Critique my listing - Chaitanya in Otterbacken, Sweden

[Ramesh-Chaitanya0]

Hello Airbnb Community!

I’m a new host based in Sweden and excited to begin this journey!

It’s been two months since I listed my property, and while I’ve had two bookings for July, I’ve noticed that other nearby properties seem to be getting booked more frequently.

Here’s the link to my listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/51094109

I very much appreciate your feedback on my listing:

• How does it look from a guest’s perspective?

• Are there any red flags or areas I could improve?

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

• And any tips or tricks you’ve used to attract more bookings, especially in a calm, nature-surrounded location like mine?

Thank you so much in advance!

[Emilie]

Hi @Ramesh-Chaitanya0, 

Congratulations on starting your hosting journey in beautiful Sweden! How did your first two bookings go?  

Perhaps some of our other hosts will be able to share some insights on your listing: @Peter4379 @Jim-and-Caroline0 @Karen4131 @Kate2192 @Sandra856 @Jonathan2534 what do you think?

Thank you everyone 🙂

Emilie

[Ramesh-Chaitanya0]

Thanks, @Emilie! My first two bookings are scheduled for July.

I am looking forward to welcoming my first guests soon! 😊

[Emilie]

Oh I misread your post, apologies @Ramesh-Chaitanya0! I thought you'd welcomed guests last July 😅

Something to look forward to for sure!  

[Marie8425]

@Ramesh-Chaitanya0 

For me as a Guest I don't expect No Essentials and sweep/vacuum.  There was nothing that to me was a selling point that overrides in your area most rentals don't charge me for sheets.  No laundry also means if I bring linens I have to pack dirty linens to take home.

[Sandra4874]

Hi, I think you’ve done an outstanding job setting up your Airbnb. It looks cozy and welcoming and the location is to die for! The only advice I can offer would be to make sure it’s competitively priced for your location and comparable accommodations and is the cleaning fee in line with others in your area. Other than that, it takes time to move up in the listing order and getting reviews will help with that. It all based on algorithms. I don’t know about your area but when I look in my own area there are over 500 listings at any one time so depends on how far your listing is when people search. They might something suitable within the first ten!

I wish you huge success, you deserve it and I’d stay there in a heartbeat.

sandra 

[Wisinee0]

ฉันคิดว่าคุณอาจจะลองถ่ายภาพโดยใช้เลนส์ที่มีมุมกว้างกว่านี้หรือใช้ไอโฟนในโหมด 0.5 รูปน่าจะออกมาดูครอบคลุมพื้นที่ และน่าจะเพิ่มไฟสีวอร์มในหลายๆพื้นที่ก่อนถ่ายรูป รูปหน้าปก ฉันดูแล้วไม่เข้าใจ ว่าจะสื่อถึงอะไร ขอให้มีลูกค้าในเร็ววัน

___

I think you might try taking a photo using a lens with a wider angle than this or use an iPhone in 0.5 mode. The photo should come out looking like it covers the area and should add warm colored lights in many areas before taking the cover photo.

[Google translation added, by OCM]

[Wisinee0]

I think you should try shooting with a wider angle or maybe use your iPhone with a 0.5 lens mode and maybe add some warm lights in the areas before taking the picture. As for the cover, I think you should use another picture. I don't really understand what this cover picture is trying to convey.

[Shahab12]

Hi Ramesh,

Welcome to the Airbnb hosting community! I took a look at your listing, and it looks great overall—no major red flags. That said, here are two small tweaks that might help boost bookings:

1. Bedsheets: Consider adding them if you haven’t already. Small comforts can significantly improve guest satisfaction (and reviews!).

2. Pricing Strategy: If you’re still not seeing bookings, a limited-time discount could make your listing more competitive as a "value" stay. This often helps new hosts attract their first guests and build momentum.

These are just suggestions, of course—feel free to adapt based on what works for your space. Happy to brainstorm further if you’d like!

Cheers,

Shahab

[Sara8108]

Hi!! Here are my tips:
1. Make sure you have a good title to include relevant keywords. Listed examples below
- Lake Vänern Getaway: Charming 3BR Cabin with Sunny Patio (Just 200m to the Water!), (Highlights the experience, proximity, and a key feature)
- Your Lakeside Escape: Cozy 3-Bedroom Cabin Steps from Beautiful Lake Vänern - Private Patio!, (Emphasizes the escape feeling and ease of access)

2. Use a more inviting cover photo as you currently have an additional photo there

3. Small amenities make a big difference. Create a snack bowl/tray to leave on the counter or a bottle of wine and feature in photos.

4. Remove the crib/pack 'n play from room to create more space and update photos without - list in your description that it can be provided upon request of booking

5. Add more photos, there is never too many photos! Even adding photos of nearby things to do/see

6. I think your prices are priced good, but when trying to attract guest and get reviews sometimes being the lowest priced in the area can  attract more guest.

7. Look at similar properties in your area and see what they are charging for comparable dates

8. Use smart pricing!

9. Encourage reviews

10. Bed linen and towels not provided can deter guest. Do you have to pay extra for that? Not "normal" when booking a place to stay 

[Tony2126]

Similar to listing a home for sale, professional photography is critical. Your home is beautiful and the surroundings are primed for some wonderful shots. Not only are angles and proportions important, but lighting, contrast, and saturation. Professional photography will help highlight features (the view) and boost the ordinary (bathroom).

If you're competing with multiple units, photography is a game changer.

[Róisín0]

Congratulations on setting up your listing Ramesh. Your location looks really great and I imagine you will attract guests quite easily once you fine tune the details. It’s hard to get everything right when you start out for the first time.

If I look at your listing from a guest perspective, a negative point is the bed linen and towels situation. These items should be considered as a very basic necessity to every guests needs without an additional fee attached. You can approach the laundry cost in two ways: add it into the nightly rate or include it in your cleaning fee.

Best of luck going forward! 

[Stan2415]

replied in wrong place

[Zack120]

I, personally, try to undersell and over-deliver with my Airbnb. I aim to keep my star rating as high as possible.

Starting out, I would advise to keep rates low to attract guests, and pay attention to the feedback you get from them. You can always raise rates later. Try to maintain a high star rating to attract future guests. It takes some time to get an Airbnb going, but if you focus on high customer satisfaction, the rest should fall in place. Keep in mind, there are those guests who, for whatever reason, will not be satisfied. They can be frustrating, but it is part of the business.

[Steve2584]

Hi. I would def provide linens, especially since longer stays can use the laundry features. The roof over the deck area needs sprayed with bleach and rinsed off.  Paint the entry door a different color than the house. Interior looks good. Consider not charging any cleaning fee. Sending you good vibes for long and successful hosting!