Airbnb is extremely helpful for those who love traveling. Wherever you go you can look for the exact type of experience you are hoping to have.
This app is AMAZING, but there are still some things you should know before you use it. If you are going on a long or luxurious trip, you are probably going to spend a lot of money – so you want to get the most bang for your buck. Or maybe you are hosting, in which case you want to be the best host possible in order to maximize your income.
No matter what your plans are, you’ll be glad you learned these tricks. Here are 25 super helpful Airbnb hacks for hosts and guests.
1. Know What Kind Of Guest You Want And Appeal To Them
Different types of guests will look for different features in a property. If you are looking for an active adventurer, mention any toys they are welcome to use such as surfboards or skateboards. Be sure to highlight the features that will draw in the type of guest you want.
2. Become A Superhost
Superhosts are more likely to have all their availability filled. Becoming a superhost for Airbnb takes a fair amount of work. You need to host at least 10 trips, keep a 90% response rate, have 80% five-star reviews, and complete every reservation for a year.
3. Know The Local Market
Pay attention to the price similar properties are listed at. I’ve seen hosts suddenly raise their rates because they realized other similar properties were going for way more. You don’t want to confuse potential guests, so learn about the market before you create your listing.
4. Respond To Bad Reviews
How you respond to a bad review will say a lot about you to future potential guests. A lack of response could mean that you don’t care, while an impatient or accusatory response will certainly drive people away. Try to show compassion and understanding in your response to guests, even if their expectations were a little unreasonable.
5. Be Accommodating
Offering a ride from the airport – even if you want to charge a little – will make the guest feel more comfortable. Being accommodating will make guests want to work with you more and respect your boundaries better, and it will probably get you stronger reviews as well.
6. Offer Discounts For Longer Stays
Competitive pricing will keep your income rolling in. Offer discounts for week-long or month-long stays. This will keep you competitive with other hosts and will motivate guests to stay longer.
7. Mention Upcoming Events In Your Property Description
Many guests like to travel for certain events. By mentioning how close you are to a popular destination, like a concert venue, you increase your chances of drawing in guests who are looking to attend that event. This will also show that you keep your profile up to date, which is a good sign for potential guests.
8. Keep The Place Clean
The location of your property is only part of its value; a huge part of it is cleanliness. It doesn’t matter if you are right on the beach – no one wants to stay somewhere that makes them feel unclean. Give the place a thorough cleaning before guests arrive, but also remember to keep it nice during their stay.
9. Be Clear About Your Expectations
People have all kinds of different ideas about how a place should be kept. If you have specific standards, say so. If you charge guests a cleaning fee but still want them to clean up before they leave, definitely tell them that. Most guests who have already paid to clean will think that their obligation is fulfilled.
10. Respond Promptly To Questions
Potential guests might want to confirm a few details before booking. A prompt response will keep them interested in your place, while a lazy response might result in the guest giving up and confirming a different property. Make sure to answer guests’ questions as thoroughly as possible.
11. Pay Attention To The Details
The littlest things can improve a guest’s stay – and that means outstanding reviews for you. Give guests a map of the surrounding area, or provide a list of popular destinations. Any little gesture can show a guest you care.
12. Describe The Place
Let the guests know what they are getting into. If a guest isn’t sure if you will have a certain amenity or feature, that guest may just move on. Also, take plenty of pictures that actively depict the place – and make sure they are well-lit.
13. Make Sure Your Host Has A Profile Picture
When a host’s profile picture shows his or her face, it’s a good sign that the host isn’t trying to hide anything. Some spaces don’t allow sublease or Airbnb agreements, so hosts with anonymous profiles might be offering a space that they don’t have the rights to share. You want a smooth and easy trip, so it’s best to just look for hosts with real profile pictures.
14. Check The House Rules
Make sure you know what is expected of you before your trip. These rules help hosts to feel more comfortable opening their homes to strangers, so it is important to respect them. On the other hand, if you notice there are a ton of rules you might want to stay somewhere more relaxing.
15. The Truth Is In The Photos
Avoid reserving places that have only a few photos, low-quality photos, or photos taken at odd angles. Chances are that the host isn’t accurately representing the property. When you go on a vacation, you definitely want to know what you’re getting yourself into BEFORE you arrive.
16. Be Courteous And Respectful
Yes, you paid for this trip, but you are still in someone’s home. Always be polite when speaking to your host. This way you’ll get good reviews, which will really help you out if you want a place that needs to be requested by a guest and approved by a host.
17. Research The Place
Look through every bit of information before agreeing to a place. Some hosts check off “kitchen” in their amenities when they only have a microwave and mini-fridge. Compare the description of the space to the available photos, and if you are still unsure ask the host a question before you confirm the reservation. Better safe than sorry.
18. Make Sure Your Profile Is Complete And Verified
Upload a few pictures, and make sure they aren’t too wild. Include some information about yourself so hosts can get a sense of who you are before they meet you. Hosts will feel much more comfortable welcoming you into their homes if you show them who you are.
19. Read The Reviews
Reviews will tell you A LOT about the place. Don’t just look at what the guests wrote – look at how the host responded. If the host is understanding or willing to work with the guests on disagreements, you are getting into a good situation. You don’t want a host who will respond in anger if there is an issue during your stay.
20. Check The Cancellation Policy
Usually, if you book a trip for a month or longer you won’t be able to get back the first month’s payment, no matter how early you cancel. Know the cancellation policies of interesting properties so you aren’t surprised later. If you want to stay flexible, look for places that return more of your money in the event of cancellation.
21. Check How Active The Host Is
This hack is so important! I’ve actually reserved a place through Airbnb only to meet a startled host who had forgotten to take down the listing. If the host responds quickly to questions, keeps the information up-to-date, and has a generally active profile, your chances of being in a tricky situation will go WAY down.
22. Report Any Problems Immediately
You only have a limited amount of time to report problems to Airbnb before you are no longer protected. If a property doesn’t match the description, make a note of it on the app right away. It’s the only way the company can help you to get the experience you paid for.
23. Look For The Best Rates
Some places have different rates on weekdays and weekends, and some places even provide a discount for weekly and monthly stays. Shop around for a while to make sure you are getting the absolute best price. If your schedule is flexible, check the availability calendars of properties you are interested in to see what is the best fit.
24. Disclose Any Extra Guests
You might think you are getting the best rate if you book the reservation under only one guest, but nothing will annoy your host more than sneaking extra people into the area. Your host will feel disrespected, and it could even lead to a problem with Airbnb. Be honest about how many people will accompany you on your trip, and if you bring over an undisclosed guest inform your host ASAP.
25. Always Check The Additional Prices Before Booking
Some listings have INSANE additional prices. Look out for hosts who charge exorbitant security deposits or cleaning fees. Sometimes extra people can be expensive as well. You definitely don’t want to book a reservation before knowing exactly how much it is going to cost you.
Whether you are a host or a guest, these hacks will definitely help you on your next Airbnb experience. Safe travels!
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