What makes a HOST “Original”? Defining a unique service

In this context, originality means standing out in significant ways. For home-stay and service platforms, originality often focuses on authenticity, local flavor, and subtle service details rather than luxury.

What makes a host original?

• Local flavor: The host is familiar with the neighborhood, recommends places not found in guidebooks, and arranges local experiences (e.g., artisan workshops, heritage walks).

• Personalized service: A welcome pack with local treats, customized recommendations (family-friendly, business traveler, elder support), and additional touches (baby safety gear, home-office setup).

• Story behind the property: The host might share the history of the house, highlight renovations, or reflect local culture or heritage, making the guest feel part of a story rather than just staying in a unit.

• Service beyond accommodation: The host could organize a local cooking class, provide pick-up/drop-off services, offer language assistance, or introduce guests to a local network.

• Feedback orientation: The host actively seeks and utilizes guest feedback, evolves their service, and communicates personally. Encourage your hosts to ask: “What can I offer that no hotel (or typical Airbnb) offers here?” This mindset leads to originality. For your platform, you can highlight “original hosts” as a category—making service differentiation visible.

Ultimately, services are important because they generate jobs, boost productivity, support consumption, and provide a pathway for economic growth in many contexts. For a traveler, a favorite unforgettable holiday experience is often something highly personalized, like a hands-on local cooking class or a unique, off-the-beaten-path guided hike, which allows for deep cultural connection. Furthermore, the most popular unlikely thing people say is that the best part wasn't the main sight, but rather the unexpected human connection they made with their host or a local guide.

That's why we exist to help you navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunity. Ready to transform your hosting business from a rental listing into a memorable, high-value experience? Learn more at Host Experiences.