Title: If You Want Hotel Service, Book a Hotel Room

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If you’ve rented an entire apartment, you should expect a high level of preparedness and thoughtful extras. I’ve stocked the kitchen with everything guests might need to prepare meals. There are plenty of towels, blankets, and pillows, including extra towels in the linen closet and extra blankets on hand. I take my superhost status seriously and do everything I can to provide what guests may require. I even keep a small supply box in a cabinet with essentials like phone chargers, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, and more for guests who might forget something. I genuinely strive to offer an above-and-beyond experience.

That said, it’s not realistic to expect hotel-style housekeeping in a private apartment. I’m not present to provide daily towel service or turn down beds, and guests have access to all self-serve amenities. If the thermostat is nearby, guests can adjust the temperature to their comfort. It’s a self-contained space, and guests have control over their environment during their stay.

Recently, I received a four-star review because the guest felt frustrated about finding a corkscrew and for a delay in responding to a message. The reviewer also mentioned that towels hadn’t been changed and beds not made. The message came through at 2:48 a.m.—an hour during which I’m not on site to respond. It’s understandable that a corkscrew might be missed if it’s tucked in the silverware drawer, but it’s a reminder that guests sometimes have specific expectations when staying in a private rental.

For towels, guests can always wash towels themselves using the washing machine I’ve provided, along with laundry soap. If guests prefer fresh towels, they can use the laundry facilities available in the unit. As for bed-making, this is not a hotel—but a rental that guests can use according to their needs.

I’m genuinely frustrated when the expectations of a guest conflict with the realities of a private apartment rental. I take pride in delivering a welcoming, well-equipped space, and it’s disheartening when misunderstandings about service levels affect my hosting reputation.

Takeaways for both guests and hosts:
– Clear communication is essential. If you’re renting a private space, discuss what level of service is included and what’s self-serve.
– Guests should feel empowered to use in-unit amenities (washing machines, drawers, and appliances) as needed.
– Hosts should set expectations about housekeeping, towel exchanges, and bed-making to avoid misaligned expectations.

In short: if you want hotel-style service, consider booking a hotel. For private apartments or home shares, guests should adapt to a more self-guided experience, while hosts continue to provide thoughtful accommodations and clear information.