Do you think that having too many personal items can be detrimental to the guest experience?

[Laura1229]

I am interested to hear from AirBnB hosts as to whether they think that having too many personal items (of the host) can be detrimental to the guest experience. I am not referring to kitchen items, condiments, wine etc but more photographs or other clearly personal items of the host. Do you think this makes guests feel more at home? Or uncomfortable as it is a reminder they are in someone else´s home? I would be interested in your opinions. Thanks

[Matthew285]

@Laura1229, it is difficult to say; some guests might be after the classic AirBnB experience, where you want to somehow connect to your host (yay!).

Other guests might just be looking for a room with better amenities than a hotel at a terrific price.

You would know best what kind of travelers visit your area.

That being said, I tend to think less is more with respect to the clearly personal items.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Laura1229

Personally, I would not mind a few personal items such as family pics in the living room or hallway walls but definitely not in the guest bedroom. I started out as a guest user before becoming a host and while I welcome "homey & personal" touches by the host (intended for the guest) that give the home character, I don't think I'd like to see too many personal items of the host laying around. This is just me but IMHO too many personal items would make me feel LESS at home, and more out of place.

[Marzena4]

@Laura1229

I have two listings actually: one room is strictly prepared for short term rental, nothing private there; the other (my work room), rented only at weekends and holidays, has a lot of private stuff in. I had 2-3 guests mentioning/complaining about the private stuff in the second room despite the fact they had been informed about it or had the chance to read the rules. 

A vast majority of my guests are young people visiting the city. The conclusion is the less private stuff, the better.

[Marie82]

@Laura1229 what ever you will do you will never make all ur guets happy

I had 1 guest only 1 month ago who complaint why i did not have any pictures of myself in my flat i told him i am not a picture person i dont have any pictures of anyone with me even my familly never had a pictures of them in my apartment. 

And another one who was complaining i had my personal things (1 winter coat + 2 jeans + 3 jumper) in another apartment i have in Europe and stay every few months when home. All the rest in suitcase.

His one of those cases when guests completely forget they are staying in someone home and not hotel

when u create a listing ABB ask you if u have belonging or mainly set for ABB i always thick with belonging as i know some guests regardless what u have they will always complaint i point them that it is clearly noted i keep my things in the apartment

[Laura1229]

Thank you I appreciate your feedback!

[Edwin57]

It all depends on how you feel do you want to be open that's ok do you want to be private that's ok to,remember now they are guest so is a open question and also safety for your family think about puting arts and conversation pieces around, my place is nothing but antiques and paintings going to upgrade my picture every body thinks Iam. Crazy because I made my place like a museum you only live once my Dad tells me make the best of it, many booking for you and good ones

[Julia66]

@Laura1229  As a traveller on Airbnb I like to see pictures on the walls.  However, I would get more enjoyment out of decorative pictures, rather than family photos.  I prefer it when there aren't any ornaments etc on shelves as I need space for phones, books, keys etc.  I don't mind the host having clearly personal items in cupboards or drawers, as long as I have plenty of room for my own stuff.  But it's best for the host not to leave stuff in drawers that they don't want guests to use, where it's not obvious whether it's personal or not, like stationery items.   I enjoy seeing my host's choice of decoration as this gives individuality to the property.

[Susie5]

@Laura1229, I don't have personal items like photos of myself, but I do have artwork on the walls (mostly originals except for the Picasso drawings  -- from Ikea!) and a lot of books including short stories and a few in Spanish and French as well.  Also, I have playing cards, a puzzle, and board games, and tonight my snowed-in French guests asked if I had any more board games (they had played Monopoly already) and I gave them a bag full of games and they were overjoyed!  They commented that at some other places they had stayed, they hadn't even met the host and the places were really sterile, and that they really enjoyed the contact with me (plus I am shepherding them through a giant snowstorm and freezing temperatures which they are not prepared for). You might also put out a few CDs to play if you have a player - ones you won't be devastated to lose...