New listing on third floor of historic building with no lift

[Neville44]

Hello 

Im Neville originally from Northern Ireland - I just  finished a new apartment in Bethlehem Pennsylvania in a 200+ year old building that thew Marquis Lafayette convalesced in after the battle of Brandywine . How do I address the 45  steps in listing.  Interested in feedback on how to improve the listing.

🏡 View on AirbnbRental unit in Bethlehem · ★New · 2 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2 bathrooms

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Neville44  

Mention the steps in the “Things to know” section and the property description. For example: “please note: There are 45 steps to access the property. No elevator is available.

Upload clear photos of the staircase to help guests visualize the access.

Emphasize any advantages, like better views or increased privacy, to balance the potential downside. 

Hope this helps!

Best Regards

[Shelley159]

Hi @Neville44 

Hopefully the type of guest you attract will appreciate the historic nature of the building and either understand or welcome the steps! They should be absolutely happy with the place, but I agree with you that you can't take any chances with the one thing that could be an issue - you have to make sure they know that they will be carrying their luggage up 45 steps. I agree with @Patricia2526 , mention it in the description text and in "other things to note" in the description section, and show it in the photos. You could also consider adding it under "Additional Rules" in House Rules. As @Patricia2526 says, it would be good to take some time to phrase and photograph it from a positive perspective, so that guests are aware, but it adds to the appeal of the place.

What I would definitely do, is briefly mention it in the first message after booking. That way guests can still cancel for free if it's an issue (as we know, the information may sometimes still be missed at this point). It will also help your case if anyone complains afterwards that they weren't informed about the steps.

This is the type of thing that guests who aim to write a thorough review, will often include in their comments. So it's likely you'll get 5-star reviews with a mention of the steps in the text to inform future guests. That's a very good thing - all of it helps to make sure you're matched with guests who either don't mind or are specifically attracted to the steps.

[Rebecca]

What an interesting listing @Neville44 - thank you so much for sharing and also asking for feedback. 

I hope you don't mind, I added a photo and a link to your listing to your post. I'm hoping that with easier access, more experienced hosts will pop by and support you with constructive and helpful feedback.  😍

@Jess2718, @Jon5060 and @Linda-and-Peter0 - what do you think? Thank you so much in advance for your support 😊

[Jon5060]

Optimizing Your Listing – A Few Tips

Hey Neville,

You have a charming space with a lot of character! The kitchen and bathroom look fantastic. I agree with Patricia on the stairs and wanted to add a few suggestions to help your listing stand out.

Photos & Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Photos are one of the most important factors in attracting bookings. A few ways to optimize them:

• Rearrange your first five photos to highlight your best features upfront.
• Use a strong cover photo—photo #5 would be better than a static logo.
• Expand your photo selection—your listing mentions four beds, but only two appear in pictures. Guests like to see the full sleeping setup.
• Develop your photo tour to ensure key spaces and amenities are clearly showcased.
• Improve angles for a more open feel—lower perspectives and aligned vertical lines help.

Amenities & Search Ranking

Amenities directly impact search rankings. Right now, your listing shows no kitchen, TV, or smoke alarm, which could lower visibility. Even if they are basic, listing them can help, as Airbnb tends to favor listings with more amenities.

Optimizing Your Description

Your description plays a key role in search rankings and guest interest. Consider adding:

• More details about the space and layout.
• Highlights of the neighborhood and what makes it special.
• Nearby attractions and conveniences to help guests see the value of your location.
  
  These act as keywords to improve search visibility.
  
  

You have a great space, and with a few adjustments, it can stand out even more. Hope this helps!

[Marie10008]

Hello:) The first image should have daylight as it is key. I saw it and it felt dark. I thought this was a basement apartment.

There are way too many decorations in the bedroom and other rooms (on various walls and on the bed, etc.) Many of these decorations are generic-feeling and distract. Keep it plain, lots of light, no need for that painting in the kitchen, no star on the wall, no pillows with "balls" etc. Bed looks messy. Stay with high quality warm white linens.

What makes this place beautiful is the open space, daylight. The tenant needs to have space for their personality .

This is why most expensive hotels are minimalistic and have high quality bedding/curtains but no "stuff" and no personal chuchkies or cheesey objects. 

I need to do the same thing at my place! This is the critique I that home interior designers offer.

All the best:)

[Michael8872]

Hello Sir - I see you have great feedback already from many hosts.....at the risk of repeating I would:

- Get a professional photographer - it can make all the difference (all the local real estate agents will know who is who and will give you names - $200 spent upfront will yield fruit for years.

- I would show the outside of the building  and the main street - folks need to envision what they will see when they "pull up" after a long drive....

- Your photos all have different types of light - some bright and white, some yellow - yellowish light can make everything in a photo looked dated and dingy - a pro will fix that too.

- Show all bedrooms and bathrooms 

- Say goodbye to the bedspreads and many of those pillows - make everything white and bright...

- Do something  special for your cover photo - I would do something to stand out with those big arched windows.

- If there are nice restaurants or parks or coffee shops very close you can use photos of them as well. (They become part of the "package...")

- If there is a good view from the inside , show it ........(then you are saying "its worth the work to get up here.."..:) 

- You could also off-set the 45 stairs with a bit of humor and some extra type of hospitality ...(example " "Some of our guests say the stairs up give them a little thirst , so I always leave a small selection of energy beverages in the fridge to reward your climb..."