In today’s vacation rental market, great photos and clean linens are just the baseline. If you want your guests to leave raving — not just satisfied — it’s time to embrace a whole new level of care. Enter: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.
Originally set in the fine-dining world, Guidara’s approach is a masterclass in turning ordinary service into unforgettable experience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a Michelin star to apply these lessons. You just need heart, creativity, and a willingness to do things most hosts won’t.
Here are five powerful takeaways from the book — and how you can use them to level up your vacation rental game.
- Make It Personal
Cookie-cutter stays are out. Personalized experiences? That’s the gold standard. Before your guests even arrive, find out who they are. Is it a family with toddlers? Stock some bedtime books. A couple on their honeymoon? Cue the champagne and rose petals! These thoughtful touches don’t cost much — but they leave an incredible impression. - Surprise and Delight
Guidara’s golden rule: give guests what they didn’t even know they wanted. Think beyond the basics — a s’mores kit by the firepit, a beach day basket, or a handwritten note with your favorite local restaurant tips. It’s about creating “wow” moments that make people smile, snap a photo, and say: this place gets it. - Create Moments, Not Just Stays
Your home is more than a place to sleep — it’s a stage for memories. Ask yourself: how can I help my guests create one amazing moment during their stay? Maybe it’s a telescope for stargazing. Maybe it’s a rainy-day game basket. These little ideas turn a rental into a story your guests will retell for years. - Empower Your Team to Say “Yes”
Hospitality isn’t a solo act. If you work with a team — cleaners, handymen, or guest support — give them the green light to care deeply. Let them solve problems creatively, leave personal notes, or offer early check-ins when possible. When your team feels empowered, they stop checking boxes… and start creating joy. - Systematize the Magic
Spontaneity is great — but consistency is better. Build your special touches into systems: seasonal welcome baskets, guest-type profiles, or rotating “wow” ideas. That way, every guest gets a dose of delight, no matter who’s staying or who’s working that week. Magic can be repeatable (and scalable)!
At the heart of Unreasonable Hospitality is one big idea: people don’t just want a place to stay — they want to feel like they matter. And when you deliver that kind of care? You build loyalty, earn glowing reviews, and create something far greater than a rental business.
So, go ahead — be unreasonable. Be the host that guests can’t stop talking about. Because when hospitality is done right… it doesn’t just meet expectations — it transforms them.