Offer of bed linen

[Helene670]

As hosts, do you usually offer sheets and towels included in the accommodation? If so, how do you add payment for it?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Helene670 

Good Question: Always, and at no charge. 

Sheets, towels, blankets, quilts, with abundant extras of everything, are always included in my listing, at no charge. Also we have several extra pillows for those who prefer more, or a different type or firmness. 

It would be unusual to not do so, we've found, and it would be quite important to let guests know to bring their own, if host does not provide. If they are not driving to the destination it would seem to be even more important. I for one, do not fly with these things; only a carryon and a day pack for several weeks of travel, so no room for such lodging necessities. I do carry a light silk bag to sleep in, in case I find the bed at my lodging  is unclean by my standards. This does not take the place of standard bedding, of course. Too much information, perhaps; however, if I need to find a shop to buy sheets and towels to use and leave behind, I would need to know & plan well in advance.

[Shelley159]

Hi @Helene670 

I agree with @Kitty-and-Creek0 - it is unusual for an Airbnb to exclude bedding and towels. It's also unusual to charge extra for it (you can increase your nightly rate a bit or add a cleaning fee to pay for the laundry).

In case this is different in your area, take a look at what your competitors are doing (I've read here that there are some remote mountain cabins, etc., that are not easily cleaned and laundered in the way that one would expect in urban areas). I would advise that you should try to provide bedding and towels if there's any practical way for you to do it.

[Frances3408]

@Helene670. Hi Helene, we cater mostly for holiday and short break guests so the only linen we ask guests to bring is a beach towel. Back in the 70's it was common for you to BYO unless you were staying in a hotel. I think the typical Airbnb is far more upmarket these days and most incorporate into nightly rate.

I have also seen hosts who require BYO linen have guests mark them down because they didnt realise it until they turned up (yes they didnt read the listing!).

[Trude0]

Hej Helene,

välkommen som ny Airbnb värd! 

In Sweden, it is not that unusual to ask guests to bring their own sheets, or to pay extra for sheets. Especially if the listing is in a remote area and there is no cleaning service, so that the guests are also expected to clean and prepare the place for the next guest. 

And it often works OK with Swedish guests. But international guests are typically very surprised when they arrive to find the beds unmade, and/or they are asked to pay extra if they want to borrow sheets and towels.

Many hosts have experienced disgruntled guests (guests tend not to read all info in the listing, and be surprised by things already mentioned…). Some guests cannot be bothered to make the beds, even if sheets are available. Meaning that hosts have to clean mattress toppers, pillows and down filled duvets between guests…

The majority (but not all) of Swedish Airbnb hosts therefore offer sheets and towels, included in the nightly rate. 

I see that your new listing is in Gotland, not in Huddinge where you live. Will you have someone local to clean between guests? If yes, I’d suggest including sheets in the rent. Or, if you anticipate a lot of Swedish guests, coming by car: Offer sheets at an extra cost, but remind guests in your booking messages! 

Good luck!