The Secret to a Stress-Free Stay
and why Pizza is always the Answer
Early in my hosting journey, a woman booked Bareboat Bungalow to visit family nearby. The house is clean, comfortable, and a few steps from the lake— not a fancy place, but thoughtfully outfitted. We spend time there, so its really set up for us! So when she messaged me the very next morning raving about the stay, I was curious.
“I’m already telling all my friends—they have to stay here.”
Now, this wasn’t a review left out of politeness. This was enthusiastic! What sparked it?
She forgot her toothbrush.
At 10:00 PM. In a small town. On a trip.
But instead of panicking about a late-night drugstore run, she found my labeled basket:
🧺 Forget Something? Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors—take what you need!
And just like that, she felt cared for. Seen. At ease.
Why This Matters
We think of vacation rentals as a place to sleep. But really, they’re a place to exhale. Anyone who knows me knows I like data and research, and in today’s world the data is clear - reducing friction (be it key strokes or steps to get something done) is the key to delivering great customer service.
As a mom and frequent traveler myself, I know the mental load of going on vacation—especially when you’re the default planner. What guests really want when they arrive isn’t a home tour or a stranger meeting them at the door; it’s relief. So here are a few ways hosts can create that… and what guests can look for when booking to ensure their stay is top-notch.
🪞 1. Sundries Save the Day
For Hosts:
Stock a small basket of essentials—think toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, travel-size Advil, tampons. These cost you very little but earn you raving reviews.
For Guests:
Look for listings that show or mention thoughtful touches. Hosts who think about the “what ifs” tend to care deeply about your comfort overall.
🍕 2. First-Night Dinner = Handled
For Hosts:
Include a list of nearby places that deliver, especially pizza joints with late hours. Bonus if you note your favorite order (builds trust and feels personal). Leave disposable plates, napkins, and a note like:
“We always do pizza on night one—feel free to do the same!”
Some folks appreciate insights to grocery delivery, and if you are in a market that is more remote - this information is even more helpful!
For Guests:
Peek at the welcome guide or listing details—if the host offers first-night suggestions or food recs, they likely get what it means to arrive ready to relax - not cook.
🧺 3. Laundry Without the Lecture
For Hosts:
Leave detergent pods, a simple washer/dryer guide, and a stain stick. Nobody wants to play “guess the settings”.
For Guests:
Photos of the laundry space—or any mention of clear instructions—can be a clue that the host is organized and thoughtful.
📱 4. Simple, Thoughtful Instructions
For Hosts:
Wi-Fi codes on a card, light switches labeled, a QR code for your digital house manual. Bullet points > novels.
For Guests:
Screenshots or notes in the listing showing user-friendly tips (instead of just rules) suggest the host is focused on making your stay smooth.
💛 5. The Soft Landing
For Hosts:
Whether it’s a light left on, a local treat, or just a warm message—set the tone right away.
For Guests:
Scan for language in reviews like “welcoming,” “thoughtful,” or “felt like home.” That’s code for: you’re in good hands.
🍰6. Well-Stocked
One time we stayed at a “family friendly” place without a single “kid-friendly” dish in kitchen, and I spent meal times nervous one of my toddlers would drop a heavy glass or chuck stonewear on to the floor.
Another time, our travels encompassed a birthday and went to make a cake - with not a single implement for baking to be found - not even a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
As a Host, I don’t assume just because I don’t use it that no one will - so I take “well stocked” pretty seriously. As a Guest, if I know I need something specific - I ask before hand. But I’m always delighted when a Host has obviously thought it through - wares to store leftovers, plenty of options for cooking many different foods, pizza pans, and even a rolling pin (because you never know when you might be called upon to whip up some pac-man shaped pizza).
It feels like that’s part of the fun of renting a private home!
Final Thought
Hospitality isn’t about how fancy a place is. It’s about how easy it is to feel at home there.
Pizza menus. Rolling pin. Toothbrushes. Ease. That’s what turns a stay into a story.
And if you’re the one traveling soon?
Order the pizza. Everything else can wait.
⬇️What “green” flags or thoughtful amenities do you look for/leave that make a stay special?
Warmly,
Kate