Becoming a Host on Airbnb means sharing a bit of your origins and history through an authentic space that reflects the traditions of your country, as is the case of the magical Día de Muertos in Mexico that is celebrated every year during the first two days of November. Lila Downs, Mexican singer and songwriter, embraces this traditional celebration and is showing what it means for her to be a Host in Oaxaca, and sharing some of her best hosting tips.
Considered one of the most influential women in Mexico, having great impact on the national and international art scene, Lila does not forget Oaxaca – the land where she was born and grew up. She currently hosts an incredible listing in the heart of Oaxaca – an ideal place to learn more about Mexican traditions.
“The best advice for being a Host on Airbnb is to make the stay feel like a local experience for the guests,” Lila says. She also points out that, as obvious as it may seem, being friendly and providing quality services – such as good internet, clean spaces and hot water – are the basics of being a good Host.
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“You have to put yourself in the guest’s shoes to provide what they need for a comfortable and unforgettable stay.”
Lila Downs, Mexican singer and songwriter
Undoubtedly, decor is a fundamental aspect for guests to feel at home and learn more about the local culture. Lila has given life to each space through indigenous textile details typical of Mexican culture; with walls that have a unique architectural stamp and a space that combines traditional and modern construction.
“I am a person who likes to be in pleasant places; therefore, it is very important for me that my guests feel that part of Oaxaca and see the beauty that I perceive from this part of the world,” says Lila.
She adds that one of the most important pieces of advice to be a good Host is to get involved in the entire traveler experience, from good communication at the time the reservation is made, to giving them recommendations for their stay.
“As Airbnb Hosts we have the opportunity to contribute to local communities, involve natives and build the economic activity of the destination. Offer a quality stay that meets and exceeds expectations, taking care of every detail, and always inviting guests to see beyond the listing where they are staying.”
Casa de Lila
Lila’s stay is a 15-minute drive from the historic center of Oaxaca, with room for up to 15 people. It has six spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and is surrounded by amenities such as a garden and pool.
For Día de Muertos Lila usually gets together with her family to decorate the offering that pays tribute to the deceased saints. These types of celebrations have lured visitors to Mexico from all over the world, as people want to experience the folklore and colors of such an iconic tradition up close. These occasions have become the ideal times for Hosts to share their spaces in order to earn extra income.
Lila also recommends that Hosts share activities that allow their guests to get to know the destination they are visiting. For example, in Oaxaca, she says it is essential to take a food tour of local businesses, including mole, chili and cocoa. She highlights chili as one of her favorite ingredients because it was the inspiration for her song “El Son del Chile Frito,” considering it, “a symbol that represents Mexico; it encourages both the positive side of people, but also the bravest side, as a reflection of Mexicans’ personalities.”
Without a doubt, for Lila, being a Host on Airbnb has been a very satisfying experience that has allowed her to meet interesting and diverse people, from groups of healers, writers, musicians, designers, architects, members of NGOs and chefs from other countries.
“It is a pleasant experience to open your house, share it with other people, give them a piece of you and be thanked,” she says. “It’s great that guests appreciate the personal touch of design that we have incorporated in the spaces while helping to promote the value of Oaxaca traditions.”
Lila says that the income she obtained by sharing her space on Airbnb helped her financially when concerts and live performances ceased during the pandemic. For Lila, Airbnb is a valuable tool that helps promote tourism in Mexico and provides a platform where a wide variety of options for travelers are shared, promoting healthy competition in favor of guests and travelers.
About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
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