So, you've decided to join the airbnb craze and become the host with the most! But wait, before you dive headfirst into the world of short term rentals, let's talk about what NOT to do as an airbnb host. Avoid the pitfalls and faux pas that could turn your dream of being a five star host into an airbnb nightmare.
1. Furniture Fiascos:
Picture this, you arrive for your weekend getaway, and instead of a cohesive design, you’re greeted by a mishmash of furniture that looks like it has attended one too many garage sales. There are six bunk beds crammed in one bedroom, and it’s physically impossible to reach the top bunks without stepping on someone else’s face. The dining room table requires a sugar packet to stay level, and there’s only three chairs for your party of six. The decor is bland and basic, and somehow simultaneously lacking character and too personal.
Cohesion is key in your short term rental design! Avoid creating a visual disaster that makes guests wonder if they accidentally wandered into an eclectic art exhibit. At the same time, no one wants to walk into a property that looks like it was entirely furnished in one trip to At Home. For the love of authenticity, please leave the “eat, play, love” signs where they belong, in your mother-in-law's kitchen. Come up with a vision for furnishing your property and stick to it. Make sure it’s clean and efficient, but also embodies the local character.
Pro Tip: If you don’t know design, hire a pro.
2. The Overzealous Informational Signs
Sure, you want your Airbnb guests to be able to find everything they need during their stay, but it also needs to feel like a vacation. I know the label maker is addictively fun, but plastering every drawer, light switch and cabinet with a detailed description of its contents or purpose is trashy.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple, use open shelving to make it easy for guests, and create a home inventory book so your maids always know where everything goes. Instructions for guests have a place, it’s just in a guidebook not on the wall.
3. The 'I'm Always Watching' Vibe
I can still recall the time I booked a quick weekend getaway with a few friends at a cute airbnb on the Bastrop River. Everything was going wonderful. I was enjoying a nice break away from the constant tether of my cell phone, peacefully relaxing with a margarita in my hand and my toes in the water. Until I wasn’t. The overzealous hosts stepped into my sanctuary and they were not happy. You see, my parents had decided to stop by and say hello and the hosts had seen that we were now exceeding the guest count. My parents were not spending the night, in fact they never even entered the property. Needless to say this was a serious buzz-kill to my vacation. Installing cameras everywhere to keep an eye on your guests might seem like a good idea for security, but it can also give off major 'Big Brother is Watching You' vibes. No one wants to feel like they're under constant surveillance, and your guests are not auditioning for a reality TV show (unless you're running a quirky Airbnb-themed reality series, in which case, carry on).
Pro Tip: Respect privacy and build trust by ditching the surveillance state aesthetic, one external camera that's clearly noted in your listing description is enough.
4. Neglecting the Basics: Cleanliness is NOT Optional
You wouldn't want to sleep on stained sheets or use a bathroom that looks like it hasn't seen a cleaning brush in weeks, right? Your guests feel the same way. Neglecting cleanliness is a surefire way to earn negative reviews faster than you can say "dust bunny." White linens and towels are the standard in hospitality for a reason. Guests perceive them as cleaner, and they can be bleached. Make sure to always choose white for your STR linens.
Pro Tip: Do your due diligence when choosing a maid service. Make sure you find someone who can clean like your reputation depends on it—because it does.
5. Communication Catastrophes
Ever had a conversation with someone who communicates exclusively in emojis or cryptic messages? Or, that friend that finally responds to your request to grab dinner at breakfast time the next day? Don't be that host. Effective communication is crucial in the world of Airbnb. In fact, response time is one of the metrics used for defining super host status. Utilize automation for simplicity sake, but also be a real person when a guest asks a question. Respond promptly, be clear about house rules, and, for the love of all things hospitable, use real world expertise to guide your guests to the best local spots.
Pro Tip: Know your attractions so you can be genuinely hospitable and informative to your guests. And, if you need another excuse to go have a night on the town, I’ve heard it may even be tax deductible.
Becoming an Airbnb host is an exciting adventure, but it's essential to avoid these comical pitfalls. Furnish thoughtfully, keep it clean, communicate clearly, and remember: your guests are looking for a memorable experience, not a sitcom-worthy disaster.
So, go forth, aspiring hosts, armed with the wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of airbnb fails. Your guests will thank you, and your reviews will reflect the five-star experience you've worked so hard to create. Happy hosting!
