When my daughter left to study abroad, I found myself alone in a big apartment with a lot of expenses. I thought about moving, but eventually, I decided to put my daughter's room on Airbnb to see what would happen.

You have to like hosting, like sharing, and be available to ensure guests are settled in and don't need anything. Above all, you need to be able to give them tips they need or that could make their trip better. That's what makes it different from a hotel. This aspect has to take priority over simply making money.

Several days before, I send them detailed information about their check-in and how to get to the house from the airport or train station. Next, I check that the bedroom and the bathroom are spotlessly clean and have all the necessary products (towels, shower gel, shampoo, etc.). I then highlight the WiFi code and leave maps of Paris and the metro, as well as other brochures.

Meeting and talking to guests! Responding to their needs so they leave happy and with great memories of their trip.

I’ve always loved having a clean, tidy, welcoming home. Being a host has given me the opportunity to do some work on the apartment to keep it well-maintained.

Coming home one day, I came across my guest for that night. She was startled when she saw me and asked who I was. I had her repeat the question as I wasn't sure I had understood correctly. Then I told her I was the host. She asked me: "Are you going to be here every day?" I answered, "Uh, yes—I live here." She thought she had booked the entire apartment for herself. In the end, we had a good laugh about it and her stay went very well.