Guests who don't like your furniture

[Laura2592]

We have a suggestion box, which I have found is a nice safety valve from nitpicky feedback in a review. Guests can tell you what they think should be improved immediately, feel heard and not even sign their name if they don't want to. We have actually gotten some really great ideas for our outdoor spaces (the box is set up to say "what is big improvement project we should work on in the coming years? Something like a hot tub? Outdoor shower? New back porch? Tell us your thoughts!") It can also tell me a little bit about the mindset of the guest. Complain-y suggestion and no communication? Lets me know to triple check that there were not any issues we weren't told about. 

We have had a series of retired and older guests in the last several weeks and suddenly we are getting lots of suggestions about the furniture. The sofa is too hard to get out of. There aren't enough "recliner type chairs."  Sofa doesn't fit enough people. They don't like the leather. My listing has older photos, but we added a big velvet wing chair and ottoman in the corner of the living room. My sofa is about 8 feet long and easily seats 4 which is the max capacity of the listing.  We also added tie-on cushions to the kitchen chairs as they are admittedly cute but not super comfortable.  And a leather sofa is essential for any pet friendly listing. There really isn't enough room to do "recliner type" chairs as they take up a lot of space (and don't really go with the decor.)

So two questions 1) how much should you take guest's opinions on furnishings into account and 2) as a guest, would not liking the furniture (or a piece of the furniture) cause you to either not revisit the space or leave a poor review? Just wondering how seriously to take these suggestions (or not.)

[Jillian115]

I do something similar.  I call it the check out check list. Most complete it. It has things like: Wash all the dishes and leave them in the sink. Empty the garbage cans, and leave it in the entryway, close all the blinds etc. After that I give space for feedback and ask if anything broke or needs to be replaced? I also ask if they visited the local attractions and if they liked or disliked them so I can add them or remove them from my guidebook. But sometimes I get feedback like the pillow are too hard etc. 

[Cheryl1130]

Laura2592, I am in the older market segment now, so I'll share with you my experience.  Older people are looking for traditional settings where the property is aesthetically decorated with quality furniture and mattresses. Low furniture (including platform beds) is not functional, as it makes it difficult for us to get up and down -- hip, back, and knee issues, as well as arthritis . Hard chairs exacerbate any pain and makes us stiff. So while cushions will help the dining chairs, we need more back and tush comfort. Imagine us with these physical ailments sitting for long periods of time in low and hard furniture. This principle goes for high bar stools, ottomans, pub tables and chairs. While they are awesome choices for the a younger market segment, we generally find these  settings uncomfortable. And, if the beds and linens are not 3.5/4 or 5 star hotel quality, this may also contribute to the discomfort. Think of it this way...how would you prepare your home for someone disable.  You would definitely rethink your space, beds, sofa, and chairs. Likewise, this goes for the older market segment.

My answer to your first question is this, do you want to market to older people? They are the ones who travel a lot (retired). And if they are fortunate, they may have an elder in the bunch. For me, it is my mom who is 93.  I often have to pass up homes that have low and hard furniture because she would have nowhere to sit. So, if you want this market segment, I recommend that you take the guest opinions on furnishings into account. An interior decorator should be able to help you strike the right balance of how to market to the young and older.

My answer to your second question is that if the older market segment experience any discomfort, they will most likely not revisit the space and will chip away at your ratings by mentioning their level of discomfort.

I hope this helps.