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Experience Upsells

Overview

HostBuddy AI can automatically recommend local experiences, activities, and attractions to your guests through natural conversation. Add your curated recommendations once, and HostBuddy handles all the conversations—turning "What should we do around here?" into potential revenue opportunities, 24/7.

Ways to Add Local Experience Information

Option 1: Upload Documents

Add a document containing your local recommendations to your property's knowledge base:

  1. Navigate to Properties and click “Property Setup” next to your property.

  2. Go to the Resources Page section.

  3. In the Property Documents area, upload a document (.txt, .docx, or .pdf) containing your experience recommendations.

  4. Include details like experience names, descriptions, pricing, booking links, and any special offers.

Option 2: Add a Custom SOP

Create a custom Standard Operating Procedure in your property profile:

  1. Navigate to your property profile's SOP’s page.

  2. Add a section for local experiences.

  3. Include all relevant details about activities, restaurants, and attractions you recommend.

  4. Click Save to update your property profile.

Partner Platforms for Experience Upsells

Mount

Mount is a platform that curates authentic local experiences for short-term rental guests. If you're a Mount user, HostBuddy can automatically recommend your Mount experiences.

To enable Mount: Email support@hostbuddy.ai with your account information. We'll let you know if Mount has available experiences in your market and configure your account accordingly.

Viator

Viator allows hosts to sign up and earn commission on local activities, tours, restaurants, and attractions in many different markets worldwide.

To use Viator with HostBuddy:

  1. Sign up for a Viator affiliate account

  2. Curate experiences in your market

  3. Export your Viator data (experience names, descriptions, links, commission details)

  4. Upload this information to HostBuddy using any of the methods above

HostBuddy will handle recommending these experiences and providing booking links to your guests. HostBuddy is not a current direct partner of Viator.

Setting Up Smart Templates

Create Proactive Check-Ins

Go to Messaging > Smart Templates to automatically ask guests if they’d like local recommendations.

Example Template:

  • When: Day 1 at 6 PM (during reservation)

  • If: Reservation status is current

  • Message:
    “Hi [guest_name], hope you’re settling in well! If you’d like tips on local activities, dining, or things to do, just let me know. I’m happy to help!”

Enable AI Features:

  • AI Context Checking: Avoids sending if the topic was already discussed

  • AI Personalization: Customizes the message based on past conversations

Let HostBuddy Do the Rest
Once the Smart Template is sent, HostBuddy will manage all follow-ups — answering questions, giving recommendations, and sharing booking info naturally.

How It Works

  1. Guest asks: "What should we do while we're in town?"

  2. HostBuddy responds naturally: Based on your uploaded information, HostBuddy suggests .relevant experiences and asks about their interests.

  3. Guest engages: They may ask follow-up questions or request more details.

  4. HostBuddy provides information: Shares booking links, pricing, and details.

  5. You earn: Commission or referral revenue (if applicable) without any manual work.

Testing Your Setup

Before going live, test your experience recommendations:

  1. Navigate to the Test Property page.

  2. Ask questions like "What's there to do around here?" or "Any restaurant recommendations?"

  3. Review how HostBuddy responds using your uploaded information.

  4. Adjust your knowledge base if needed.

Best Practices

  • Keep information current: Regularly update pricing, availability, and booking links.

  • Include booking details: Make it easy for guests by including direct links or contact information.

  • Organize by category: Group experiences by type (dining, adventure, family-friendly, etc.) for better recommendations.

  • Be specific: Include enough detail for HostBuddy to match experiences to guest interests.

  • Test regularly: Check that HostBuddy is recommending appropriately using the Test Property feature.