Choosing the Property, Furnishing, and Setting Policies — Mona Al-Harbi’s Experience

In this article from the Host Library, Mona Al-Harbi — a host with over two years of experience — continues sharing her journey in private hospitality. After selecting her first unit within the compound, she entered a new and critical phase: preparing the space and establishing clear policies before welcoming guests.

Preparing the Space

After choosing the right villa within the compound, I began focusing on the details that would make the unit comfortable and suitable for families.

I selected a villa with a private entrance directly from the street to ensure complete privacy for guests, allowing them to enter and exit without passing through the main compound gate.

When it came to furnishing, I was very intentional. I wanted everything to be practical and comfortable at the same time.

I avoided delicate fabrics and very light colors, as they stain easily and show wear quickly. Instead, I chose neutral tones like gray for the sofas — calming, durable, and timeless.

For bed linens, I preferred white. White gives a strong impression of cleanliness and withstands frequent washing, unlike colored sheets that tend to fade over time.

Overall, I kept the furniture simple and functional, including all essentials a family might need, without adding fragile décor pieces. Since many guests travel with children, I didn’t want to burden them with damage charges or constantly replace items.

The villa includes three bedrooms with six comfortable beds, accommodating up to seven guests.

I added wardrobes, an iron and ironing board, and fully equipped the kitchen, knowing that most families prefer to cook during their stay.

One of the major advantages, thankfully, is that the compound itself offers excellent amenities: a swimming pool, a basketball court, children’s swings, and outdoor seating areas.

However, I still added a private outdoor seating area within the villa’s yard to provide greater privacy for guests who prefer a more secluded setting away from long-term residents.

Regarding the shared pool, I divided usage hours between daily guests and annual residents. This simple scheduling system reduced complaints and helped maintain smooth coordination between both parties.

Setting Clear Policies

After completing the furnishing phase, I moved on to establishing the villa’s policies.

From the very beginning, I was clear with myself: comfort must be mutual — between guests and neighbors.

The policies were straightforward:

• No parties

• No smoking inside the villa

• Quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

I communicated these policies clearly to guests before booking. I would say:

“These are our policies. If they suit you, you’re most welcome. If not, you’re free to explore other options.”

Being transparent from the start made everything easier. It attracted serious guests who knew exactly what to expect.

After finalizing the furnishing and policies, I entered a new and exciting stage: professional photography and obtaining official permits.

I’ll be sharing that experience in detail in the next article.