How do you determine the guest capacity for your listing?

[Rebecca]

Hi hosts! 👋

I noticed from conversations on the Community Center, that a key aspect of hosting is figuring out how many guests can comfortably enjoy your space. Whether you're an experienced host or just starting out, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

How do you determine the guest capacity for your listing?

Feel free to share your tips, strategies, or even the fun stories that helped you arrive at that perfect number! 

Looking forward to your insights! 😊

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Rebecca we always went with number of bedrooms times 2. Any additional numbers just cause places to get bad reviews.

[Rebecca]

Thank you for sharing @Mike-And-Jane0. Would you ever consider an additional sleeping space, for example, a sofa bed or similar? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Rebecca we did have a sofa bed in one bedroom where people didn't want to share the bed (Abba revival group springs to mind) but other than that - NO. People are very happy to find a cheap place for a large number of people but will then mark it down as too crowded!

[Christopher2212]

Hi Rebecca, 

In order to determine the guest capacity we need first to confirm the number of bedrooms and beds you offer, as well as sofa bed or air mattress. 

For example if you have 2 bedrooms and each of them has 2 beds, it can definitely accommodate 4 guests and if you offer a sofa bed on the living room that can be configured on your settings as well as an additional bed meaning you will be able to accomodate 5 people in total on your listing. 

Please let me know if this example helps you or I can definitely find a better way to assist you. 

[Peakpulse0]

@Rebecca 

To determine the guest capacity for your Airbnb listing, consider the following factors:

Number of Bedrooms and Beds: The number of bedrooms and available beds directly impacts how many guests your property can comfortably accommodate. A general rule of thumb is one bed per guest, but this can vary based on the size and type of beds (e.g., sofa beds or bunk beds).

Living Space: Ensure there's enough space for guests to comfortably move around. If your space is small, you may want to limit the number of guests to ensure a comfortable experience.

Amenities: Consider the number of bathrooms, seating areas, and dining space. If these amenities are limited, it may be wise to reduce your guest capacity to ensure all guests have access to necessary facilities.

Local Regulations: Some regions have specific rules and regulations about the maximum number of guests allowed in a vacation rental. Make sure you're aware of any local ordinances or building codes that apply.

Safety Considerations: You should also factor in safety—such as emergency exits and fire regulations—when determining the maximum number of guests. It's crucial that all guests can be safely accommodated in case of an emergency.

Comfort and Experience: The overall experience matters. Limiting the number of guests can help create a more enjoyable and less crowded environment, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings.

Once you've considered these factors, set a capacity that ensures comfort, safety, and compliance with local laws. You can adjust this capacity as needed based on feedback from previous guests or changes in your listing.

[Fiona256]

By the number and type of beds. Simple, really.

[Lorna170]

@Rebecca    I have had numerous STRs and LTRs over the years.  The number of guests per bedroom = 2 adults.  Period.  

Twenty-five years ago I was a brand-new host.  My realtor convinced me to maximize my guest numbers.  3 bedroom house with a sleeping loft, 2 1/2 bathrooms and we shoehorned in beds, sleep sofas and futons and got to 14 guests.

My first 6 months of renting was stressful as it was fraught with guest complaints, guests over the maximum advertised number and requests for refunds.  Housekeeper quit. It was the worst experience of my life.

The house was reposted as 8 guests maximum, no exceptions.  This aligned with local zoning regulations of 2 persons per bedroom and the septic system load of 8 persons.  No more listening to an overly zealous realtor about maximizing heads in beds.  

[Ms--Iffat0]

Hello @Rebecca 

I also want to contribute in this conversation by adding my perspective. 

Determining the guest capacity for my listing depends on several factors.

1. Number and size of beds: Whether single, double, king, a bed setup plays a key role in determining capacity.
2. Room size: A spacious room allows extra folding beds if needed, without compromising comfort.
   
3. Personal hosting ability: Since I live in the same premises, I also consider how many guests I can comfortably manage to ensure pleasant stay.

Every host has unique considerations, and hearing different insights always helps. Looking forward to learning from everyone's experiences!

Regards
Iffat