If you’re an Airbnb host, you know the importance of reviews. In fact, your listing will live or die by the few sentences left by your guests.
With these tips, you don’t have to wait for reviews to come in with suspense. Instead, set guests up to be delighted and watch the 5-star reviews pour in!
1. Set Expectations Before Arrival
Don’t let your guests be anything but pleasantly surprised by your property. Write an accurate property description and provide realistic photos. Some imagery, for example, will make a property look bigger or brighter than it really is.
While we recommend quality photography, don’t allow reasons for disappointment. And, if there’s anything unusual about the property — eg. a steep staircase, remote location, etc. — be sure to make that clear in your description.
2. Make Check-In and Check-Out Easy
The first and last things your guests will do is check in and check out, which means they’ll clearly remember both of these procedures. Your guests will appreciate it if you make it as seamless and as simple as possible.
Pro Tip: We recommend a lockbox or digital keypad for entry, so that guests don’t have to coordinate their arrival and departure.
3. Create a Space for Quality Sleep
Even if your guests don’t spend time during the day in your property, they’ll certainly be sleeping there. Make your property a nighttime oasis with everything they’ll need for a sound sleep.
Include quality sheets, comfortable mattresses and pillows, portable fans in every room, and blackout curtains. You could even provide white-noise machines if the area around your property is noisy at night.
After all, a well-rested guest is a happy guest!
4. Provide the Basics
Give your guests enough supplies to get them through at least one night before they have to head to the store. Stock the kitchen with coffee and tea, granola bars, dishwasher pods, dish soap, and paper towels. In the bathroom, make sure there’s soap and shampoo, as well as plenty of toilet paper.
And with the rise in popularity of remote work, the “basics” now includes a fast internet connection. Make sure it’s easy for your guests to access your WiFi network. Try StayFi, for example, to customize your WiFi splash page, manage your network remotely, and have guests agree to terms of use.
5. Splurge on Cleanliness
Give your property a thorough cleaning between each stay, taking special care to make sure that past guests don’t leave anything behind. Empty the fridge and trash cans, scrub the bathroom and kitchen, and of course have all linens be fluffy and stain-free. If you use professional housekeeping, be sure to share that in your property description.
With these boxes checked, you’ll have great reviews, happy stays, and even repeat guests coming back to your property. And, if you’ve done a really exceptional job, don’t be afraid to ask for a 5-star review—you deserve it!
Happy hosting!
