Before You List It: Important Advice for Short & Long Term Accommodation Hosts

I believe that when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or any other short or long-term stay, every guest desires a hassle-free experience. As a frequent traveller, I understand the frustration of sifting through numerous listings that lack essential information or discovering upon arrival that a property looks nothing like its photos. I am very meticulous about where I stay, and recent family trips have only heightened my standards.

Out of all the places I’ve booked in the past few months, about 70% have been great, clean, kid-friendly, good value for money, with reliable WiFi, and in safe areas. But unfortunately, the other 30% haven’t been up to par. It’s not just annoying; it’s also a waste of time spent carefully looking through photos and reviews only to end up very disappointed.

Here are a few issues I’ve encountered in the accommodation hospitality industry and what I feel hosts and companies should focus on to make their homes or rooms more appealing and comfortable for guests.

Not Enough Pictures

Having just one or two photos isn’t enough to give guests a good idea of your property. Descriptions are fine, but photos really help. We are visual human beings, so take plenty of clear and recent photos of every part of your place like the inside, outside, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, garages and more. The more pictures you post, the better.

Images I took of places I booked that had a spatula in kitchen utensils drawer that was used to stir paint, dirty knives, a broken shower door and a filthy oven

Photos Not Matching Reality

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a place that looks nothing like the photos you viewed before booking it. From dirty dishes to broken items, uncleaned ovens or damp and mouldy rooms (to name a few), is very disappointing and poor management. Using old photos to mask issues of your property in order for you to get bookings is also misleading. Accommodation rentals can sometimes be expensive, so if a host presents their property like a gem, then I expect the home to look like a gem in reality. If your walls look white in the photos, they should be white and not covered in dirt, fingerprints and stains. The same goes for a kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. Guests trust what they see in the pictures, so accuracy is crucial.

Maintenance

If you’re in the rental accommodations business, be prepared to invest time and effort into maintaining your property. While some hosts handle cleaning themselves after check-out, cleanliness is paramount to me, and nothing ruins a guest’s experience faster than arriving at a dirty or unkempt accommodation. Now, unless you’re a cleaning guru like Mrs. Hinch, ensuring every corner, nook and cranny of your property is spotless, consider hiring a professional cleaner. If cleaning isn’t your forte, it’s best to leave it to the experts, especially for tasks like washing towels and linens. Domestic washing machines may not achieve the thorough clean that is required, so unless you’re going to invest in an industrial washing machine, get it done by the professionals.

After each booking, take the time to inspect your property for any issues that need fixing or replacing. Don’t wait for guests to point out problems and address them promptly. It can be frustrating for guests to have to deal with issues during their stay, especially if it interrupts their plans. Personally, I prefer not to have strangers coming into the property while I’m out, regardless of how trustworthy they may be to you.

Communication is key

Hosts should be readily available to answer any questions or concerns guests may have before, during, and after their stay. Providing clear instructions for check-in, amenities, and what’s available within the surrounding area (i.e. supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, etc.) can enhance the guest experience and make them feel welcomed. Some accommodations where I have stayed, hosts provided a binder with everything you needed to know about their home, because believe you me, there is nothing more annoying than having to message your host at 12 am in the morning asking them how to use the thermostat.

Encouraging Honest Reviews

Don’t try to bribe guests into leaving positive reviews. It’s not fair to others who rely on reviews to make decisions. And for you guests, be honest in your reviews. Share your real thoughts to help other travellers because honesty is key.

In summary, if you are or are thinking of becoming a rental accommodations host, put in the effort to make your place the best it can be. Provide clear information and honest pictures, for this will attract guests who appreciate good service. Not only that, it will lead to positive reviews, repeated customers, and financial success.