The 24/7 Host Lifestyle
Being a short-term rental host often means feeling like you need to be available around the clock. Guests can reach out at any hour with questions or issues, whether it’s a midnight inquiry about the Wi-Fi or an early-morning request for extra towels. In fact, many hosts report that over 75% of guest messages arrive outside traditional 9-to-5 hours. This “always on” expectation forces hosts into a state of constant vigilance — checking phones during dinner, waking up to late-night alerts, and never truly clocking out.
The Hidden Costs of Constant Availability
Always being available might seem like great customer service, but it comes at a personal price. The strain of 24/7 availability leads to stress, exhaustion, and eventually burnout. The average Airbnb host burns out after two years of this relentless pace. It’s no surprise, given the back-to-back bookings and round-the-clock problem-solving required to keep a rental running. The mental toll is significant — hosts often sacrifice sleep, family time, and peace of mind just to keep up.
There’s also a hidden impact on the guest experience. When you’re fatigued and stretched thin, mistakes happen. A missed message or a delayed response can negatively affect a guest’s stay. Guest communication is time-consuming and relentless, and the fear of missing a single message (or forgetting a detail when you’re exhausted) can keep you perpetually on edge. In other words, being “always on” isn’t just unsustainable for you; it can also lead to inconsistent service for your guests.
Taking Back Your Time (Without Sacrificing Service)
Smart hosts maintain excellent communication without personally manning the phone 24/7 by working smarter, not harder. For instance, an intelligent automated assistant can handle those midnight questions and routine inquiries, so you’re not jolted awake for every minor issue. By entrusting a smart system to answer common queries and send timely updates, you ensure guests get prompt, consistent information while you get a much-needed break. The result? Guests still feel cared for and informed, and you get your evenings back.
The real cost of being constantly available is your well-being and your service quality. By acknowledging those costs and letting a smart assistant shoulder some of the after-hours workload, you can finally catch your breath — without leaving your guests in the lurch.
