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

[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!

[Paras45]

Thank you so much, @Marisa182! That truly means a lot. I am constantly trying to improve.

[John5097]

Hi @Paras45 

It looks like you are getting things dialed in. As I mentioned previously I like your approach with the phrasing and layout, how everything is concise and bulleted so guest can more easily see what your listing has to offer. 

I'll make some suggestions. Some I think are pretty straightforward and some would be more of a try it approach to see what might help with your guest. 

First off I don't think your listing got tagged or anything by a human. If that was the case I would have quit receiving bookings a long time ago. 😂 I woulnd't be suprised at all if my account had been flagged more than once, but AI is my friend, and guest book my listing, so I always stay at the top of the listing page. 

Although I think it's good advice to not to share any contact information with guest on your listing or via messages. For example if a guest cancels I always try and leave the dates open, because it I block off the dates, maybe the bot will think guest booked directly? I don't yet know how well the bots can pick up on that but think something like that could potentially lead to fewer views. 

I think mostly though the listing priority and views is something directly related to the conversion rate: how many people are booking after viewing the listing. After all Airbnb or any booking platform wants bookings. 

It could be anything though. Is it a slow time of year? I'm not sure exactly what season it is over there or travel patterns. There could also be a slow down with people traveling.

Anyway I looked over your listing and have a few suggestions. I also made a lot of changes and improvements to fine tune things in my first year. 

-- On one of your listing you have a picture of the same bed like 5 times in a row. I like the most recent one that has good lighting and the table. Then what I do is take a picture while standing in two or three different corners of the room so that guest can see the lay out of the room. This is personal preference and each room is different. I think sometimes host have too many close up photos. I like some close ups  but mostly try and give more perspective and flow to the lay out.

-- I also try and say exactly what the listing is in the very first paragraph and the first 5 pictures, guest already have everything they need to know all on the very first page they click on.

-- You could try and tidy things up in the listing description. Like I said I really like your approach. But for example you say "Free Wifi, why share?"  Just put "Free Wifi" 
-- I also like how accurate everything is. I would try to make small adjustments to prioritize the most important info at the very top, or in the photos. 

Now these are more subjective and just something to consider as no listing is perfect and these may not matter very much, or could be something to keep in mind when marketing your listing because its all about guest finding the right place for them, as even if 1% book thats good. 

-- Ideally beds should have a nightstand on each side and lamps. That can be tricky if it's a smaller bedroom but even a small place to put a glass of water and a phone? 

-- To me your listings do seem too sparse and could use some art, even one picture on a wall. Some of the chairs look more like cushions, but I'm not as familiar with listings in India. I would just think if a family was looking for a listing for 6 people, and clicked on yours, would they think all 6 would be comfortable, have a comfortable place to sit and sleep, after all it says "Chill Here" lol So guest wanna chill ! 😂 On the other hand it may be pefect for guest with young children.

So I think at the very top of the listing could say exactly what it is ideal for. For the one bedroom "Ideal for couple or solo traveler, but can comfortably accomodate 4 guest with sleeper sofa."  That's what I've always done and sets the tone. You also already do this with the other listing by explaining one of the bedrooms is a bit smaller. So can just say it at the very beginning of The Space  "Ideal for 4 guest, but can comfortably accommodate 6 with sleeper sofa"  

-- This is even more subjective but could include pictures that show the doorways, the outside of their room. Could have a caption. "Door for private bedroom" and could even have a lock on the door. Guest are very leery and you have to show them it's both private and accurate. On my bathroom, for example, I was surprised when guest would ask if they were the only ones who had access to it. So I included "private bathroom" in the caption. 

Finally the most important is going to be the rates. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference. Look around at other listings that are booking and what they are offering. I find that just offering the moderate cancellation, where guest can cancel 5 days prior to check in, has worked well. So you could try offering that for the same rate as your non refundable rate. I realize host don't want to go down in rates but also need to find a sweet spot and have their listing show up on the first page, which is more important for listing like this, and mine as well. This also helps with rebooking if someone cancels. 

Although I really like your approach and in my experience minor changes or improvements can make a big difference. So most of my observations are just some things to consider. 

