Dedicated work space OR… ?

[Natalie1270]

I am furnishing a new one bedroom Airbnb property (max 2 guests).  The living area is open plan and I can’t decide whether to A) put a larger (4-6) seater dining table that can double as a work space OR B) a 900mm x 900mm  cafe style table with 2 chairs and have an a area with a dedicated desk and chair.

In your experience as a host/ what to look for as a guest, please could you vote A or B and any other input is appreciated.

Thanks 

[Marie8425]

@Natalie1270 

I suggest you decide b ased on what a Guest would used for?  Presenting pic tures of a dining area for more than 2 gives the impression that dinner parties are encouraged.

[Natalie1270]

Great point about the dinner parties @Marie8425! Thanks

[Shelley159]

Hi @Natalie1270 

If you look at the amenities list, you will see that you are only allowed to tick "dedicated workspace" if you have "a desk or table that is just for working". This is said to be a popular amenity in searches, so you may get more bookings if you opt for 2 tables so you can tick this.

[Natalie1270]

Great point! Thanks @Shelley159 

[Guy991]

Hello @Natalie1270 ,

For a small open-plan apartment, I would go with the first option; it is much more convenient and efficient. Even a four-seat table is enough; a six-seat table would be too big and might feel awkward. Use the empty space for a single couch in one of the corners.

Having both a dining table and a work table in the same space will look unnatural. I like how you used the carpet in your current property to define the living room and the space outside the carpet for the round table. Very smart.

[Mary1523 · Accepted solution]

I vote B. It's a no brainer decision for me.

Having a dedicated workspace is worthwhile, it helps attract more guests. Especially digital nomads, workers etc. By the way, my sister is a digital nomad and she looks for a proper ergonomic chair, the desk is less important. She looks at the photos to determine this.

 I agree big dining tables are worthless, and the usual rule is that if you only have 2 guest max in a property, then you only provide everything for 2 guests. From couches, to only 2 dining chairs/small table, maybe double the crockery/cutlery/glasses if you want to be generous but that's about it. 

Kind regs MK

[Natalie1270]

Thanks for the advice @Mary1523.  These are very very good points!  B wins for me after reading the comments.

[Nancie5]

@Natalie1270 I, too, recommend a separate work space.  Having a small dining area also discourages folks from inviting unregistered guests over for dinner which is helpful if you are the type of airbnb who does not want entertaining others going on in your space.

[Monika658]

HI @Natalie1270 , 

I would be curious to know who do you think your gusts will be? Are you located in the city where people come over to mostly work or are you located by the mountains or parks or the beach where people are coming to relax. I think seeing who my customer is will help me to make the right choice for them. 

[Natalie1270]

Hi Monika, good perspective.  It's hard to define because I would say it will be a mix of tourists, business people and remote workers with all that Cape Town has to offer of city and nature.  There is a co working space downstairs and those who need to work remotely have found the dining table in my first airbnb ideal, however I have decided after reading comments to go with the smaller dining table and desk option in the open plan living space for this one.  Discouraging parties and having that extra "dedicated work space" box ticked on airbnb is a big part of my decision.