"I had such an incredible stay with Paul in Miramar. His charming and friendly demeanor will make you feel immediately right at home. Paul pays such close attention to detail to ensure his guests have the utmost quality experience. From the soothing aromatics in the most unexpected places, to an immaculately clean apartment, Paul does a fantastic job of creating a spa-like experience for his guests. The bedroom was serene and private, had its own air conditioning unit and plenty of airflow. The bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces; however, Paul was very accommodating and pleasant, creating space for my toiletries and groceries. I felt like I had open and free access to both areas at all times. The neighborhood felt extremely safe even at night. Everything is within walking distance. Beaches were about a 20 minute walk; grocery shops, cinema, and great authentic cuisine is within steps. Paul recommended top-notch, local dining & beaching spots, as well as recreational activities. I left feeling like I experienced everything San Juan had to offer, and then some. I wouldn't think twice before booking my next stay with him, it doesn't get better than this!"
The basic genius of this list is in the understanding that guests don't need or want to be pampered; it's that being a guest is, at its root, a deeply uncomfortable experience, and being a great host is about removing all of these discomforts so that your guest can relax and you can both enjoy sharing your home together. In addition, if you want to have frequent guests (or friends simply come to stay often) and not exhaust yourself, the more you can structure the experience the better off you all will be. Guests, like children, appreciate a clear orientation as well as a few good choices, as opposed a totally open situation.
And finally, there are really two kinds of guests in the world: those that have come to visit with you personally, and those that need a place to stay. While we may sometimes mix the two, it is this second category into which most guesting/hosting falls. It is helpful to remember this and pay attention to tip #4!
1. Eat or Wash: Upon arrival, always ask your guest whether they'd like to eat something or wash up first. This takes care of their most immediate needs, removes discomfort and gives them something to do right away.
2. Get Settled: Next, show them to their room and leave them to get settled and rejoin you after they wash up or need something to eat. Having a little alone time immediately after arrival is very comforting and useful.
3. Connect: After getting settled it's important to THEN sit down, share a drink, connect and go over the evening and days ahead. This is the true and proper time for greeting, and best done AFTER the first two steps. Do this too soon and you've got overload.
Take fifteen to thirty minutes to find out where your guest is coming from, what they're hoping to do during their stay and share with them what your plans are as well - even if they're your parents! This is not necessarily the time to launch into hours of conversation (unless you're both ready for that), but the time to get a good download, orient your guest and know exactly what the shape of the whole visit will look like.
4. Start With The End In Sight: Ironically, the most uncomfortable part of hosting/guesting is knowing the endpoint. Be sure to bring this up right away so that you are both comfortable about how long the visit will be and if your guest needs any help with his or her departure. Many guests worry about how to get back to the airport or train station right at their arrival, so it's good to bring this up now.
5. Be Consistent: If you always offer your guests the same treatment and the same orientation it's very comforting, and particularly welcome after a disorganized day of travel. I have friends in Chicago who always put me up in the same spare room and greet me in the same way, and I love it and feel like I know just what to expect.
6. Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The best feeling you can give your guest is truly that your home is their home, so make sure they know everything they need to know and don't need to trouble you too often. The next few tips speak to this.
7. Towel, Water, Bed, Bathroom: These are the basic needs of any weary guest. Make sure they have a towel on their bed, water by its side and a clear path to the bathroom you'd like them to use.
8. Kitchen Orientation: It's really nice to tell your guests to help themselves to whatever they need in your fridge, but also let them know how to take care of their dishes while you're at it. :)
9. Flowers: It's an extra touch, but placing fresh flowers in the room or by the bed where your guests are staying is super nice and spreads the message that you really honor your guest and their place in your home. It will also signal to them to join you in taking care of your home.
10. Allergies: These can be a real problem for some people, so - if you have pets - do let your guests know AHEAD OF TIME and give the room they're staying in an extra vacuum with the windows open. Extra care in cleaning can make a big difference, but bringing extra allergy medication may be necessary too.
11. Privacy & The Air Mattress: Even if you don't have an extra bed or bedroom, do what you can to give your guest a private space and a good air mattress (or sleeper sofa). I've slept on many floors with an air mattress in rooms with a little privacy from the main room and been totally happy, especially with really soft, comfy sheets!
12. Know Your Personal Goal: With every guest that comes into your home, be sure to know what you'd like to do with them personally before they leave and then schedule it with them. Visits can get rushed and busy, and it is super important to have a real quality connection with friends and/or family staying in your home. You'll both be really happy that you do.
13. Fold Them Into Your Life: With everything you do while you have guests, try to run your life as you always would and fold them into it. It's a great sign of trust that you can do this with them, and it will make both of your visits more enjoyable and more often to happen again soon if you feel like having guests enlarges your life instead of taking wind out of your sails.
"My wife and I stayed at Paul's tropical chic "Bed & Bruncheon" for a getaway weekend and absolutely loved it. Quick access to Old San Juan and the beaches in Condado and Ocean Park. Top notch attention to detail and personable service throughout our stay. From morning coffee to evening happy hour, Paul made sure we had everything we needed to just relax and enjoy ourselves. I highly recommend a stay with him and his two friendly pups!"
"Paul is an amazing host and his Bed and Bruncheon is a gem! From the moment I emailed him preparing my trip to coming back home, he is on the gun responding immediately. His place and the room was super clean and tidy, beautifully decorated, filled with goodies like Ferrero Rocher, a mini bar, great bath products, in a great neighbourhood and I felt just like home.
Paul prepared coffee in the morning, heated up croissant for me before I hit the beach, made space in a drawer for my groceries and entertained me with fun conversation and music. Lady Puggy and Señor Nacho are the cutest puppies ever. Overall, an amazing experience and person to meet. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Thanks Paul!"
"What a wonderful trip and airbnb experience! Paul was the consummate host. He welcomed us as if we were family to his beautiful, clean and comfortable home. Pre-booking communication was easy and he responded to all questions and requests very quickly. The information he provided before we arrived with directions and the beautiful website was helpful since I was not familiar with that area of the island. My family lives in Condado, and Paul's apartment is an easy 10 min drive, and it was great to have onsite secure parking included in the rental.
Paul loves hosting and provides the highest quality customer service. He has truly mastered the one thing that is the key to 5-star service: anticipation. He works daily to communicate with his guests seeking their feedback and strives to anticipate their every need - even before they know they need something.
You must love dogs - there are two lovely, friendly pets onsite. Both were kind and gentle with my three year old son, and they are not loud and are very obedient.
One of the best parts of our stay were the daily homemade pastries. I am still dreaming about the chocolate s'mores brownies!
The beds are very comfortable and there is AC in both bedrooms. Paul provides wonderful high-end bath supplies (shampoo, conditioner, exfoliant, facial cleanser etc.) and clean towels. There is also high speed wi-fi throughout the apartment.
Paul and I enjoyed a nightly glass of wine and he was always available for great conversation and company. But as a good host should, he also would disappear when I wanted my own space and time, and I always felt comfortable using the entire house freely.
I would highly recommend this listing and hope to return again soon!
Muchas Gracias, Paul!!"