What do you think does not belong in a listing and why?

[Jenny]

Hello everyone!

We talk so much about the things that we do have in our listings, whether it’s furniture, or unique amenities.

One thing we don’t really talk about is what DOESN’T belong in a listing.  Those things where you might see them on a listing and say “oh honey, no”.

So, my question to you all is… what do you think does not belong in a listing?

Is there a type of furniture that you think is a complete no-no?  Any amenities which you think are more trouble than they’re worth?  Have you ever added something to your listing and then removed it because it caused problems?  Let us know in the comments!

I’m looking forward to seeing your replies.

Jenny

[Scott1631]

A bed with a beautiful heavy bedspread and full of pillows might look nice but where are they going to put them when sleeping? The floor? 

[Laura2592]

@Scott1631 a bench at the foot of the bed-- that is where we put ours every night!

[Jenny]

I imagine they would require a bit of extra washing as well, @Scott1631!. Although @Laura2592's got a good fix for that, as it would keep them safe from the floor/being shoved in a cupboard etc!

[Laurelle3]

@Scott1631 my question how often are these washed? Infection controll I have seen research while nursing was E-Coli by bare bottoms sitting on bedspreads. That is why ALL linen is washed between people. I sometimes wonder in some places this is being done. Even hotels they have changed to a sheet on top.

[Rhonda45]

I Lysol all cloth surfaces.

[Fred13]

Oftentimes they are for show (photos), removed and replaced with light blanket when guests arrive, that is what we used to do; however,  nowadays they are strictly for photos.

[Joyce540]

@Fred13 We are new with first guest coming this week. Our bed has a very nice white comforter and 3 pillows for decor. I was thinking of putting a small padded bench at foot for them. I like your idea for show, but will that affect the review (room does not look like pictures)?

I stayed in Abnb earlier this month sheets only.  I did not like the look or feel of exposed sheets. Later Found light Blanket was on shelve in closet. Thank you for your post,  I’m now re-thinking using my fluffy white comforter. 

[Laura2592]

@Jenny I have a long list lol.

1. No bathtub. I am not a shower only kind of girl. I need a soak.

2. Carpet. Especially if the listing is pet friendly.

3. Red walls. I had an apartment ages ago that I painted with bold shades of red and orange. In a month I felt like I was living in someone's circulatory system. I avoid places with red rooms now. 

4. No coffee/coffee maker of any kind. Surprisingly common.

5. A host I have to check in with/schedule a time to pick up a key. My husband runs perpetually late, so we prefer self check in so as not to inconvenience anyone.

6. No window in the bathroom. I had too many apartments like this in my youth and avoid it now. It can be mildew heaven unless the fans are up to speed.

7. No outdoor space. This truly depends on where I am booking but I do prefer some kind of outdoor space over a place that has none. 

Now what do I REALLY think does not belong in a listing? The location and value ratings!

[Jenny]

I'm totally with you on the bath thing, @Laura2592! Showers are for morning, baths are for the evening!

[Suzanne302]

@Jenny 

Plus, I get creeped out thinking about all the people that might have soaked in the tub and wouldn't want to sit in a tub so many other people have bathed in. Even if it's thoroughly cleaned, ewww!

[Rhonda45]

I use a cleaner with bleach for tubs.  My tubs sparkle.  We have a hair catcher we leave in and if they want a bath they can use the plug.  I recommend one of these things. 

[Stephanie]

@Laura2592 A bath tub is a must for child friendly properties in my experience! Quite a few listings I've perused for a family trip fell down even though they had baby gate and travel cot because of no bath. Different Host preference though, nothing against those listings!

Thanks

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

I avoided or later removed everything that is complicated to use, easy to damage, or takes too much time to check/refill/clean.

[Anonymous]

1. Oodles of decorative pillows - I agree with @Scott1631 , they are obnoxious clutter.

2. Cheugy signage with banal phrases like "Live Laugh Love," especially in the dreaded Manhattan Darling font. Please take it all down and burn it.

3. American-style comforters. Too much trouble to wash when a duvet cover will do.

4. Expensive, delicate glassware and ceramics. Why create needless stress over breakages?

5. White rugs and upholstery -  pure stain magnets.

6. Plastic capsule coffee machines.

7.  Too many beds. Listings lose a lot in comfort when the host is clearly trying to pack in more people than the home is designed for.

8. Long, complicated checkout/cleaning instructions. You don't want guests' last memory before reviewing to be frantically trying to finish chores before rushing to catch their flight; keep it simple.

9. Any ornate fixtures (e.g. chandeliers) that take ages to dust.

10. Musical instruments. Fun, but too much risk of damage and disgruntled neighbors.