How to Be a Rock Star Houseguest (Without Being That Person)

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How to Be a Rock Star Houseguest (Without Being That Person)

Vacation Rental Etiquette | Airbnb Guest Tips | Red River Gorge Stay Advice

Let’s get one thing straight: when you stay in someone else’s home—whether it's a luxury cabin in Red River Gorge or your aunt’s questionable futon in Cincinnati—you’re not just visiting. You’re on stage. And the hosts? They’re the ones writing the Yelp review in their heads.

So how do you make sure you’re the Mick Jagger of houseguests instead of a one-hit-wonder disaster?

Buckle up, because here comes your witty-yet-wise guide to being the houseguest every host wants back.

1. Read the Listing. No, Like Actually Read It.

That carefully crafted Airbnb or VRBO listing with all the bullet points? It’s not just decoration. It tells you how the hot tub works, what you should (and shouldn't) touch, and whether the place has Wi-Fi faster than a potato.

📌 PRO Tip: Red River Gorge vacation rentals often have rural quirks—like well water, gravel roads, or no cell service. Be prepared, not surprised. The Canopy Cabins we have here at Vacation Alchemist for example are on a gravel road, so unless your car repels dust, it may get a little "trail glitter".

2. Treat It Like Grandma’s House (If Your Grandma Was Cool and Charged a Cleaning Fee)

Yes, you paid to stay here. But no, that doesn’t mean you can leave pizza crusts in the couch cushions or turn the hot tub into a foam party.

Be respectful. Clean up spills. Don’t rewire anything. Hosts notice. And believe us—they talk.

3. Leave No Trace (You’re Not in a Hotel… or a Crime Scene)

We’re not asking for hospital corners, but take the trash out, and don’t ghost the host when it’s time to check out. Also: some hosts offer bonus points (and five-star reviews) for this kind of stuff.

4. Be a Communicator, Not a Complainer

If something’s broken, weird, or mysterious (like a door that opens to…nothing?), let your host know kindly and promptly. Don’t wait until the review to unleash your inner keyboard warrior.

👀 Pro move: snap a quick photo, send a chill message, and give them a chance to fix it. Hosts love that energy.

5. Check-Out Time Isn’t a Suggestion

We know. You’re relaxed, you’re vibing, you just made a killer breakfast sandwich. But unless your host says otherwise, check-out time is real—and cleaners are likely already in the driveway.

Trust us, no one wants a “you were still in the hot tub at noon” situation.

6. The House Manual Isn’t a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure

Yes, we know you’ve stayed in 40 Airbnbs. But this one might have well water that requires a soft touch, a quirky coffee maker, or a compost system powered by raccoons. (Okay, not really. Maybe.)

The house manual exists to make your life easier and keep the host from screaming into a throw pillow. Use it. Here at Vacation Alchemist, we've created an amazing digital guide to make your experience the absolute best so definitely take advantage of that amenity.

7. Don’t Bring Extra People Unless You Want Extra Drama

If the listing says 4 guests and you roll up with your cousin’s band and three feral toddlers, that’s a party foul. Always ask before inviting extras—no one wants to relive the surprise guest trauma of 2023.

8. Hot Tub Etiquette Is Real, and It Matters

Red River Gorge rentals love their hot tubs. So do guests. But nothing kills the vibe faster than glitter, glass, or chicken wings in the jets.

Quick soak rules:

  • Shower first

  • No food or drinks in the tub

  • Don’t touch the buttons you don’t understand

  • Cover it when you’re done
    Thank us later.

9. Leave a Review Like a Legend

Be honest, be kind, and mention the little things you loved. Reviews help good hosts get great guests—like you! And when you write something awesome, hosts are more likely to leave you a glowing review too.

10. Channel Good Vibes Only

Vacation energy is contagious. Be kind to your hosts, to nature, to the other travelers you pass on the trail. Because if you’re going to leave anything behind, let it be good energy and clean sheets—not a mess and passive-aggressive notes.

TL;DR: How to Be a Dream Guest at Your Red River Gorge Rental

✅ Read the listing
✅ Respect the space
✅ Communicate kindly
✅ Follow checkout instructions
✅ Soak responsibly
✅ Leave it better than you found it

Final Note:

At Vacation Alchemist, we’ve hosted everyone from honeymooners to full-blown hiking cults (we kid… mostly). We love thoughtful guests, and we make it easy to be one. Book your next Gorge stay with us—where magic meets mountains and even the towels smell like vacation.