Things we've learned from being guests

[Debra300]

We usually stay in short-term rentals when we travel and we often learn something that we find is helpful with hosting our spaces.  The following are some of the key things that come to mind.  Even if you have these items in the Arrival guide section of your listing, we still recommend doing them because guests may not be able to access the information on their mobile device (no data, no coverage, no power or no device):

1. Send guests directions that include the Google PIN and bus or train numbers to the rental, pictures that identify your space and the entrance, supplemental written directions (also describe the path to elevator or stairs, where /how to park, how to unlock a gate, etc.).  If the guest is arriving by metro/subway, often times, the station will have multiple exits to the street, so be sure to tell them the correct exit to leave the station.  Here's an example of the document that we send guests a couple of days before their arrival:     
2. Send guests the code to the building, elevator, gate or door.  We send guests the following message the day before their arrival:        Hi XX,
   
   We are looking forward to your upcoming stay with us. When you arrive to the guesthouse, please walk up the exterior stairs and ring the doorbell. We will greet you and check you in.
   
   You are staying in the Standard Studio-Room 2. For your reference:
   - Door code: XXXX
   - Wifi: KeepCool-Guest
   - Password: beausejour
   
   Debra
3. Send the guest the link to your guide book because it is often an overlooked item.  On your dashboard in the messages page with the guest, click the "+" sign next to the text box to expand and see the options.  Select Share recommendations, and the guidebook will be automatically sent to the guest.                                                                                             
4. Prominently display the wifi name and password, and any other codes that are needed during their stay, on placards that are placed on tables or counters, or a portrait sized wall-hanging.  We have tabletop placards in the living room and each bedroom:  
5. Have small signs with quick directions/guide for the operation of appliances and household items require more than simply pushing a button or turning a knob, and in multiple languages if you are marketing to international guests because the commonness of appliances is usually regional (e.g., tell US guests about the on/off switch for UK style electrical sockets, how to open and close a German window, how to use a lift-up door lock, etc.).  We had a trip in Europe a few years ago, and never did figure out how to use the European top-load washing machine that looks like it has a curved trap door under the lid.  We didn't contact our host because it was late and we were going to another city the next day.  This sign is located above the washing machine in our bungalow:  
6. Share information about events that are occurring which the guest may want to attend, or to inform them of any potential impact to their stay (e.g., extra traffic, no street parking, closures or service disruptions, etc.).  We are currently experiencing a water emergency on the island due to the severe dry season, and although we state it in the listing details, we include the following statement in the arrival message because guests don't read the description.                                                                                                        ***On May 14, 2024, a water emergency was declared on the island due to the severe dry season. As a result, there will be periods when our water will be supplied by our onsite storage tanks. We will share water conservation tips with guests and the washers will be unavailable. For stays longer than six nights, we may offer to wash a load of the guest's laundry when we refresh the towels midway through their stay.***
7. Arrange furniture in a layout that is comfortable to use.  If there is enough space in the bedroom to walk around the bed, don't push one side of the bed against a wall.  Also, if there is sufficient space to walk around furniture in the living room without knocking into something or someone, don't push it against the walls, especially if it will be under a window that's opened and closed frequently.    Refrigerators should be in the kitchen area Generally, place the television at a height where a person can see it by looking straight ahead from a sitting position on the sofa or chair.  TVs that are meant to be watched from the bed can be placed higher than a yard/meter above the floor.  Tilting the head back for extended periods is unnatural and causes neck strain. 

[Elaine701]

@Debra300 

I think the main thing we've learned from being a guest is that many Airbnb's are rather spartan.

You get a bed (often a cheap, uncomfortable one) 2 plates, 2 knives and forks, and a microwave (if you choose a more posh place).

Ok, maybe you get what you pay for, but it does facilitate a big differentiation when what you provide is nice beds, lots of dinnerware, and pretty much everything you have at home.

You might be surprised how many are willing to pay for that difference. 

[Debra300]

@Elaine701,

I agree with you.  We have experienced what i consider to be either host burnout - they are tired of repairing and replacing things; host naivete - they never traveled and don't have a good idea about should be provided; host neglect - they aren't or don't have a person who is maintaining a quality listing and insuring each turnover is done properly.

Our rentals are the types of places that we would want to stay in while traveling, and we try to offer them at rates that allow most guests to still have funds available to enjoy many activities on the island.  Of course, there are still guests with very modest budgets and staying with us is still a stretch, but we can not cater to everyone.