Last Updated on September 12, 2019 by Lucienne
This post gives some ideas on how to set-up a self catering for Airbnb. Updated – 4 June 2019.
When my husband and I bought our first house, one of the reasons we bought it was because it had a cute little cottage in the garden. For me, this meant I could set-up the cottage for Airbnb.
The beauty of Airbnb is that you can choose what dates to make available and which dates to block. Our main house is quite small so when we have guests coming to visit we can block off those dates and voíla, we have a spare room for family and friends. It has been such a success for us I thought I would share some things to consider when putting your house on Airbnb.
What is a self catering accommodation?
Before we get down to what a self catering includes let’s look at what is a self catering accommodation? Self catering accommodation implies that the guest is responsible for providing their own food. This is different to a bed and breakfast where at least breakfast is provided. There are therefore some minimum requirements for self catering accommodation to provide a place to sleep and some food preparation equipment.
When answering the question ‘how to set-up a self catering for Airbnb’, make a list of things you like and expect when staying in an Airbnb. Lets start with a list of bedroom essentials:
Airbnb Bedroom Essentials
When setting the bedroom up you need to think about first impressions. This is generally the reason why people are booking with you.
Beds
An absolute essential. I decided to go with putting two single beds in the room. This meant that I catered for the travelling couple (beds can be pushed together), the travelling colleagues (beds can be separated) and for the single traveler too.
Linen
I chose percale linen for the bedding. Percale has such a luxurious feel about it, looks amazing and is very long lasting. A fitted sheet and flat sheet are both essential. The fitted sheet helps to protect the mattress and makes bed making easier. The flat sheet means one can toss the duvet off in summer and a blanket can be added to the bed in winter.
Pillows and duvets
Each bed has a feather pillow and a sponge pillow. I like feather pillows and my husband likes sponge pillows so I figured one of each would cater for both preferences. We put duvets on the beds as this makes it quick and easy to make the bed up when the room needs to be changed. Scatter cushions add a bit of decoration, colour and warmth to the room.
Airbnb Kitchen Essentials
I asked my travelling friends what they found most lacking in self catering kitchens. I made sure I included those items when stocking the kitchen.
Baking equipment
Include a couple of mixing bowls and a muffin pan for baking. A muffin pan is more versatile than a cake tin as it can be used to make muffins, egg muffins or mini quiches.
Coffee Maker
A coffee plunger or machine. My husband is an absolute coffee snob and hates instant coffee. Including a coffee plunger was an essential from him to cater for those travelers that love filter coffee as much as he does.
Sharp Knives
Sharp knives and a knife sharpener. There is nothing more irritating than chopping with a blunt knife! We always make sure that we sharpen the kitchen knives frequently and we leave the knife sharpener there for those who want that extra sharpness.
Airbnb Bathroom Essentials
The bathroom is a difficult space to add that special touch but here are a couple of ideas that have worked for me.
Towels
Towels – An absolute must yes – but they must be fluffy too. I started out with white towels but I found that they were difficult to keep clean. I have since changed to duck egg blue towels which so far has worked out well.
Bathroom Amenities
Toilet paper and toiletries. Not very many people travel with a roll of loo paper in their luggage and this is generally the first thing one wants to do when they arrive… go to the loo! Imagine no loo paper? We also add a small soap and shower cap, I am amazed at how many people have been so grateful for the shower cap. A shower cap is not something I use often but there are guests out there that do use them.
These are a few tips on how to set-up a self catering for Airbnb. If you would like a few more ideas take a look at my Cosy Garden Cottage listing on Airbnb.
If I have inspired you to join Airbnb click hereand get hosting!!
Need some more inspiration? Take a look at some of my other posts below:
Airbnb: Ultimate List of Bedroom Essentials
Airbnb: Ultimate List of Kitchen Essentials
How to reach Superhost on Airbnb
