A few months ago I was staying at an Airbnb overseas when the lockdown was implemented, I suddenly went from being a regular Airbnb guest to a Long Term guest. These are some of the things I learned from my own experience. I hope you find it useful 🙂
Pros and cons of LT guests:
- Pro: Less cleaning to do, LT guests normally do it themselves, especially these days.
- Con: A long-term guest will be spending more time in your home so expect a few more calls to the handyman.
- Pro: You will have to provide fewer consumables.
- Con: Because they’re in your home longer, your utility costs will increase.
- Pro: Secured rent.
I do have to admit, that as a long-term guest I became aware of many of the "small faults" in the place where I was staying: the screeching windows, the odd smell in the kitchen at night, the loud music the neighbors played at night. While short-term guests may not mind or even notice, keep in mind that LT guests will, if you are aware of any of these, I'd recommend acting proactively.
Since we are talking about being proactive, there are a few things a LT guest will truly appreciate, such as having a dedicated work space. The longest the guest is staying, the higher the chances that he or she will be doing some remote working. If you've had to work from home in the last few months, you'll know that there comes a moment when the kitchen table doesn't cut it any more. Having a desk, with a comfortable chair, a desk lamp, and maybe something else you decide to add, will help the guest compartmentalize while working from your Airbnb.
A fully-stocked kitchen will also make a huge difference, I know nowadays most of us have more appliances and accesories in our kitchens than we did a few years ago, but making sure to have a good strainer, a cheese grater, good knives, will make your guest's life easier since they will be cooking more at home.
These are a few of the things I barely ever find in the Airbnb's I stay in:
- Blender
- Tupperware
- Cheese grater
- Ice cube trays
- Measuring cups
- Strainer
- Baking items like aluminum foil or baking sheets
- Can opener
- Bigger (than usual) trash can in the kitchen
When it comes to the bedrooms, a few tweaks can go a long way: black-out curtains, comfortable mattress, linens, and pillows are a must, a nightstand lamp, a closet with enough hangers and drawers, and storage space to put the suitcases away.
Now, when it comes to the shower, my favorites are the ones with strong water pressure. Sometimes something as simple as changing the shower head can make a huge difference. Also, add shelving into the actual shower to store soaps, shavers, etc. The lighting in your bathroom, especially for female travelers, is super important. Make sure the mirror is bright for precision manicuring.
If you don't have a tv or flatscreen, you'll want to get one, the biggest you can afford. I love it when there's a big Smartv, that way I can just relax every now and then and watch a movie. I've been in places where there's a 32'' flat screen all the way across the room from the couch, and whilst I am not super picky, I know from experience that it is not ideal for most guests.
Be more inclusive, there's been a rise in families staying in LT rentals, and guests traveling with their pets. So, this is definitely a thing to keep in mind.
Also, think of items that families will find incredibly useful. I know from personal experience that a pack ‘n’ play is high in demand. Other items might be a stroller, toys, bottle cleaner, etc.
If you have enough room in your Airbnb, consider adding spaces, any area that can be considered a different 'setting' will give your guest the option of more places to spend their time while in your Airbnb. A simple example is: turning an armchair and a lamp into a reading nook.
Lastly, I'd like to add, some of the LT Airbnb's I've stayed in have offered weekly cleaning services, that is a great way of helping this transition to LT guests be smoother for your team!
