What’s your secret to turning an ordinary apartment into a place guests fall in love with?

[Oksana127]

Guests don’t fall in love with furniture — they fall in love with atmosphere.

The way morning sunlight hits the curtains, the gentle hum of the city outside, the scent of freshly washed sheets… even the perfectly placed throw pillow (don’t tell anyone I have a thing for symmetry 😅).

I love transforming ordinary apartments into spaces that feel warm, real, and unforgettable — where guests immediately think, “I could live here forever.”

What about you?
What’s your secret ingredient? That little touch that turns a stay from “just fine” to “I never want to leave”?

[Alex]

Hi @Oksana127! 

This is such a nice topic to start! I love your corner with  the little plant. Let me tag some other hosts to see what is their secret ingredient! 🤗 @Andrea6232, @Jamie600, @Naomi208 and @Patricia2526, what's your little touch? 😃

Best, 

Alex

[Elise43]

What a fun question!

A well-stocked kitchen and bathroom make a huge difference, and locally themed reading material-- history, culture, photographs. Those have made some stays really memorable for me. And real art! I always try to find artists' apartments when we travel-- We stayed at the most wonderful spot in Vienna, and it epitomized how an urban space could be made incredibly memorable and cozy! Regina is an amazing host!

This is it: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52047602

Her lighting was so creative, and every single detail was considered-- it is also her primary home, and I love staying in real homes on Airbnb-- they are always my favorites!

And local recommendations mean so much, too-- they can greatly influence the stay. 

[Marie8425]

@Oksana127 

I suggest fkirst identify your target market.  Then create your space to delight that market.  All markets are different and hyou first need to recognize what they want.  Some of my best ideas were Guests mentioning something  would be nice.

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Oksana127 

Guests fall in love with the vibe of the host as much as the home.

Warm communication, fast responses, and empathy make the space feel even better.

[Jamie600]

Hi Oksana,

I think it is a complicated mix of location (view), decor, and sense of serenity.  Plus, having some items that are comfy and cozy helps. I use Cozy Earth bamboo sheets, Jennifer Adams Eternal duvet covers, and 850 down comforters in the house. So it is a little slice of heaven to slip into bed after a long day of hiking in Sedona. Guests ask me often what brand the linens are.  My secret ingredient is creating a space I would want to stay in.  When I stay in my home, I rarely leave the house. lol  💛

This was my latest review: 

Public review

I cannot explain how pleased we were with Jamie’s place. Everything from the fully stocked kitchen to the incredible linens to the amazing decor was perfect. Somehow though, the private outdoor spaces were even more impressive. The sculpture garden, the fire pit, the hot tub area, the water feature (complete with daily visits from the local wildlife) were all amazing. We arrived for our five night stay with dinner reservations for the last four nights. Upon arrival we were so in love with the place that we immediately cancelled all reservations because we wanted to spend every evening at the house. As hosts go, Jamie was the best, a true professional!

[Oksana127]

Hi @Jamie600 ,

I absolutely agree with you — high-quality linens, pillows, duvets, and the mattress itself are a HUGE part of the guest experience. Many guests stay only 1–2 nights, some longer, but no matter how short the stay is, the quality of their sleep directly affects how they perceive the entire apartment.

It may sound a bit unusual, but I truly believe the emotional perception of a space is deeply connected to how well a guest sleeps. If someone spends their whole stay tossing and turning, even the most beautiful and spotless apartment won’t feel “perfect” to them — simply because they’re tired.

And then… the scent. Oh yes, the scent.
A subtle, clean, comforting smell can instantly create calm, while a wrong or overwhelming one can ruin the mood within seconds. I treat scent the same way I treat design — minimal, elegant, and carefully chosen.

For me, the “secret ingredient” is creating a space where every sense — sight, touch, smell, even sound — helps the guest relax. When they sleep well, they wake up loving the apartment even more.

Thanks for sharing your experience — your place sounds truly magical! 💛

[Jamie600]

Hi @Oksana127 ,  Would you consider looking at my listing and let me know if I should change anything up? I really value your opinion. airbnb.com/h/sweetsedona 🙏

[Oksana127]

@Jamie600 I’ve reviewed your Sedona listing, and here’s my professional take as a host with experience optimizing high-end properties:

What’s working really well:

-The photos are stunning and really highlight the views and luxury feel. The wide windows, natural light, and hot tub shots are excellent.

-Your description is detailed and aspirational — it sells the experience, not just the space, which is perfect for Sedona.

-Amenities are thorough, and the Tesla/EV charger is a unique selling point.

-You’re clearly a Superhost-level property; reviews and Forbes features help build trust instantly.

Overall, this is a very strong, premium listing.🏆

[Jamie600]

@Oksana127 Thank you sooooo very much for the super kind words.  

I so appreciate you! 🥰🙏💛