Hello fellow hosts!
I’m currently working on bringing our...
Latest reply
Hello fellow hosts!
I’m currently working on bringing our family-run hotel to Airbnb and I’m really enjoying learning the ...
Latest reply
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Hi, we are fairly new to this and just want opinions on fire wood. We have a fireplace outside and fireplace inside. We currently set up both and supply the firewood for the stay at no charge. My question is are we doing the right thing or should we be charging for the wood. We are depleting our supply at a fast pace, which is a concern for the future. The indoor fireplace only gets used a few months per year but outdoor is all year round. We are in QLD Australia, so outdoor fireplace are a must.
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Hey Amanda
Great question it’s awesome that you’re offering both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, especially in QLD where the outdoor one is definitely a standout feature year-round.
If the fireplaces are a key amenity that guests consistently mention or enjoy, I’d recommend keeping them included (at least for now), especially the outdoor one. It helps create a cozy, memorable atmosphere and can really set your property apart.
That said, it totally makes sense to be thinking about cost and sustainability, especially if your firewood supply is draining quickly. You could consider
-Testing it for a full year to better understand guest usage patterns and how fast you’re going through your supply.
-Sourcing cheaper or bulk firewood locally (some hosts partner with local suppliers or even add a small wood shed guests can use from).
-Adding a fair-use note in your listing or limiting free firewood to a set amount per night/stay, and offering more for a small fee if guests want extra.
Also keep in mind there’s always a liability angle with fireplaces, especially indoor ones. Make sure you have clear safety instructions, good ventilation, and that your insurance covers fire-related damages. In short: if it’s one of your “wow” features, try to keep it included but look at optimizing cost and use. Then reevaluate in a year with some solid data.
Hope that helps! 🙂
Kevin
I’m in sunny Florida not a common feature to have here mostly pools spas and hot tub.
my only advice is figure our your cost per guest usage and factor that in your listing price. There’s nothing that people hate more than a cheap airline ticket and then find out that they have to pay a bag fee, a meal fee, an oxygen fee, a pilot fee.
set your price up front. If your listing is great you’re going to get bookings
We are in exactly the same position as you. QLD - inside and outside fire etc. We also set up both and do not charge guests for any wood (even though we have to buy it in). We were thinking of possible putting the price up about $20 or $30 per night over winter to cover the cost. Then perhaps telling them in the other months that kindling is supplied for firepit but they need to bring their own other wood? But who wants to lug around a giant bag of wood to their stay? Or go down the road and pick some up? Some of our friends who airbnb chop and cut their own wood and have an honesty box onsite for you to purchase wood. We are still undecided on whether to charge, but it is a lot of extra work.
Hi @Katie1802 , thanks for sharing! Many hosts have shared great advice on the topic. Have you had a chance to read them? It might help with your situation as well. Let me know if there's any advice in particular that best resonates with your listing and guests.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Regards,
I would suggest leaving a small amount for the first night, and supply information where they can get more firewood
I would suggest few wood you can keep as in gesture of freebies
But if they need after few days you should charge,
Hi @Amanda2776 , how much does firewood cost in your region? Do you usually buy it once a month, or do you purchase more when your storage runs low?
There are some really helpful replies from hosts below. Do you agree with their advise? I'd love to hear how you're thinking to deal with these firewood charges.
Regards,