Is It Customary to Leave a Tip at an Airbnb? What Happens If You Don't?
Online Hosting and Accommodations: Unveiling the Etiquette of Tipping
As the popularity of Airbnb rentals continues to grow, many guests wonder about the customs and etiquette surrounding leaving a tip for their hosts. In this article, we’ll explore the common practices and expectations for tipping at Airbnb, and what happens if you don’t leave a tip.
A Customary Practice: Leaving a Tip at an Airbnb
One unique option for guest accommodations is being an Airbnb host on a property you own. For instance, I operate a cottage Airbnb on a farm, 20 minutes away from my home. The renter is given full access to the property, and I do not charge a cleaning fee.
Before the nightly stay, I prep the place by leaving a half-filled freezer with items such as bacon, frozen fruits, and vegetables. The fridge is stocked with fresh half-and-half, eggs, cheese, butter, maple syrup, and condiments. Cabinets are full of pasta, sauces, oatmeal, soups, cooking oils, and spices.
I provide wine, cheese, and crackers as a welcome treat, along with a jar of popular candies. In a rural area, it can be challenging to go out and buy supplies once you’ve settled in, so I inform the guests that they can use whatever they need.
Some guests leave a tip when they have consumed more than the basic coffee, tea, or snacks I provide, which I consider to be a fair and appreciated gesture.
On rare occasions, guests leave their unused food items when they check out. I take these items but don’t use them, as they might be open or not in line with my dietary preferences. Therefore, leaving leftover food does not count as a tip to me, but merely an inconvenience to clean up.
The Role of Reviews and Recommendations
According to the guidelines established by Airbnb, there is no need to tip your host when you book and stay at an Airbnb. You only pay the nightly fee and any cleaning fees, both of which are paid in advance online. The only “tip” is your feedback and recommendation to others if you enjoyed your stay.
Was there a time when you felt that not tipping was justified? Here’s an example: My family has been staying in the same Airbnb property every year for our vacation. We bring our sheets, pillowcases, and towels and provide our own dishtowels. We make sure everything is put back where we found it, including dishes washed and put away and floors swept and clean. Our feedback always highlights how clean we leave the place.
However, recently the host decided to limit the number of renters due to the mess and disturbance caused by some guests. Nonetheless, they are happy to accommodate us, as we always maintain a clean and tidy environment.
Conclusion: Tipping Etiquette at Your Expense?
In conclusion, the practice of tipping at an Airbnb is a personal and optional gesture, not a requirement. Relying on reviews, recommendations, and the cleanliness of the property itself provides ample feedback for both the host and the community.
Remember, every host has different expectations and practices, so it’s important to communicate and understand these beforehand. The key to a successful Airbnb experience is mutual respect and understanding, regardless of your decision to tip or not.