Critique my listing - Carlos in Barranquilla, COL

[Carlos6293]

I’m a Super Host based in Barranquilla, Colombia, and I’m excited to give nothing but the best by hosting on Airbnb

It’s been a few months since I listed my apartment, and while I’ve had some initial interest, I’ve noticed that properties nearby seem to be getting booked more frequently. I’m looking for feedback to help improve my listing and attract more guests.

I want guests to feel relaxed and attract some remote workers that can feel amazing at the place, enjoying the sunsets and the amenities of a modern appartment.

Here’s the link to my listing:

https://airbnb.com/rooms/1360833171177105695

I would really appreciate your thoughts on the following:

• How does my listing look from a guest’s perspective?

• Are there any areas that could use improvement or any red flags?

• Suggestions on pricing, photos, description, or amenities?

• Tips for attracting more bookings in a residential area, especially for guests seeking privacy, comfort, and relaxation?

I’m eager to make sure my listing stands out and offers a great experience for guests. Thank you so much in advance for your feedback and support!

[Marie8425]

@Carlos6293 

If the market has contract workers, your place does have a lot of pluses.

Write your ad to your desired market.  A variety of companies do contract workers and if near a hospital there also can be a market for patient relatives.

I would suggest max 2 you probably don't have a market of 3 people in a studio for extended stay and if 3 do book they will blame you that 3 people sharing a room 6 weeks is not fun.

Check your Amenities, I think No Hot Water and No Toilet Paper is a mistake.

Pricing for this market because a longer rental, you have to price differently then other shorter rentals.  I look at other listings but in a variety of ways get an idea of usual contract length and usual per diem the company pays the workers.  Different research.

Also it helps to encourage longer commitments if long term stay discounts and you have to think if cancellation policy can be more flexible.  I haven't had any real issues with cancels, but maybe 1 day sooer they leave and for me I don't mind.  

[Carlos6293]

Thanks a lot Marie! I've been taking into account all your recommendations.

Seems like hot water is a must! Barranquilla a is a hot city so hot water for me it's not that appealing but I will invest on it.

I really appreciate you took the time to see my listing.

Best regards!

[Marie8425]

@Carlos6293 

Sorry I just noticed your response.  If hot water is not an usual item, The newer sometimes investment sometimes just explaining to guests that not necessary and your price reflects you didn't invest unnecessary.  Just because we don't understand doesn't make us right.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Carlos6293 

Nice place😊 A few recommendations for you:

==>The apartment is advertised for 3 people but guests only see the one double bed.  Where does the third person sleep?

==>The listing indicates that there is no hot water or basic amenities provided - pretty sure you do have these!  Go back onto amenities to discover a new long list of options to tick.  

==>In the Where you'll sleep section - I would change the photo that AI have chosen as it just shows the end of the double bed rather than the bed with headboard.  

==>Top 5 photos - two are of the bed - take out one of them and put in your great bathroom.

==>You have a great terrace and a picture taken at sunset but it's really dark and difficult to see that you have seating there.  Take another one during the day time.  Set up some glasses etc so that guests can picture themselves relaxing at the end of a long day😊

==>In the Additional Photos there is a photo of the sofa/lounge area - transfer that into that room.

==>Some information missing I think in your description - it says it"s in a quiet spot but does that mean it's remote?  Are there any restaurants that guests can walk to or do they have to use their car?  Supermarket?  Any interesting things to do/visit locally?

OK, that's it Carlos, you've got off to a great start already!

All the best
Joëlle

[Carlos6293]

Thanks @Joelle43 ! Those were really great advices.

The 3 people on the place was a big mistake, thanks for seeing that. Also, I've applied everything regarding to the pictures and it seems like its having a great effect on the views and the requests.

I'm about to paint the walls and put up a mirror then I'll contact a professional photographer to update the listing pictures, I'll let you know when everything gets done.

Regards,

Carlos.

[Alex]

Hi @Carlos6293 👋, 

Thank you so much for asking for advice! How long have you been hosting?

Thank you @Marie8425  and @Joelle43 , for giving such amazing tips and advice to Carlos, @Carlos6293 did you have the time to check them? 

I'm also tagging a few other hosts to see what they think about your listing: @Linda-and-Peter0, @Shikha25, @Zachary289, @Wade32, @Peace-Stays0, @Katarzyna87 and @Maria22471. 

Thank you everyone in advance!🤗

Best, 

Alex

[Zachary289]

Hello @Carlos6293 & @Alex 

Looks like a very nice place.  Other than the point on the amenities, I think I might say this too often at this point, but professional photos can take you a long way.  Not that the photos are bad, but they do make the place look really small.  That's a strange point of view from the floor on the patio.

Does it really not have hot water?  I didn't see complaints in the reviews, other than the one for hygiene supplies.

Seems like a great place, maybe work on listing more amenities and give the "About this space" some more information.

[Carlos6293]

Hot water coming up! Hehe. I appreciate the comment @Zachary289 

Next step for me is to paint the listing walls on a cloud grey (white walls get dirty very soon) and place a mirror, then I'll setup the scene and contact a Pro-Photographer to make the listing outstand.

It's both exciting but daring to invest but at the end of the day, when I get reservations and guests are grateful for it, it's all worth it.