Thoughts please

[Nadine1040]

Hi there, I would love an honest review of my listing we gave had one booking and three requests but no other bookings so would love to hear what your thoughts are? 

Listing link: Home in Oro-Medonte · 5 bedrooms · 6 beds · 5 baths

[Listing link added by OCM]

[Emiel1]

@Nadine1040 

The listing is only for long term stays, probably because of local laws.

You charge extra for each guest after the first one.

IMO no guest will book this large house for only 1 person to stay.

So i suggest to set a base price covering more guests (maybe 4 ?) and charge extra for the additional guests.

And what about this ? :

 

[Petra941]

@Petra941 I see a 30 night minimum.  I don't think people normally have executive retreats for 30 days. Maybe 3-5 at the most. It's also very long for a family or friend gathering.  Most people get 1-2 weeks off at a time. I would recommend no more than a minimum 3 or 5 night stay.

It's also surprising not to see any pricing so there's no immediate way to evaluate whether or not it's a good fit. It might  be good to have in the description something to let people know that "pricing is based on seasonal rates so please enter your dates for accurate information" or something that like that. 

I really don't know if people looking on Airbnb want something this high-end or long term. they are often looking for something less expensive than a local hotel.

Good Luck.

[Steve4902]

@Nadine1040 Stop the potential guest scroll with a better listing title. Don't waste those 50 characters with the house name (Velora Vantage), hospitality terms (luxury), or details about the house (5 BR and ensures). All that info can either be in your 500-word description or much longer About this Space. 

In the title and description, sell the location... near the resort, family getaway, ski vacation, golf trip, and/or spa retreat.

In your first five photos, consider seasonal photo options, like snow-covered during ski season, fall foliage during fall, and golf course during summer. Don't create artificial photos because accuracy is important for Airbnb guests. This may attract guests who are looking for these specific types of activities.

[Wes670]

At first glance, the images are so clean they look AI generated. I would suggest, as others have, to add some seasonal/candid pictures. In searching Oro-Medonte it appears that there is a saturated short term rental market in the area. The area also has 260+ active short term rentals in the area that are 5 bed/5 bath. You will want to make sure your pricing matches the market, if you have not already done so. 

The other similarly priced units only have a few ratings. Market research might help. Also offering steep discounts to get some early ratings will help. 

1 - Realistic pictures

2 - Market research

3 - Discounts to start getting ratings

[Jennie293]

I'm noticing a 30 night minimum, and no price indication until the number of people and nights is indicated. There are not many people who need a 5 bedroom house for 30 days, so it is probably a matter of market. The house looks lovely and clean, but somewhat sterile. 

If you want more stays it would probably help to be up front about price and shorten the minimum. Perhaps adjust expectations otherwise and accept that bookings will be sparse but lucrative. 

[Doug1391]

@Nadine1040 I agree with most of the other answers. You desperately need to get 5 star reviews because that's the first thing many are looking for.  Lower rates and shorter stays to get started.  Yes, it's a pain but necessary.  

I would also rework the entire description being careful with caps and emphasis on what they can do and see. 

The upcoming fall colours would be a big attraction for Thanksgiving weekend. Also,  it's not too late to get a booking for Labour Day weekend if you offer 3 nights. 

[Nadine1041]

Hi Doug, thanks so much! I appreciate that. Right now in that community community there isn't any short-term stays allowed so and they just had a big meeting and let them know that they'll be watching on all the sites. So just try not to get nabbed.  But thank you so much for your insight. So I'm going to try to make those adjustments ASAP