local recommendations
Airbnb Don't's
Don’t assume things
Don’t communicate outside Airbnb
Don’t expect a hotel-like service
Don’t forget to clean up when leaving
Don’t expect the host to be around all the time
You don’t need to leave a tip
There is no need to leave a tip behind for your host. A thank you note is always nice to leave behind for your host.
Leave a souvenir if you want.
Don’t expect your host to make local reservations for you
Don’t expect the host to run a concierge service for you. Ask for recommendations from the host and make your reservations where you want.