You may also consider highlighting prepared meals for them in the same concise fashion. "Our guest have loved our prepared meal options that are both affordable, convenient and tasty! Did I mention I love cooking? Or walk to many nearby restaurants." 

For my listing I'm surprised how many guest show up and feel so comfortable and have such a clear understanding of their space. Many comment on how accurate everything is and "exactly like the photos" Some message to request rearranging things to fit a crib and I'm surprised how well they can visualize the entire space and how everything is arranged. 

Anyway I hope that helps some. I think you need to just keep tweaking things and minor adjustments that will work in your area, it being in a city, etc. It may also just be a slow season? Good luck! This has got me thinking I need to visit India sooner! As it turns out this will be my last year hosting for now, and will finally have a chance to travel. Likewise if you are over this way feel free to reach out! 

Once again congratulations on the fantastic start and incredible reviews! 


 

[John5097]

* I also noticed some curtains? This would be huge plus. If a listing has privacy curtains or blinds throughout it will have higher listing priority, and may include it "Privacy curtains throughout" You could also include picture "Curtains throughout for total privacy" and black out or close are perfect for bedroom. In fact almost every guest closes the bedroom curtain and at night all of the curtains in my listing. I can tell because either they leave it like that or there is one pleat I have to push in that pokes out if it's been opened. 

This would be a good way where one photo and caption could lead to more bookings as it defines the entire place and sets expectations. 

[Emilie]

Nifty little tip there @John5097, thanks! Do you think one option is better than the other in this case. -blinds or curtains- or is it just about adding that extra bit of privacy and the rest is down to personal preference?

[John5097]

Hi @Emilie ! I think it is the extra privacy. I had all blinds for the first few years. The bedroom was the first room I installed curtains mainly to help block out light at night as there is an outdoor flood light for the drive (something several guest suggested as I don't really like outdoor lights) Curtains just do a better job at blocking out light.

Guest also kept breaking the vertical blinds for two large windows by getting them bunched up and then twisting the adjustment rod with too much force. 

So I installed curtains in the guest apartment and in my living area. I prefer them although like I said I had blinds before that, liked them, and guest didn't complain either and no one suggested curtains. A glass door also only has a blind and guest almost always leave that closed as well. 

BTW when searching for fabric patters to make the transoms I was amazed there were so many! I recall there was even one called French Countryside! 😀 It was a fun project! 

[Emilie]

Learning as you go, as always @John5097 - I love that!

When it comes to the breakage, do you reckon there is an element of what guests are used to? Out of the two, curtains are the simplest ones to operate, and as you pointed out, the most fun to plan for too. It's similar to paints in that way, so many fun names and options 😃

[John5097]

I've wondered that myself @Emilie ! 

The last two guest who broke the vertical blinds were both solo travelers and young guys. They were both excellent guest, perfect, super clean, considerate, communicated well. I don't get a lot of guys that are solo travelers. One was from California and one was from Slovakia. You would not have even known as the guest from Slovakia could have been from California. But I also wondered if the guest from Slovakia was more used to curtains and don't have a lot of blinds? I really don't know because it seems like everyone tends to use the same things. 

The guy from Cali didn't leave a review but the guest from Slovakia did a five star. I always thank my guest for staying right after check out but didn't leave a review for him  which to this day I regret. I wish I had still left him a 5 star review but was frustrated. 

It was also the best thing that happened because after that I was done with blinds and immediately starting researching curtains and had them installed soon after, so I think there was some deeper inspiration going on, as at least for me that seems to be the process?  

The blinds also got broken a lot by a lot of different guests! That's not something I'm going to try and make a damage claim as blinds get broken and don't want something like that to ruin someone's trip. Guest just aren't very careful with things like that, in part because its a new and different space and things they haven't used before, and in my experience blinds don't last that long and I'm pretty carful with things.  

I tried including instructions. I even used a label maker and put brief instructions right on the slats for the blinds. "Open slats when closing blinds" but that just made it worse! 

That was one of my greatest days as a host putting those blinds in the trash! The curtains took things to the next level. I've seen similar ones in high end listings in Spain and such, so think the last two guest who broke them were more of an inspiration and for whatever reason now that's where people are at. 

