hosting suggestions
Simple ways to create a great hosting experience
Warmshowers hosting doesn’t require much more than communication, clarity, kindness, and an understanding of what touring cyclists typically need.
These suggestions will help you create smooth, enjoyable stays for both you and your guests.
Seting up a cyclist-friendly space
Hosting with Warmshowers doesn’t require a spare room or special equipment — most riders simply appreciate a clean place to rest after a long day on the bike. A sleeping mat, couch, or tent spot in the yard is often more than enough.
What matters most is clarity: let guests know exactly what to expect, whether it’s indoor sleeping space, a backyard lawn, or a spot under a covered porch in bad weather.
- Provide a place to sleep
A couch, floor space for a sleeping mat, spare bed, or tent spot outdoors. Cyclists are flexible — clarity is more important than luxury. - Make room for the bike
A garage corner, hallway space, or secure outdoor spot is usually enough. Let guests know where to store their bike safely. - Offer access to basic comforts
A shower, a sink for hand-washing clothes, and a place to fill water bottles go a long way after a day of riding. - Share what’s available (and what’s not)
If you have pets, household rules, early mornings, limited kitchen access, or shared spaces, include these openly in your profile before guests arrive. - Keep things simple and tidy
You don’t need to deep-clean, but a fresh towel, a clear corner to put gear, and a reasonably tidy environment help guests settle in quickly. - Be upfront about weather realities
If you offer tent space, mention surface type (grass, gravel, deck), shade, shelter options, and whether you can bring riders indoors during storms.
As the Warmshowers blog Your profile is your calling card puts it, sharing details such as sleeping arrangements, pets, routines, or any house rules creates clarity from the start.
“I stayed with a family in Spain who shared their stories and home like we’d known each other for years. Two years later, I hosted a pair of cyclists crossing New Zealand — and it felt the same again. ”
Sophie,Tourer and Host
Extras that delight, not overburden
Cyclists using Warmshowers don’t expect a gourmet dinner; they value comfort, cleanliness, and a warm welcome. That said — many hosts share that offering even a simple meal, snack, or a cheerful invitation to join them at the table can be one of the most memorable parts of the stay.
In the blog article Feed the Hungry Beasts, one host reflects on cooking meals for cycle tourers passing through: not out of duty or obligation, but simply because he enjoys to cook. His practical advice and stories highlight how a thoughtful kind gesture to help restore a taxed rider, can turn into a memorable shared experience for both.
If cooking isn’t your thing, that’s absolutely fine. A local route tip, a patch of lawn for gear maintenance, pointing out a favourite café, or setting aside a quiet corner for morning packing can make a real difference.
Sometimes the smallest touches are what riders remember most after a long day on the road.
Ways to pay it forward
You don’t have to host right away. Some riders host when they return home. Others contribute through feedback, stories, or donations. However you choose to give back, you help sustain the community that supported you.
Host when you can
Open your home to another rider. One invitation can ripple across continents.
Leave feedback
Reviews build trust and transparency. Your experience helps the next cyclist feel confident about theirs.
Share your story
Inspire others by telling your journey — your words help grow the circle of trust.
Support Warmshowers
Your donation helps fund the tools, safety features, and global reach that keep this nonprofit platform thriving.
Your support helps maintain the safety systems, user experience, and global reach that make Warmshowers possible – ensuring the welcome you once received is waiting for the next cyclist.
