The perfect Airbnb doesn't exi—

My ultimate guide to hosting a 5 star property: Would you agree?

According to Airbnb, I’ve been on the platform for 11 years. 

I’ve stayed in double that number of Airbnbs all over the world–just shy of 21 properties on my own, with relatives, with friends, with a partner, and with my partner’s family.

So by now I feel I have some valuable tips for what makes a “great” or 5-star property and I’d love to know if you agree.

Airbnb vs. Hotel: What’s your pleasure

While the reasons vary for why people opt for Airbnbs over hotels, my primary reasons have always been 1) privacy, 2) convenience in getting in and around, and 3) a full kitchen so I can make a quick breakfast, coffee or tea in the morning.

You may even get an Airbnb in Los Angeles where there’s a dryer with no door:

I also choose Airbnbs for the opportunity to live as a local in a specific neighborhood, in a unique space of my own (e.g., an entire house to myself that I would never buy, but would like to be guest in).

An Airbnb near the Shard, London 🇬🇧

Not that I never stay in hotels – I typically do so if I’m on a quick trip or in a brand new, unfamiliar city. 

As for what makes a “great” property, it can be hard to tell without reading all the previous guests’ reviews. 

User sourced reviews are too subjective. One person’s “Hampton Inn” may be another person’s “Four Seasons”

I myself have been guilty of giving glowing reviews while privately noting necessary improvements to hosts.

So, who can you trust?

To help hosts out, here’s what I feel is a comprehensive guide to a near-perfect Airbnb, no matter the cost.

The ultimate Airbnb guide for a perfect property

For starters

• Accuracy matters:
  The pictures should match the property. Okay, a little embellishment and lighting is fair, but entirely different furniture or missing amenities, or an illusion of cleanliness will result in poor reviews

• Speaking of cleanliness:
  Hire professional cleaners in between each and every stay. I have found hairs in “clean” sheets and found my socks covered with dirt from walking around on floors. Ew. Keep the homes clean!

A beautiful mountain Airbnb near Asheville, NC

Bedrooms

• Blackout shades: For a restful night of sleep

• Earplugs: An added courtesy in case the home is in a noisy location

• Decent mattress:
  If your mattress is dipping in the middle or is dated, please replace it. It will be much appreciated and earn you higher marks; I prefer a firm mattress myself, but Casper mattresses and other middle of the road soft or firm mattresses are sufficient

• Pillows: I prefer firmer pillows, but a range of pillow options in different soft or firm thicknesses are appreciated for all tastes

• Extra blankets: Even if the home is in a hot climate, make extra blankets available, in easily accessible locations

Kitchen Amenities

• A tea kettle, preferably electric: Yes, many people like hot water and also like to make tea

• Starter coffee and tea supplies, such as coffee pods or creamer packs

• Stocked kitchen of various equipment. If you’re curious check out this checklist

• More than 3 plates and sets of silverware

Bathrooms

• Thick, absorbent towels: Guests can tell if you get the cheap, lame ones

• Shampoo and conditioner amenities: Refill regularly

• Toilets: Ensure they actually flush properly and don’t clog easily

• Bathrooms: Check for reasonable water pressure (i.e., more than a trickle)

Common areas

• Lamps:
  Offer dimmers and make sure the bulbs aren’t popped, for starters. I can’t tell you how annoying it is to have a night table light that is like 1,000 lumens, or on the flip side, doesn’t work at all

• Homey touches, like a library of interesting books, or games and puzzles

• Non-generic artwork: Avoid “Airbnb chic” artwork which reminds guests to “eat” in the kitchen or “gather” in the living room

• Plants: Real ones, if you can

Outdoor areas

• Gas grills: Ensure propane gas tanks are refilled and ready

• Hot tubs: Prepare tubs at the correct temperature instead of requiring guests to do so

• Clean, well-lit or well-maintained exterior: No one likes haunted-looking or completely in-the-dark houses

Finally

• Regular inspections:
  So many times a stay has been marred by a lightbulb not working in an area where it’s crucial for light, or it’s evident the property hasn’t been inspected or visited in a while. Ensure the property is maintained regularly and READY for visitors (hint: my guide will  help)

• Anticipate guests’ arrivals and make them feel welcome: Snack hampers are always a wonderful touch. As mentioned, try to leave the lights on for incoming guests

If you can afford to splurge, then you may also wish to consider Wander properties.

These properties tick all the boxes of everything I’ve mentioned above, often include a Tesla for your enjoyment and getting around, and offer excellent amenities for work and play and sleep.

Did I miss something from this list?

Tell me here in comments or hit reply with your feedback.

Alternatively, I would love to hear about your nightmare experience, like the time my brother-in-law and I had to fight cockroaches in a beachside property:

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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok

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