I suppose now I'll need to visit Slovakia to test my blind theory! Maybe that's then kind of problems everyone needs! 🤣

Although come to think of it curtains could be more flammable and maybe there are better quality blinds that what I used that don't get bunched up? I was looking at those kind as well with the wider stats. For me though it I'm better at building things and configuring all the little hardware. 

The names are super fun just like paint and really fun to do projects like that! 

[John5097]

@Emilie 

I actually had planned on the blinds breaking and was surprised how long the first set had lasted about three years and thought they would only last a year, so it wasn't a money issue. 

I also didn't expect my listing to be so popular. The issue was that I had to rush up to the store to get a replacement traverse rod and install it. Thankfully I happened to have enough time but usually wouldn't, and the next guest would have blinds that don't work, and I think its something that's very important to them and could request refund or mark down in the review.  I never would have thought it would be this way as the yard is so private. 

It was more of a day in the life and really never thought I'd mention all these little things. I also enjoy doing stuff like that anyway so was overall a positive and kind of interesting! 

[Paras45]

@Emilie @John5097 I actually have both curtains and blinds in both my listing - whilst curtains are more functional and a norm here - fewer guest requested for blinds most to block natural light for a better nap time & better sense of privacy! 

[Paras45]

Hi @John5097 ,

First off, truly appreciate you taking the time to deep dive into my listing—it means a lot, especially since this is my very first listing and I’m learning the ropes as I go. Your feedback feels more like a mini masterclass, and I’m taking notes and made some changes accodingly! 🙏

I totally relate to what you said about guest contact info—my reason for sharing mine post-booking stems from constant queries even after all the info is auto-shared (address, wifi, etc.). Honestly, I’ve had 9/10 guests asking me things that are literally in the listing or in Airbnb’s auto messages, so I just try to keep it smooth without trying overloading the description- but i will take your point and even when dates are blocked i will try to note it's not after an booking cancellation people as sneaky people had the worst demands.

Curtains? Yes—privacy curtains are in place throughout, with additional blackout blinds for those who want that deep sleep. I’ve updated the listing to reflect this more clearly (and photos are there too). also added a direct caption like you suggested: "Privacy curtains and blackout blinds for total comfort.

Re: sparse look—I agree, I’m minimal by nature but realizing “clean” can sometimes look “bare.” I’ve started trimming down repetitive shots (guilty of 5 bed pics in a row lol-trying to delete the most useless one), and I’m now aiming for perspective-based clicks from different corners, just as you advised.  Also- Working on sprinkling some tasteful wall art we don't have walmart, target,IKEA here so things are little scare here options are here but a lot of effort and DIY incase i wanted something pinterest-y - i have divided the space will try to improve on the layout better as no one reads the description. 

Also, major thanks for reaffirming that slow bookings could just be the off-season blues- haha thanks for the no flag. Monsoon has paused rafting in Rishikesh, so traffic has naturally dipped—but your advice on improving conversions with small tweaks (like clear captions, prioritizing key info) is gold. I’ve started A/B testing some of those- i reach out then i can't see the obvious.

And about meals— I’ve had many request although the place has ample options nearby walking distance, for home-style meals so i have not mentioned it like some USP, but yes the location is great i am thinking to tweak the title for the listing.

I guess i am more okay with family stays, but open to anyone as i really don't want tp discriminate as long as your respectful of the space your most welcome and both my listing has moderate cancellation only with a 10% non refundable discount. (recently added the 10% part)

Again, can’t thank you enough for being this generous with your experience and time. If you do make it to India—I mean it—drop me a message!
Would love to host someone who’s helped me so much here by showing support - and clearly built such a thoughtful hosting experience of their own.

As you mentioned final year of hosting then travelling- if you wish to please keep sharing about your travels/break, 

Wishing you an epic final year of hosting and safe travels ahead. You’ve definitely inspired me to keep refining this with both soul and strategy and i am still in awe of that perfect score please have that framed 😄

[Paras45]

Thank you once again sir, i re-read your comment multiple times, and i have noticed that the food & parking clarifications were a miss here - 

airbnb.co.in/h/shankar-bhawan so i updated the description i don't know how even after proof-reading 1000 times but i have added now, thanks again have been making tweaks as per your suggestions, and also been working around the art work. @John5097 

[John5097]

@Paras45 

Glad some of those first suggestions may be helpful. They were more of a first impressions, so you would need to figure out whatever tweaks and adjustments to make, although I think they would be very minor and things you have already mentioned. 

