New to this short-term hosting and welcome feedback please

[Lori4210]

Hello!

We are new to this short-term rental business and welcome your feedback.

Will you please take time to look at our property and offer suggestions on how we can improve and stand out above others? We are in a very competitive market and are self-taught and trying to work our way through this for the first time.

Thank you!

http://airbnb.com/h/thegoodehouse

[Joelle43]

Hello @Lori4210 

I went onto your calendar and you only have one or two weekends per month available to be booked for the upcoming months.  Is this intentional?  With so few dates bookable, this is going to be affect the way the algorithm will place you I am afraid as it favours listings with a wide calendar open for guests to book.

I wouldn't put the photo of the stairs in your top 5 pictures Lori.  Those top 5 pictures should show what are the best features of our listing

[Alex]

Hi @Lori4210!

Welcome to the Community! This is the perfect place to get the suggestions and advice you need. I’m going to tag some members from the Community to see if they can help you: @Jacquelynn8, @Joey28, @Jason2680, @Mia1090, @Jamie600 and @Shelley159

Wishing you best of luck! 

Best, 

Alex

[Shelley159]

Hi @Lori4210 

I like your listing and I think you'll enjoy hosting! I could only find 2 things to mention.

@Joelle43 has already pointed out the big issue - you presently have almost no calendar availability that guests can book.

I also noticed that your check-in and checkout times are the same. This is unusual, but not a problem if this is what you prefer. Just make sure you've set a preparation time of at least one day on your calendar (you won't be able to do same-day changeovers).

[Jamie600]

Hi @Lori4210!
You have done an exceptional job with the house.  I would allow Airbnb’s AI choose your best photos. 🥰

I would also play up the Notre Dame stadium location - that’s your niche. The brown leather room can be made into more of a game room. It looks masculine. Maybe some football oriented decor there? A foosball’s table? 

*it’s absolutely beautiful as it is- my suggestions are just my humble opinion. I wish you the very best!  🙏

[Martha1268]

Good morning @Lori4210 , and welcome to our beautiful community, which I feel very fortunate to be a part of, and I congratulate you.

My best advice for you is that, no matter how long or short your stay, you always strive to maintain the same quality of service.
Best regards!

Atte

Abg. Martha Arias

[Alex]

Hi @Martha1268!

Thank you for participating in the thread! I really love your advice! How long have you been hosting? 🏡

[Michael9706]

Hey Buddy @Lori4210, a few people seem to have chimed in on your listing so I wont touch on the topics they discussed, but I host 3 little cottages in a resort area in Maryland and last year we had our best year to date!  We offer stays as short as 1 night.  The short stay thing can help fill a month up however cleaning can become an issue if you have a bunch of short stays back to back.  We sometimes have 3 cleanings in one day between the cottages and they are 1,2 and 3 bedroom cottages which can become a bit of a chore to manage.  The biggest change for us last year was using the promotions button to drop the price as we approached un-booked dates.  Made a huge difference and we made about $15,000 more in 2024 then 2023 with the same amount of cottages.  In our area we are also not year round so dealing with a ton of work May - October is not a big deal when we die off pretty hard through the winter months.  I would highly recommend short term stays only if you feel you can keep up with the cleanings and maintain super host status throughout.  We have been with Air BnB since August 2022 and have over 350 individual stays on our resume all short term.  Let me know if you have any more specific questions!

[Maui23]

Hello @Lori4210 

And hello to our community! I just viewed your wonderful home, and it looks perfect to me.

Maybe just a little upgrade on the photos to help your place stand out even more. But most importantly, maintaining the quality of service is what truly makes a lasting impression.

best of luck 🙏

[Alex]

Hi @Maui23! 

Thanks for the advice to Lori. She is going to appreciate this a lot. Have you ever done a professional photo session of your listing? How was the experience? Did it noticeably increase your bookings? 📈

Best, 

Alex

[Alex]

Hi @Lori4210!

I'm so happy to see that you received so many answers from other hosts! There is amazing advice waiting for you. Did you have time to check their answers? Let us know if you need more help. 🤗

Best, 

Alex

[Marlis41]

Hello Lori,

I do not see a photo of your garden or terrace, if you have got one? Is there no place to sit outside in the sun? Otherwise it looks like a beautiful place and normally full houses to rent, are not really very short term? This is of course up to you.

[Holland6]

Take a short trip, visit a couple of higher end hotels, and a couple of lower end motels,,,,

take note of your experience as you enter the rooms, and customer professionalism.

then take the information you’ve accumulated, and tailor your accommodation , , 

   Most importantly, is what you have to offer. And your personal touch as a host.

the rest is learn as you roll, 

my two cents.

Good luck

[Alex]

Hi @Holland6! 

That’s such a great piece of advice! Take tips and inspiration from hotel rooms. I’m sure that @Lori4210 will enjoy this suggestion. While visiting hotels, which one gave you the most inspiration?

[Jennifer4360]

We're new as well so Im not sure about our comments, nonetheless- I thought it looked good, pulled together nicely. The basement was not our fav. The couches look a little worn. I wonder if you could use it as a games room? Table tennis or pool? I think would make a unique draw for guests. Otherwise, looks good!