{"id":29856,"date":"2017-12-05T09:38:57","date_gmt":"2017-12-05T17:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dolly.com\/blog\/?p=2397"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:53:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:53:04","slug":"expert-airbnb-hosting-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/expert-airbnb-hosting-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Host with the Most: 9 Expert Airbnb Hosting Tips for Designing the Ultimate Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Living space is changing. Our pads are no longer only the places we live, but also potential sources of revenue. With the explosion of Airbnb hosting, more people are looking to their own pads to help them make a few extra bucks, or even to pay their mortgage entirely. It\u2019s a beguiling dream \u2014 but it’s also a competitive business, which means you need to do your research on becoming an Airbnb host, adjusting your existing place to accommodate specific visitors, and ultimately considering your dwelling as a service experience. <\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully there is a lot of help out their for newby Airbnb hosts, and a ton of tips you can pick up to help you build a profitable business in your home or apartment. We spoke with a number of hosts, designers, and frequent Airbnb guests to cut noise, and focus on those fundamental tips you need set up a successful Airbnb pad.<\/span><\/p>\n

#1: Focus on Your Ideal Guest<\/h2>\n

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Like any business, it\u2019s hard to succeed as an Airbnb host if you don\u2019t first know your customer very well. Have an ideal guest in mind for your property, whether that be a weary business traveler, a couple looking for a weekend away from the kids, or a place of solace where people can get away, disconnect, and re-charge. The more you know about what your ideal guest values, the easier it will be for you to make appropriate design decisions to accommodate their visits. \u201cThough using old furniture that your neighbor was going to throw away instead of splurging on an IKEA bedroom set may be the more cost effective option initially,\u201d said <\/span>Ashley Rose Marino<\/span><\/a>, a Ft. Worth based interior designer and frequent Airbnb traveler, \u201cyou may want to reconsider and invest in pieces that are typical of your ideal tenant’s style.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

#2: Add Eye-Catching Design Elements and Furniture Outside the Ordinary<\/h2>\n

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With your guest firmly in mind, remember that people are looking for an experience in the places they stay. Think of your own hotel or Airbnb searches. You\u2019re likely not attracted to bland utility – but those places that look different, thoughtful, and maybe even like a break from your daily house or apartment routine. Consider taking some chances on design and decor to make your pad feel like a destination. <\/span><\/p>\n

As Naples, Florida-based photographer and <\/span>Airbnb Superhost Peggy Farren<\/span><\/a> recommends, the more unique you can make your place, the better. \u00a0\u201cMany people who use Airbnb are looking for an uncommon experience,\u201d Farren said. \u201c Make your room stand out with a theme or eclectic wall decor or something to make it different than all the other typical rooms.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

If your current furniture doesn\u2019t quite cut it, look to consignment stores, or warehouse stores, which can carry design pieces at lower prices. While some discount or independent design shops won\u2019t offer delivery – <\/span>we\u2019ve got you covered. \u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

#3: No Matter the Design, Make the Space Bright and Airy<\/h2>\n

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Ensuring your space is bright and airy doesn\u2019t mean everything has to be stark and modern. You can maintain your unique style while brightening up your pad and accommodate your ideal guest without taking changes that make you uncomfortable. Think of establishing an airy foundation with light colored ceilings and walls – and store any dark or heavy furniture. If you don\u2019t have a ton of natural light, consider also painting any dark wood paneling or fireplaces, and adding mirrors throughout your pad to capture and distribute light.<\/span><\/p>\n

#4: Cut Back on the Clutter<\/h2>\n

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Becoming a successful Airbnb host doesn\u2019t mean you have to throw away all your things and start from scratch, or stuff it all in a deadbolted closet during guest stays. But anything that isn\u2019t directly related to the comfort, enjoyment, or experience of staying with you should go – at least temporarily. It\u2019s cost effective to rent <\/span>a small self-storage unit<\/span><\/a> to store any items you don\u2019t want to <\/span>ditch, donate<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>sell<\/span><\/a> in preparation for listing your pad. <\/span><\/p>\n

A larger self-storage can also be great decision if you want offer options for guests – like cribs, rollaway beds, or grills during the summer months. Rather than storing it on premise, you can simply hop over to your self-storage unit and pick up what you need, right when you need it.<\/span><\/p>\n

#5: Don’t Forget the “Bed” in Bed & Breakfast<\/h2>\n

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A great place to sleep is crucial to a good experience for your guests, and a good rating for your place. So if you don\u2019t have a super comfy mattress, go shopping. Invest in a nice bed with nice sheets, pillows and other bedding. \u00a0\u201cWhen I took stock of all our reviews one thing stood out: how much our guests loved our mattress,\u201d said <\/span>Sarah Krakaian<\/span><\/a>, a New York-based host who also helps new hosts furnish and run their own successful Airbnb operations. \u00a0\u201cWe didn’t spend a fortune, but we did take our time selecting the right bed for our space.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

#6: Pictures Say a Thousand Words<\/h2>\n

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Like searching for a house or an apartment, photos can make or break a booking for an Airbnb host. After all, people can\u2019t actually visit your place in person, so you have to give them the next best thing, which are professional, high-definition photos that show off the key features of your pad. Think about what you\u2019d look for if booking a hotel: clear images of the outside, living space, bedroom and bathroom. Hire a good photographer and be sure to discuss with them in advance exactly what you hope to capture for your listing. \u00a0\u201cIt doesn’t matter how comfy your mattress is, what amenities you have to offer, or how beautiful your space is if potential guests aren’t drawn into your online presentation,\u201d said Karakaian. <\/span><\/p>\n

#7: The Small Things Really Do Count<\/h2>\n

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Think back on your own travels. When you\u2019re away from home, you forget its comforts. You also may just forget to bring something with you in the rush to leave the house and make your flight. So, thinking ahead for guests can help ensure winning reviews. Some common items to consider leaving for guests:<\/span><\/p>\n