It may just be me but think some minor organizing of the photos would really help a lot. You have some really good ones. Ideally you could include more of the furniture in a few of the shots so that guest can get a visual indicator when from different angles.

The first page that has a cover photo and five photos looks great as it shows some of the best photos and guest get a good idea of the entire space. 

I'll post some of the best photos in a row so you get the idea and make a few suggestions as it's easier to show. 

I see that you are updating photos after adding something which is why there are duplicate photos, for example with the bed you added a light.

I prefer brighter pictures. Guest will likely be looking at their phone and bright looks clean and I think closer to real life as our eyes are so much more sensitive. 

Anyway your photos are very good and your listings look amazing. Some of your very best photos are too far down and guest simply don't look and scroll as much as we think so its a would suggest trying to clean up and retake some to try and include more of furniture.

Add a pic of the sofa before and after it's folded down into a bed. Those can be back to back. With the pic of the bed I like the position of the darker one that includes the coffee table and sofa, but that could be brighter. Also there appears to be nice looking chair on the left that could be included in a few more shots. I didn't even notice it first time I looked.

So try and include as much as possible and mix in a few close ups, and can add more close ups towards the end.

I really love the paint and how you highlighted different walls. Love the plants also. Maybe one more wall art, as you already had mentioned. On the larger listing I thought something between the plant and the curtain. Mine is also minimalist.

I just think I got a little lost the first time I looked at the photos so could try and organize those a bit better to show the really beautiful space. But maybe that's just how I do mine and have a preference.

 But the ones I selected of your listing look so amazing, the sooner guest see those the better. It's a balance because people don't click on anything as much as we might think. I was really surprised when I was an admin for a facebook group that maybe one person would click on anything out of 1000 people. Everyone is inundated with so much information and so busy, so would take the same approach with the photos as you take with your listing description.

I'm still so impressed your guest absolutely love your place and you! The reviews are what's the most important. The photos are also extremely important. 

Well hope a different perspective helps some and thanks so much for the kind words! 

I may create a different listing later on. The one I'm doing now for past 6 years I reached all my goals so just ready to do something else to better promote the kind of things that I like. 

If I get over that way will definitely reach out! Have a great day! 

 

[John5097]

@Paras45 

A few little things. 

The blinds and curtains look great! I think we both have the exact same fabric for the dark green! 

Recently I was looking for a Airbnb to stay in close by in the mountains and found one I liked. The host was a young woman who seemed really cool. I noticed the only negative review was from another young woman who complained that there were no blinds or anyway to cover the windows, and she felt unsafe like living in a fish bowl. So this seems to be something guest want regardless of host. 

I don't have any cameras and think they are fine, but wondering if it would be a good idea if to mention their location when you mention them in the listing? Maybe just add (located outside the entranceways for guest security) I just say that because it seems like guest tend to use their imagination and its best to be very specific. (I read in China people just didn't trust host and preferred to stay at hotels)  I don't know maybe could start another topic?

A lot of things I didn't mention such as how clean everything looks, which is the most important, and the bathrooms look brand new!

Well I hope I didn't 'get in trouble again this time with anyone! I enjoyed my guest from the furthest places and think I had to keep making improvements. I think as host we tend to get very rigid after we start having guest. We put so much into getting it set up, $100 seems like nothing, but after hosting a year and something gets broken thats $10 it's suddenly a big deal. lol

[Paras45]

@John5097 True that, i have added the CCTV surveillance note while entering the premises (big bold letters) and then near the main entrance and in my messages and in the AIRBNB listing added full details as required and also in description, I feel CCTV's are mandatory for hosts - so you can show the proof for any additional guest or it really is  great for mental peace when you can be assured safety & security for everyone!! 

yes these things are prevalent a lot in china-korea-japan even hotels you cannot trust, i have read many stories they are far fetched but it is a common problem for them and it is socially accepted - just creepy.

Plus it's a common norm you need to disclose, about CCTV surveillance where their are cameras, for us since we have a temple in our home it is a requirement as we allow public for worship.