High-end amenities, state-of-the-art appliances, elegant furnishings, classy decor, and prime location - these alone do not make your Airbnb an excellent place to stay. You can have the most beautiful vacation rental in the most coveted neighborhood but still not get the bookings you expect.
In an industry saturated with millions of listings, you should have an edge to stand out. Investing in high-quality photos, posting a catchy profile, and even tapping social media influencers can help market your property. But, in the long run, your guests are your best endorsers. After all, they are the ones who write reviews, give recommendations, and keep coming back.
Your guests must have a fantastic time at your vacation rental. But how do you do this exactly? Here are straightforward tips to help give your Airbnb guests a luxury experience they will not forget.
Nothing drives potential guests away faster than poor communication or the lack thereof. It creates the impression that you don’t care for them. On the other hand, open and effective communication fosters a positive guest experience.
First off, be transparent. Be honest about what your guests will get by booking at your Airbnb. Don’t oversell your listing. It’s better to have guests walk into a prettier place than expected and be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.
Another thing some hosts overlook is the response time to guest inquiries and questions. A timely reply makes your guests feel important. If an issue arises, it matters to guests not only how quickly you answer but also how you respond. Whatever their concern is, always show empathy.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your guests what they need to feel welcome and comfortable. Many guests appreciate a thank you for booking message, a welcome message, especially for those doing a self-check-in option, and an after-departure message.
Giving a gift helps create a connection between the hosts and the guests. It doesn’t have to be expensive or super fancy. A chic gift basket of well-curated and carefully-picked treats goes a long way to make your guests feel welcome.
The trick is to put a personal touch to your welcome gift, one to make your guest remember their vacation fondly. Fresh fruits, flowers, chocolates, and a bottle of wine are the most common items in a gift basket. But to make your Airbnb stand out, add a personalized note and some local delicacies.
It also helps to learn about the preferences of your guests. You can ask them to specify ahead of time if they have food restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, kosher) or allergies. You can also be more proactive and include hiking maps, an events calendar, itinerary suggestions, calling cards to yoga instructors, and gift cards to local restaurants or shops in the welcome pack.
In the Airbnb business, first impressions often last. A smooth, hassle-free, and stress-free check-in process can set the mood of your guests’ entire stay. Guests should be able to find and access your vacation rental easily. Whether you greet your guests in person or offer a self-check-in option, you should provide clear, detailed, and perfectly drafted check-in instructions to ensure a seamless arrival experience
If your guests prefer the self-check-in option, they should know how to get inside the rental home before they arrive. The check-in instructions should fully explain how to use lockboxes, smart locks, or keypads. You can include a video or step-by-step photos of the process.
The instructions should also state the check-in time, directions to the property, parking information, Wi-Fi network name and password, and your contact information, such as your direct phone number and email. It is also a must to include a personalized welcome message.
Who doesn't love getting pampered on their vacation? Apart from the Airbnb essentials, ensure your guests can enjoy additional creature comforts. These include hot tubs, home theaters, outdoor BBQ facilities, swimming pools, gym equipment, beach or golf course access, spa services, and personal chefs.
You can also up your luxury experience game by adding high-end trimmings such as plush mattresses, hypoallergenic sheets, and cruelty-free toiletries. And if you are thinking about attracting eco-conscious travelers, you can install a modern solar-powered unit.
You don’t have to go over the top to make a good impression on your guests. The important thing is you tailor the amenities to their needs and requests. For example, if your target market is families, you should provide high chairs, a play area, kids’ books and toys, fireplace guards, and cribs.
Lastly, none of these fancy amenities and furnishings matter if you don’t provide guests with a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Also, some guests value exclusivity and privacy, so be ready to provide these.
Guests are often looking for new and unique destinations. Whether your property lies in the mountains, along the beach, in the middle of a historic city, or the scenic countryside, always offer your guests suggestions on what to see and do in the area.
Chances are your guests picked your Airbnb for its proximity to a particular attraction or activity. They will appreciate any insider tip, especially if it’s coming from a local. You can create a list of the top tourist destinations in the area and how and when to visit them.
You can include hidden gems and less-touristy attractions, such as family-run restaurants, small museums, antique shops, secret beaches, boutique wineries, and hiking trails. Provide information on where to find these spots and the contact person, if any. If you want to go the extra mile, you can help your guests arrange for cruises, day trips, spa sessions, or live musical events.
Sometimes, guests only want to escape somewhere quiet and serene. They may prefer to stay in the property to relax. Still, you can make their vacation unique by telling them an inspiring or intriguing story about the place. Not only will it make your rental stand out from other listings. It will also ensure you give your Airbnb guests a luxury experience they will remember.
