We are currently renting an AirBNB for which we are the first guests.
The host is anxious to make a good impression and I‘d like to give him feedback about my recommendations for improvements (which I will share with him privately).
It‘s got me thinking about — what are reasonable expectations for an AirbBNB and what are just my own personal preferences? Of course, a failure to meet my personal preferences may mean I‘m not interested in renting again.
What I think one should reasonably expect:
Some sort of reasonably sharp knife in the kitchen so that one can prepare a meal
Accommodations (especially kitchen) are spotlessly clean - refrigerator smells fresh
Easy access to WiFi (unless explicitly called out in description as having no WiFi)
Some personal preferences that I‘m not sure are so negotiable for me:
Cotton sheets, or at least 50% cotton
Bedside table with lamp so that it is possible to read in bed
Comfortable mattress — the bed last night was squishy and I‘ve determined it has a „topper“ which I absolutely hate
Other than that, the listing should accurately set expectations about parking, kitchen supplies, A/C, wifi, and so on. Depending on the trip, I might not care about any of those things.
I agree with clean, good outlets, and everything in good working order. Other than that, it needs to be exactly as specified in the listing. I have different requirements for each trip depending on who’s going, what we will be doing and where.
I have been so fortunate to have had wonderful Airbnb experiences. Each was different, but they had in common: cleanliness (I am very picky in that regard), comfortable linens, comfortable mattress (agree that it’s a matter of preference, but can’t be lumpy or soft enough that I roll to the middle), good area of town (I don’t want to worry about the Airbnb or my car getting broken into). My S just ran into a bad Airbnb, which was not clean. It wasn’t a one-time not cleaned properly thing … it was built up grime. He was supposed to stay 3 nights but left after one. He got another Airbnb, which set him back about $300, but he said it was worth it.
This describes my basic requirements and I cannot emphasize the phrase I put in bold type enough. I would also add there should be enough toilet paper, paper towels, clothes hangers and liquid hand soap at the sinks.
If you want to help your host with suggestions, we like listings that include helpful information like distance to public transportation and the closest grocery store. Include selling points like noise level, security and if there’s an elevator. Sometimes when we are looking for a longer stay, it’s good to know if there’s an iron and ironing board, clothes drying rack, and items specific for the rental’s location…like beach chairs, beach towels, outdoor grill, fire pit, etc. In other words we like detailed listings.
Lastly upon arrival, we appreciate rentals that have a notebook with important information (like the WiFi password, phone numbers for things like the closest urgent care and pharmacy, and perhaps simple instructions for the HVAC system and appliances), recommended restaurants and even entertainment ideas if the area has things like bike/boat or other rentals.
I’ll add another one: the place has to be neutral. And by that, I mean no personal artifacts or clutter of any kind. Basically, a hotel room but house-sized (if that is a house or condo). I don’t care about a gazillion of kitchen gadgets or a pile of beach toys left by previous renters.
Clean of course. Decent bed. Directions for whatever I need–internet, AC,etc.
Cold refrigerator. And some ice cubes.
Some basic kitchen supplies–At least ONE decent knife, foil, plastic wrap, baggies. A clean baking sheet. Last thing I want to do is make a grocery run to even have foil or wrap for leftovers. And basic condiments–salt, pepper, sugar at least.
Nice to have extra info like where to eat, takeout numbers, things to do.
This may sound funny, but both D1 and I agreed that we don’t want anything but white for beddings and towels. If we see funky colors (patterns, especially seashell polyester) bedspreads then it’s a no.
AC is a must.
I agree on the “needs to be neutral” comment. We recently stayed at a “farm” property, with 2 buildings. Husband and I got the smaller building, and it felt like someone had to leave for the weekend because our party rented out the entire place. There were even a couple of toothbrushes in the bathroom, but put in a cabinet. It was kind of creepy, but it was clean and neat.
For us cleanliness is important, and at least enough stuff like tp, paper towels, etc. to get you through the first day or so (ideally the entire stay). Coffee pot, or if it has a Keurig, supplies for it also, is a must.
I’ve rented Airbnb around the world my list in no particular order:
Superhost status - I have once been the first renter and it went well, but I insisted on a phone call before reserving & patted the owner up and down & even verified their LinkedIn
Clean, clean, clean
Well stocked kitchen (yes, I cook/prepare meals on vacation) - pots, peeler, knives, grater, colander, can/bottle/wine opener(s)
Starter laundry/dishwasher detergents (minimum enough for 2 loads)
Starter TP & paper towels (minimum 2 rolls TP per bathroom - 1 roll paper towels)
Coffee filters to fit the pot and at least one pot of coffee worth of coffee (until I can see what I’m working with to buy more)
I love having beach toys available (boogie board/noodle, umbrella, chairs - all in working condition)
Rain umbrellas if the location calls for it
At least one USB plug adapter (my favorite place to date had updated all outlets to those with USB plugs!)
Clean linen & extras
Decent cutlery - I don’t mind mismatched just be in decent shape - same with dishes
Plastic cups for pool areas
Free parking
WiFi
I think that’s everything.
I’ve had a lovely experience where the host asked what time I was arriving and upon hearing it would be late put together a dinner & breakfast basket after asking a few preference questions - nothing fancy a big muffin, juice and coffee for the morning and “dinner” was almonds, cheese and crackers, some fruit & a locally made dessert - very thoughtful. These kinds of hosts are gems!
It appears you are comparing it to your first stay. I’ll bet it was cheaper than a hostel and most likely cleaner.
Good value (ultra cheap) 5 star
Clean (5 Star)
Location 5 star (0.5 to the airport)
Communication perhaps a 3 start
Accuracy 5 start ( crash pad )
Old wooden house, yup you are going to hear every little thing.
-no bugs/critters that require us to use a shoe to kill the resident insects that only come out at night. (million dollar condo in Hawaii shocked us with that!)
-Previous non-smokers’ remnant smells and parts are a deal breaker (of all types of herbs).
-if condo, good ventilation without smokers near the area. Just went through this.
decent microwave that works.
-broom or wet mop, cleaning products for laundry and kitchen/bathroom.
kitchen towels, oven mitts, kitchen shears
non-burned skillets/pans and decent bakeware
-decent pillows.
If older property, then well-kept and not broken or hidden pipes.
Shower instructions: pull out? push? turn right or left? (sister just dealt with the plumbing coming out of the wall, when she thought she had to pull out the faucet) if the water takes a while to heat, etc.
AC with simple instructions and decent smell-we can tell when the filters are dirty.
No pets allowed-I get bitten often when there are fleas. Good one @Aguadecoco!
If it is clean and well-kept, we’re happy. We’ll pay well for a good property.
Non-tangible: quick communication from host if there are issues. (Like setting alarm)
So, so agree with a well equipped kitchen. I’d like some detail on this in the listing. Pots and pans or a pot and a pan? Coffee pot or a Keurig I’m going to need to bring pods for?
I appreciate bathroom items like shampoo, body wash. Sometimes it’s great not to have to pack my own. PLENTY of towels.
I sort of hate when a unit HAS laundry facilities but don’t let the guests use it. Especially for stays of 3 or more nights.
I think it’s a nice touch when they leave a few cold beverages or bottles of water. You arrive and you can have a nice cold drink pronto.
If there is a fire pit outside, some wood on the premises is helpful.
Another nice touch is MUSIC. I’ve been to ones that have a record player and records and that is nice. Our last one had a very nice but not too fancy stereo unit and speaker system and oodles of records and cd’s. We so enjoyed music while we cooked in our WELL EQUIPPED kitchen!
