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! 😊

[Jelena262]

Hi Paras! Here are a few quick tips you might consider:

Phone Number: Sharing personal details like your phone number could lead to a warning or removal of your listing. I’d suggest removing it from your listing picture to avoid any issues.
Photos: You mentioned a mountain view in your amenities, but there’s no photo of it. Try using more engaging, standout images, especially for your cover photo. Avoid collages and focus on showcasing your unique amenities. Add cozy touches like throw pillows, fresh flowers, or a stylish rug to make the space more inviting.
Listing Title: "Shankar-Bhawan Stay" doesn't quite tell guests what makes your place special. Consider using a simple title formula: [Adjective] + [Property Type] + [Feature/Location]. For example, “Cozy Room w/ 2 Beds & a Mountain View” or “Cozy Room w/ 2 Beds Near Triveni Ghat.”
Description: Make your description more engaging by highlighting the must-see attractions nearby. This will help potential guests get excited about the area.

By the way, would you be open to us featuring your listing in a fun "Roast My Listing" post on LinkedIn? We’d keep it anonymous, of course! Let me know what you think. 😊

[Paras45]

Hey @Jelena262 ! Appreciate the effort and the tips—really means a lot.

I’ll definitely recheck the listing make improvements where needed. However, I’d prefer not to be featured in the "Roast My Listing" post—I'm quite sensitive to that, given the effort I’ve put into setting everything up. Hope you understand!

Also, I’d appreciate it if you could take another look at my listing. Thanks again for the insights! 😊

[Kristina505]

My first impression is that it looks super clean and neat! I would recommend making the bed look more comfortable and inviting. My first thought is to go with a bedspread in a lighter color. This color palette is probably not going to entice women to stay. And add a mattress topper that would make the mattress look taller and more comfortable. You might also consider showing the entryway to the room. How do you get to it? As a women, I'd want to know that so that I can feel safe. I agree that perhaps a piece of artwork above the bed would help as well. But don't put too much on the wall or it will look too crowded. Clean and neat is the way to go. Or maybe even a mirror to help the room look larger. I liked your descriptions. 

[Paras45]

Thank you so much for your detailed feedback!

I really appreciate your insights.

I’ve already added a lamp for extra coziness (can you please see the updated pictures), and the bedsheets are super cozy too i don't know if it shows but it's quality—I’ve chosen muted dark tones as a contrast to maintain a sophisticated yet warm feel, and about mattress it's pretty good for the bed size i have an additional topper for my sofa-bed tough and for bed i have added recently a mattress protector/ topper but i use it only when i have children in my bokings. I also have a full-length mirror, which I’ve highlighted in the photos (let- me know please if i should add additional pictures).

For decor, I was considering custom canvas wall art, but I’m hesitant because I don’t want the space to feel cluttered. The room is actually almost double the size of an average room in this area, so I want to maintain that open and spacious vibe.

Regarding safety, I completely understand your point. The property is not secluded at all—it's in the city center, in the main market area. Plus, there’s CCTV security, and I personally live here, ensuring a safe and welcoming stay. I’m also working on refining the entrance area to make it even more inviting.

Would love to hear your thoughts on whether my listing and photos reflect all these key points well. Do you think my location advantage and security features are coming through clearly in the listing? (Also tagging @Alex here just for his POV 🙂 ) 

Appreciate your feedback, Thanks again!

[Paras45]

@Kristina505 PINK!

[Marisa182]

@Paras45Congrats and welcome! Your place looks really nice! It does come across as very neat, clean and inviting. You offer so much more than just a great place to sleep, I'm sure people will be drawn to all the various activities and the delicious food. I wish great success!