Setting up an Airbnb: Basics, extras and no-nos
Just like hotels, not all Airbnbs are created equal.
There are the gorgeous, Instagram-friendly abodes meant to make visitors feel like they’re in the lap of luxury, and the more serviceable spots geared toward travelers just stopping off for a good night’s sleep.
But whether you’re operating a rental that’s fancy, basic or somewhere in between, owners tell us, there are certain amenities all hosts should procure to make stays go smoothly for all parties.
These experienced proprietors also let us in on extras that can mean the difference between a so-so stay and one that ends with a glowing review, and decor guidelines that will ensure your property is remembered for the right reasons.
The brass tacks
Where to begin? Put yourself in the position of the traveler and begin in the bathroom. It should go without saying that area should be squeaky clean (as should everywhere else).
Include extra toilet paper, tissue, a cleaning wand and plunger. Personal care items should include shower staples and everything needed for handwashing. Recognizable drugstore products are totally fine.
Invest in matching sets of towels that meet the maximum number of people your space can host.
Other must-haves include safety equipment: a fire alarm/ carbon-monoxide detector with working batteries, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit should all be accessible.
In the bedroom, sufficient linens are a must. Invest in a few sets specifically for visitors and keep an eye out for when it’s time to retire them.
If your guests have kitchen access, they need all the same stuff you would to keep the place clean and functional.
Matt Marcus, an Airbnb host in Brooklyn, said the three messages he receives most often are “Where is the hair dryer?” “Where is the iron?” and “Where are the extra blankets?”
Don’t forget a pad of paper and pen, a flashlight and a set of instructions that include the Wi-Fi password and any other useful information guests might need.
Upping the game
Then there are the things you might not think of but are definitely appreciated.
“When you’re putting together your bnb, you’re really creating an environment,” explains Anthony D’Argenzio, a creative consultant and stylist whose rental, This Old Hudson, is in Hudson, New York.
When people come to stay at his two-unit property, they’re looking for a getaway, and D’Argenzio provides thoughtful touches that make their stay feel seamless.
All guests are greeted with a bottle of wine from a local wine shop and other goodies found in town, along with a map, curated by D’Argenzio and his wife, of fun places to shop, eat and drink. They also put coffee out on the counter, along with a grinder and a French press, nice glassware and sometimes chocolate or a cheese plate.
Sara and Rich Combs have added similar touches to their property in Joshua Tree, California, including a Chemex coffee maker and a record player that make the space feel a little more like a home.
Thoughtful but practical touches, such as lamps by the beds and places to unwind, are a good idea for any host.
If you’re wondering what else you should provide, Jenn Lindberg, whose rental is in Lockhart, Texas, has some good advice: The guest knows best.
“We ask every guest for ideas on how their stay, as well as the apartment, could be improved,” says Lindberg, who has dubbed her historic flat the Birkner.
Decor notes
Whether you’re renting out an extra room or an entire home, decor can make all the difference, and owners in this story agree that taking the “personal” out of the space is essential.
As for the decor itself, think simple and tasteful: a consistent color scheme, well-appointed bedding, uncluttered surfaces, subdued artwork or mirrors on the wall.
For Airbnb operators such as D’Argenzio, Combs, Lindberg and Marcus, incorporating the spirit of the cities where they are located has been a good design directive.
Each of the spaces nods toward local heritage of the towns or cities. Getting everyone on the same page beforehand is crucial, and can save hosts and guests a lot of headaches.