How to Make Your Airbnb More Guest-Friendly
In a day and age where the vacation rental industry is heavily saturated with hosts and Airbnb listings, making a lasting impression on your guests is essential for short term rental success.
Why Guest Experience Matters More Than Ever
In a day and age where the vacation rental industry is heavily saturated with hosts and Airbnb listings, making a lasting impression on your guests is essential for short term rental success. Since guest satisfaction directly impacts your reviews (and Airbnb considers how many five star reviews you have in its ranking algorithm), the best way to “win over” the Airbnb algorithm is with positive reviews. Happy guests = happy hosts!
Burned out hosts often overlook the small details over time, but if you’re seeking repeat bookings and the highly coveted ‘Superhost’ status, here are some tips on how to exceed guest expectations as an Airbnb host.
From your communication to your amenities, learn more about how to make your Airbnb more attractive to new guests.
Simplify Check-In and Guest Messaging
Although Airbnb started as a very hands-on platform where guests literally slept on your couch or in a private room in your home, the platform has evolved past that and potential guests often look for self check-in options when booking. You can facilitate self check-in by using a smart lock, lockbox, or keypads with codes (the Schlage Encode actually links with the Airbnb app to automatically send your guests a PIN that’s exclusive to them and only available during their stay.)
Send clear instructions with step-by-step instructions (and accompanying images in case there’s a language gap), and automate welcome messages and check-out reminders so you don’t have to worry about forgetting. Bonus points if you go the extra mile and ask a friend or family member to try to “check-in” to your place using the instructions you intend to provide to guests. Depending on the length of your Airbnb guests stay, you might want to check in with them once or twice via the guest messaging feature on the Airbnb app to see how their stay is going.
Make Essentials Easy to Find and Fully Stocked
If you aren’t providing the essential amenities (think: toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels, etc.), it’s very likely you won’t get good reviews. In fact, to be successful as an Airbnb host you’ll need to provide more than just these specific amenities. Walk through your home and think about everything a potential guest might need during their stay. If you have the time, consider “living” in your short-term rental for a few days to a week and write down all the things you used during your stay. You might also want to consider providing things that guests often forget, like chargers and first-aid kits. Many Airbnbs also provide a welcome basket with coffee, snacks, and a personalized note.
Consider browsing other similar listings in your area to see what kind of special touches or amenities they provide. Just make sure you don’t accidentally ‘Instant Book’ their property!
Upgrade the Comfort Factor
We’ve all been to Airbnb listings that feel cold and uncomfortable. The best way for your guest to get a good night’s sleep (and consider repeat stays) is to feel safe and comfortable in your space. Although cotton sheets and thick duvets have a higher price point than microfiber sheets or flimsy comforters, this is one area where you don’t want to be cheap. Invest in high-quality bedding, blackout curtains, and if you live near a noisy road or your guests share a wall with your home, consider providing ear plugs or a sound machine. Provide clear instructions for the thermostat, fresh towels, extra pillows, good lighting, and plenty of entertainment options, like a Roku or record player.
Focus on Cleanliness & Maintenance
Guests notice grime and disrepair more than hosts think. If the comfortable seating you provide is dingy and dirty, the board games are missing pieces, or the private pool is green with algae, it’s time to focus more on maintaining your property. You might want to consider blocking a few weeks off on your Airbnb calendar during the off season to do a deep clean or schedule maintenance you’ve been neglecting during the busy season. Guests love staying at properties that feel like they’re managed by a host that cares and with all the promised amenities actually working.
Consider staying at your property during this maintenance and deep cleaning period. Actually use the amenities you provide, deep clean the area rugs, and consider adding additional family friendly features during this down time.
Personalize the Experience
Attracting guests to your short-term rental is about more than just providing a clean space—it’s about creating a memorable experience that feels personal and thoughtfully curated. One simple way to elevate your guest experience is by leaving a handwritten welcome note paired with a local treat, like fresh-baked cookies, seasonal fruit, or a mini bottle of something special from a nearby vendor. These small gestures instantly make guests feel at home in your vacation rental. Include a short list of neighborhood favorites—like the best local coffee shop, your go-to farmers market, or a nearby trail with a great view—to help guests truly experience the local area.
Design and decor also play a key role in setting the tone for a warm, inviting stay. Rather than using generic furnishings, opt for intentional, stylish pieces that reflect the vibe of your home and the local culture. Think layered textures, cozy lighting, and décor from local artists or makers. A signature scent, like a candle or diffuser, can help establish a calming mood the moment your guests arrive.
Let Meehan Property Management Help You Leave a Lasting Impression
If you’re struggling to earn positive guest reviews and are concerned that your Airbnb amenities list might be the culprit, let Meehan Property Management help you leave a lasting impression on your guests. Our attention-to-detail, impeccable guest communication, and local knowledge will help ensure guests feel safe and comfortable in your space. With competitive pricing and profile optimizations that can help you rank higher in Airbnb’s search results, we can help increase bookings while helping your guests feel at home.
Contact Meehan Property Management today to learn how we can help you create memorable stays.
Meehan Property Management transforms your Airbnb into a high-performing, guest-loved space—through expert detail, smart pricing, and local insight.
FAQs for Airbnb Hosts
How can I make my Airbnb more appealing to guests?
To make your Airbnb more appealing, focus on creating a memorable guest experience through thoughtful amenities, excellent communication, and a clean, well-maintained space. Highlighting unique features, offering Instant Book and dynamic pricing, and encouraging positive reviews are also crucial to your success. Fortunately, the platform makes many of these items easy.
What small touches do guests appreciate most?
Generally speaking, Airbnb guests appreciate thoughtful and personal touches that make them feel welcome and comfortable. Consider leaving handwritten welcome notes, welcome baskets with local treats, high-quality toiletries, and a list of local attractions or local businesses you love to support.
Can a property manager help with guest experience?
Enhancing your guest’s experience with the right Airbnb amenities and stellar communication is time-consuming and can be difficult for some hosts to manage. From taking high-quality photos of your property to ensuring your kitchen is stocked with pantry staples, an experienced property manager, like Meehan Property Management, can help your property stand out in the search results.