The Phrase That All Airbnb Hosts Need to Remove from their Vocabulary

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What is the single phrase I never like to hear from my clients when we start to talk about the budget for furnishing their investment property?

It’s this one….”it’s just a rental”.

It’s a phrase that makes me want to shake my head, roll my eyes and shout ‘No!’

Because it’s not “JUST a rental”. It’s so much more than that. So just remove that phrase from out of your vocabulary - now.

As an Airbnb host or property manager, it's crucial to understand that your guests are not just paying for a place to sleep; they're spending their hard-earned money on a holiday, a well-earned break, a getaway, an EXPERIENCE. In a competitive vacation rental market, it's essential to stand out and exceed guest expectations. It’s so important to make your guests feel like just that - valued guests, and not a financial transaction!

Saying, "But it's just a rental property" is not an excuse for cutting corners. In this article, we'll explore why you should go the extra mile to provide a top-notch experience for your guests, focusing on the significance of their investment, the impact of cheap furnishings, and the importance of making your guests feel valued.

Your guests are paying real money to stay in your property. Their decision to book your short term rental property involves their time researching, evaluating options, and finally choosing your listing over numerous others to spend their hard earned cash on.

Don’t make them regret their choice by cheaping out on same basic items!

You want to make your guests feel like they have received Value for Money during their stay - it’s so important, in fact, that it’s one of the specific criteria that Airbnb ask guests to evaluate in giving their rating.

If it’s important to Airbnb, it needs to be important to you. This is your hard work, time and effort. This is your investment. This is a business. And you need to treat it that way.

Cheap items cheapen the perception of your property. One common mistake I see among Short Term Rental (STR) hosts is furnishing their rental with the cheapest items they can find to save on up front costs. While it might seem like smart budgeting, basing all your decisions purely on the cheapest price is a bad strategy that will affect the way that your guests think about your property.

Think of it this way - Do you want your guests to treat your property as “just a rental”? Of course not!

You want them to be as respectful and careful of your property as if they were in their own home, and leave it in good condition when they check out.

If you communicate to your guests that it’s “just a rental” by putting in cheap furniture and turn key items, with no consideration to the guest experience, they are far more likely to treat it that way.

Cheap, worn-out furniture, low-quality linens and kitchen items, poorly functioning appliances can give the impression of a subpar experience and deter potential guests from booking or returning in the future. Upgrading small details like fresh linens, comfortable mattresses, and well-maintained appliances can make a world of difference in how guests perceive your rental.

And don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you need to spend a fortune on expensive furniture, designer linens, top of the line cookware or high-end decorations.

Absolutely not!

You don’t need to spend a fortune to invest in quality furnishings and fittings for your Airbnb. Look for affordable yet durable options that will enhance the overall appeal of your property. Find quality items discounted during sales, or shop outlet stores to score a great piece for a reduced price.

You need to find the right quality level for the per-night price point of your property. If you are advertising your property as a high-end, luxury property or have your eye on Airbnb Luxe status you are probably going to have to budget higher for items that meet that expectation of renter. But even for more economically price Short Term Rentals, putting in cheap furniture can be a false economy if it’s likely to break and need replacement sooner than a more quality, durable piece. Would you rather spend $1000 on a quality sofa that’s going to last you for 10 years, or $500 on one that needs replacing within 2?

And it’s not just about getting the right quality. Make sure you have sufficient quantity of items like dinner ware, cutlery, linens and towels for the size of your apartment. Nothing shouts out that a host has spent the bare minimum more than having insufficient plates, cups, knives, forks, cookware and towels for their guests to stay comfortably within the space.

Make Your Guests Feel Like You Care. The way you present and maintain your Airbnb property sends a powerful message to your guests.

By treating your rental as "just a rental property," you inadvertently communicate a lack of interest in their experience.

On the other hand, when you put effort and care into your property's presentation and upkeep, guests feel valued and appreciated.

Think about the little touches that can elevate your guests' experience at low-cost. Providing a welcome basket with local treats, a personalized welcome note, or recommendations for nearby attractions can show your guests that you genuinely care about their stay. Promptly responding to inquiries and addressing their concerns during their stay will also demonstrate your commitment to their comfort.

As an Airbnb host or property manager, you have the power to shape your guests' experiences and build a review history that stands out in a competitive market. Dismissing your property as "just a rental" undermines the importance of your guests' investment and diminishes the overall perception of your property.

Instead, focus on providing an exceptional experience that goes beyond expectations. Invest in quality furnishings and amenities that make your rental feel like a home away from home. Show your guests that you care about their stay and value their decision to choose your property. By doing so, you'll not only attract more bookings but also foster positive reviews and repeat business, ultimately leading to a thriving vacation rental business: one that guests will love and recommend to others.