Critique My Listing – Paras | Rishikesh, India

[Paras45]

Hey everyone! 👋

(Note suggestions are welcomed from everyone) 

I recently listed my homestay, Shankar Bhawan Rooms, in Rishikesh, and I'd love some feedback from experienced hosts. My goal is to maximize bookings, enhance the guest experience, and make my listing stand out.

About My Stay:

🏡 Located in the heart of Rishikesh, near Triveni Ghat (where the main Ganga Aarti happens).
🚶‍♂️ Just 2 minutes from the main road—not inside narrow lanes.
🛏️ Clean, cozy, and well-maintained rooms with comfortable bedding.
🌿 Peaceful yet central, making it perfect for both travelers and spiritual seekers.
🍽️ We offer fresh, best quality food (pre-ordered) through a trusted vendor.
🛵 Scooty rentals, rafting, and yoga sessions available.

What I’d Love Feedback On:

✔️ Listing Photos – Do they look inviting? Any suggestions for improvement?
✔️ Pricing & Value – Does my pricing seem competitive? Should I offer any additional perks?
✔️ Description & Amenities – Is my listing clear, engaging, and informative enough?
✔️ First Impressions – What’s your overall take on my listing? 

& Most importantly - Would you stay ?? 

I’d really appreciate any suggestions to boost bookings and guest experience. Thanks in advance for your time and insights! 😊

Here’s my listing link: airbnb.co.in/h/shankar-bhawan 

(Please copy & paste the URL if it doesn't redirects)

Our stay also features a in-house temple, creating a peaceful and positive atmosphere. While we don’t actively promote it, guests are welcome to experience the serene space at their own comfort.

Best,
Paras

[Rebecca]

I love the point about reaching out to the visitors - why they should visit Shanker Bhawan @Karen114 - a really well written description may make all the difference! 

Do you know who your ideal guest or what type of visitors you'd like to attract @Paras45? 

[Paras45]

@Karen114

Thank you for your kind words! Honestly, it's really not in my hands what kind of guests visit Shankar Bhawan. I've had a mix — from those who said their stay here was their best visit in Rishikesh to a few challenging experiences. Despite that, I'm truly grateful for the journey so far.

At Shankar Bhawan, we welcome spiritual seekers, budget travelers, solo explorers, and families alike. Whether you're here for the Ganga Aarti, exploring Triveni Ghat, or just seeking a peaceful retreat close to Rishikesh’s iconic spots, we try to offer a space that feels warm and inviting.

I'm still learning and improving, but my focus remains on providing a clean, cozy, and accessible stay — right in the heart of Rishikesh, near key landmarks like Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and the main market.

Thanks again for your thoughtful insight — it's truly appreciated! 😊🏡✨

[Paras45]

Hey @Karen114,

Really appreciate your detailed feedback! 🙌 I took your advice and refined the description—highlighted the easy accessibility (just 2 minutes from the main road, no narrow lanes), included info on our scooter rentals, and emphasized how guests can explore Rishikesh effortlessly with short walks to key attractions like the Ganga Aarti, Shiv Temple, and local markets.

I also tried to optimize the headline with our top features to make it more compelling. Plus, I tailored the description to speak directly to travelers, Groups, backpackers, couples, and spiritual seekers basically everyone who’d love the peaceful yet central vibe of Shankar Bhawan.

Would love for you to take another look and let me know if you think it captures the essence of the space better now! Thanks again for your insights—means a lot! 😊

[Karen114]

@Paras45  Looks Great!  Much better description.  Over time as you host more stays you will know who your avatar guest is and will be able to appeal to them in your listing description.  We can't be all things to all people.

Here's an example of a headline. Mountain View Walk to Triveni Ghat Fast Wifi 

No need to put property name or location.  Guest already knows location as they likely filtered for it.  I suggest more pics of surrounding attractions and you do say mountain view so I would get a pic of that.  

Great Job!  

[Paras45]

Thank you, Karen!

Appreciate your insights and suggestions. That’s a great tip about refining the guest avatar over time—definitely something to keep in mind. Will work on adding more pictures of the surroundings, especially the mountain view and for key attractions nearby - just a quick question here should i update them on the guide itself so as not to clutter the listing-pics ?

Rishikesh has some breathtaking views—recently added a sunset shot clicked by a guest. Looking forward to refining the listing as I go! 😊

[Sussy0]

Hi @Rebecca and @Paras45  

It is my understanding that we are not supposed to have our contact information on the listing and I see you have your phone number on the pictures. The reason behind it is cuz the guests will contact you directly and Airbnb will be missing out on its commission. Usually their AI would block your picture with such information on it. I'm surprise your ad is still active with your phone number on those pictures. 

[Julie5882]

Hi @Paras45 ,

Such a lovely and inviting listing! Thanks for reaching out.

In addition to the wonderful suggestions that others have mentioned, I recommend taking photos of the outside of the building and maybe the door/s to access this particular unit. I know that when I travel I feel more comfortable when I know what I’m looking for.

Best of luck!

Julie

[Liza4165]

Hello @Paras45 ,

Congrats on your listing , my suggestion is better photos , you can hire a photographer or take better photos from a wider angle.Mention high speed internet, it’s important for most of us !

Your listing is beautiful, in time you will get more experience! Wishing you a good luck !

Liza

[Paras45 · Accepted solution]

Hey everyone! ❤️


I'm honestly overwhelmed by the amazing response! Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions — I've already applied many of them, and I'm truly grateful for the support. 🙏

A special shoutout to @Rebecca for kickstarting this conversation — couldn't have done it without you! 🌟

Feeling blessed and excited for what's ahead. Thank you once again! 😊