Crafting an Exceptional Guest Experience with Design
As a somewhat frequent Airbnb guest, I’ve encountered my fair share of stays where it seemed like the host had overlooked the significance of the guest experience. I can’t stress enough the importance of considering how guests interact with the space and what motivates them to opt for a short-term rental over a traditional hotel stay. In order to avoid an especially lengthy post, I’ve narrowed this list down to the top five items I believe can have the biggest impact on the quality of a stay, ensuring your guests give you a well-deserved 5-star rating for your meticulous attention to detail.
Nightstands: Perhaps one of my top frustrations is the absence of a nightstand on both sides of a bed that is meant to sleep two people. Having a dedicated spot on each side of the bed for essentials like your phone, a book, a glass of water, or anything you’d like within arm’s reach when you settle into bed is a must. It doesn’t have to be a full nightstand; a small shelf or a headboard with storage space would suffice. And if you want to go the extra mile, consider placing a small catch-all tray on the nightstand for guests to keep their small items like jewelry. It’s a nice touch and can help prevent items from falling on the floor and being left behind.
Bedside Lighting: Alongside nightstands, the absence of bedside lamps or sconces can be a huge letdown for me. It’s not just about reading in bed before falling asleep, but also about convenience and ambiance. Nobody wants to fumble in the dark in an unfamiliar space. And is anyone a fan of bright, overhead lighting when winding down for the night? Not me! When possible, for beds meant for two, ensure both individuals can comfortably reach the light to turn it off.
Seating at the Dining Table: Regardless of your property’s maximum occupancy, the number of seats should match it when it comes to dining. While it might require some creative planning for larger groups, it’s important to ensure that everyone has a comfortable spot to enjoy their meals. I am part of a large family, and when we all travel together, we try to rent a home that can accommodate our large group. Not only are there a lot of us, our group also includes a number of younger kids, so cooking and eating at the short-term rental is the easiest option for us. So when we rent a place that sleeps 20 people, those 20 people should all have a comfortable place to sit when eating. And there should also be an ample supply of dinnerware, glassware, and flatware for everyone to use.
Kitchen Supplies: Speaking of eating, kitchens are a big reason why people often choose a short-term rental over a hotel stay. They want to be able to prepare their own meals, so they are going to need proper supplies in order to accomplish this. Outdated or insufficient kitchen utensils (such as dull knives) can be a huge disappointment. A well-equipped kitchen can greatly improve the stay, making it easier for guests to prepare their own meals and feel at home.
My large family once stayed at a rental in Texas with an enormous kitchen. They had even taken the time to apply labels inside all the cabinets and drawers to make it easier to find (and put away) any items we needed. The problem was that most of these labeled cabinets and drawers were empty or at least much more empty than what the labels were telling us. What looked like it should be a very well-equipped kitchen ended up just taunting us with all these promised items that just weren’t there.
Personal Touch: A space should feel warm and inviting, which is why the absence of art, books, and thoughtful decor can be disappointing. These personal touches can turn a rental property into a home away from home, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. I was recently searching Airbnb for an upcoming weekend trip, and I came across a listing that was the charming, mid-century style that I love. However, in the listing photos, there were so many empty bookcases and shelves throughout the entire house that it made it feel empty and unfinished — a bit like we would be staying in a house that people were in the process of moving out of. While you want to avoid clutter, adding a touch of personality can really help your property to stand out, not only in your listing photos, but also the overall guest experience. Most of our guests comment on our book selection, game choices, and unique art that is found throughout the space. They love the personal touch that adds a little extra to their overall experience.
Remember that paying attention to these details will go a long way in garnering 5-star reviews for your listing. As a short-term rental host, you’re in the hospitality industry, and your top priority should be making guests feel well taken care of. Happy guests are the key to the success of your investment. So, go the extra mile to ensure your guests have a memorable and exceptional experience.
Just a heads up, there are some affiliate links in this article, which means I might earn a little something if you buy through them. But don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks a million for your support!
